The
United Way of Greater Cincinnati, along with non-profit urban education advocate
Strive and community partners are one of 11 organizations nationwide that received funding from the new federal Social Innovation Fund.
The United Way and Strive received $2 million over two years for their collaborative efforts to address economic opportunities, youth development and school support.
With its "cradle to career" philosophy, Strive works to help children succeed from birth though some form of meaningful career through data driven programs and support. Those programs are built on Strive's Roadmap to Success, which outlines social, educational and developmental benchmarks for children to meet at critical times of their lives that will set them up for success in learning, college and career.
The grant for Cincinnati was part of a larger $50 million in grants awarded to organizations that demonstrated innovation in developing community solutions in the areas of economic opportunity, health and youth development. This new fund is administered by the
Corporation for National and Community Service, part of President Obama's national call to service initiative. The awards were announced last week.
"We are honored to receive this sizable grant, and know it will help us build on years of collaborative work to identify what children and youth need to succeed from cradle to career," says Rob Reifsnyder, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Cincinnati. "This award will help us further invest in such essential strategies including early childhood education and home visitation, mentoring and children's health."
In central Kentucky, Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, also received $2 million to promote health equity in 6 to 10 low-income communities in Kentucky.
More than 60 organizations applied for these grants, and the Cincinnati area joins the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, the National AIDS Fund, and Venture Philanthropy Partners in Washington D.C. which also received funding.
Other community partners who will help implement this effort and drive results include The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, The P&G Fund and KnowledgeWorks Foundation.
"This collaboration between The Strive Partnership and United Way allows us to tackle tough social issues by working together more efficiently and having a stronger impact in Greater Cincinnati," says Jeff Edmondson, executive director, The Strive Partnership. "By focusing on key strategies and data-driven decision making, our community should be able to create sustainable community solutions."
Learn more about Strive in this Soapbox feature.Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: United Way of Greater Cincinnati
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