Social Impact Funds
Social Impact Funds support social entrepreneurs with community-informed solutions that improve healthcare access, food security and economic opportunity to advance health in under-resourced communities.
Funder: American Heart Association
Due Dates: Currently accepting applications (selected communities)
Funding Amounts: Grants: $150,000–$500,000 | Venture investments: up to $500,000 initially | Occasional term loans: up to $500,000 for 2–5 years
Summary: Supports community-informed, evidence-based solutions improving healthcare access, food security and economic opportunity in under-resourced communities.
Key Information: Current opportunities serve Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York City, Philadelphia and West Virginia.
Description
The American Heart Association’s Social Impact Funds finance social entrepreneurs addressing the interconnected health, social and capital challenges that affect community health. The funds support for-profit and nonprofit organizations using deep community understanding and evidence-based interventions to help people live longer, healthier lives. Their approach emphasizes lasting health impact rather than financial returns alone, particularly in under-resourced communities.
Funding focuses on three social drivers of health: healthcare access and quality, food security and nutrition, and economic vitality. Supported solutions range from maternal health and remote care to food as medicine, sustainable farming, career pathways and housing support. Alongside financing, portfolio organizations receive strategic guidance, capacity building and impact-measurement support to help them grow sustainably.
