DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2025 — Where we live and the resources we have play a big role in our health. It’s not just our genes that determine how long we live. In fact, people living just a few miles apart can experience very different life expectancies based on their community’s resources.
To help change that, the Grubhub Community Fund has given the American Heart Association® Social Impact Funds a generous $2 million grant. This money will be used in New York City and Chicago to improve food security, support technological advancements, and boost economic resilience.
Regina Benjamin, former U.S. Surgeon General and chair of the Social Impact Funds Impact Investment Committee, expressed gratitude for the funding. “This support fills a crucial gap, helping communities overcome obstacles to quality health care, food access, and economic empowerment,” she said. “With this help, we can turn donations into real change for people in need.”
The funds will assist up to 12 organizations and entrepreneurs working on impactful projects in Chicago and New York City. So far, four initiatives in Chicago have already been chosen:
- CareYaya: An on-demand platform that connects families with students in pre-health programs, offering affordable in-home care to meet the growing need for caregivers.
- Farm Generations Corporation: A cooperative that helps farmers thrive and ensures that communities have access to food. Their platform, GrownBy, allows direct-to-consumer food purchasing and is SNAP-eligible.
- Nectar: A Chicago-based innovation that partners with food charities to deliver nutritious food as medicine.
- RiseKit: This platform helps people find jobs and improve their economic outlook, addressing health and job training needs within the community.
Brianna Morris from Grubhub highlighted their commitment to creating positive change in key markets like New York City and Chicago. She expressed excitement about how the selected organizations will make a difference in their communities.
The Social Impact Funds pick organizations that offer promising solutions to local health challenges. They look for innovative, data-driven candidates that align with the American Heart Association’s mission and have the potential to create lasting community benefits.
To discover more about the Social Impact Funds, visit heart.org/socialimpactfunds.
About the American Heart Association®
The American Heart Association is dedicated to ensuring healthier lives for everyone. For over a century, they have been a key resource for health information, funding research, and advocating for public health. With the help of millions of volunteers, they work tirelessly to improve lives affected by heart disease and stroke.
About the American Heart Association Social Impact Funds
The Social Impact Funds, including the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund, provide vital financial support to small and medium-sized organizations. Their aim is to improve health equity and expand access to resources. Since 2018, they have contributed $21.5 million to over 130 local projects, positively impacting nearly 5 million lives.
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