2024 Memorial Health Fund

The Memorial Health Fund, established by the York County Community Foundation (YCCF), aims to revolutionize how the community addresses pressing health issues. Its core mission is to fund programs that enhance the complete physical, mental, and social well-being of residents within York and its surrounding communities in Pennsylvania. This competitive grant program is designed to be flexible, allowing it to adapt to diverse community needs while aligning with the foundation's overarching goal of fostering a healthier, more vibrant region. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public school districts that directly serve York County. The fund explicitly states that individuals do not qualify as applicants. Eligible nonprofits must possess a 501(c)(3) public charity status for at least one year and be current on all active interim or post-grant reports. The program's impact goals are centered on improving overall community health, providing resources for health restoration and maintenance, and delivering high-quality healthcare services to the greater York area. The Memorial Health Fund prioritizes grant applications that address a range of health-related initiatives. These include promoting general health and wellness, advancing health education, engaging in fundraising for health-related activities, and making grants to other nonprofits to carry out these activities. The fund also clearly outlines what it does NOT support, such as endowments, capital campaigns, budget shortfalls, normal operations, debt retirement, sectarian religious programs, discriminatory practices, direct financial assistance to individuals, or reimbursements for prior purchases. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in community health indicators and enhanced access to healthcare services for York County residents. The fund emphasizes the importance of an applicant having both a board-approved Anti-Discrimination Policy and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to promote equitable health outcomes across all segments of the community. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus on "improving overall community health" and "bringing high-quality health care services" suggests a theory of change rooted in direct intervention and support for organizations capable of implementing impactful health programs. The YCCF's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this fund, are to support initiatives that are responsive to community needs and promote comprehensive well-being. By funding programs that address a broad spectrum of health issues—from mental health to access to care—the foundation aims to create a sustained, positive impact on the health landscape of York County. The emphasis on organizational eligibility and policy requirements also underscores a commitment to effective, ethical, and inclusive grantmaking.