NEW YORK, March 25, 2024 – Business closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced support services available to New Yorkers in relation to public health consequences including food insecurity, housing instability and financial stress[1]. The conditions in which we live explain in part why some people are healthier than others[2].

The American Heart Association, which is marking 100 years of service saving lives, is opening applications for $500,000 in funding through its Social Impact Funds to New York Metro area entrepreneurs and organizations actively working to break down social and economic barriers to health equity.  

“To ensure every person has the same opportunity for a full, healthy life, we must dismantle the barriers that worsen economic, social and health inequities within our communities,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer for the American Heart Association. “Support from Liz Elting and the Elizabeth Elting Foundation for the Association’s Social Impact Funds is helping ensure local organizations have the funding needed to develop scalable solutions that create healthier and more resilient communities.”

Local businesses and organizations working to address economic empowerment, healthy food access, housing, recidivism, access to quality healthcare, transportation and educational opportunities are invited to submit formal expressions of interest to the American Heart Association before 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 23, 2024. (Updated 4/9/24)

Social Impact Funds enterprises can be non-profit or for-profit social entrepreneurs at any business stage actively working in the community. The Funds specifically support social enterprises addressing access to health and health care, economic empowerment and food security.

This second round of funding is the result of a multi-year commitment to the Association’s Social Impact Funds made by Liz Elting, Michael Burlant and the Elizabeth Elting Foundation in New York which established the Elizabeth Elting Fund to prioritize support for women-led organizations and entrepreneurs from New York’s under-resourced communities.

“There are so many entrepreneurs all over the country who want to give life to groundbreaking ideas, yet countless emerging leaders face a number of challenges as they work to establish and grow their businesses,” said Liz Elting, longtime supporter of the American Heart Association and founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation. “The Elting Fund is dedicated to supporting efforts of the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Funds to remove roadblocks for entrepreneurs and startup organizations. This new round of funding is paramount to ensure business leaders can make their dreams a reality and have the chance to help everyone live longer, healthier lives.”

The Elting Fund recently funded four organizations in Brooklyn and Queens:

  • Brooklyn Packers (BP) is a Black-led worker-owned cooperative whose mission is to build food sovereignty in Brooklyn by ensuring quality food is always accessible to low-income, food-insecure community members. BP serves as a conduit between farms to source, pack and distribute locally grown produce through a weekly community supported agriculture program.
  • Nourish Spot is a black-owned quick service establishment offering nutrient-dense salads, smoothies and soups made with fresh fruit and produce. Recognizing the neighborhood’s persistent health challenges, the initiative is working to help heal community members through food.
  • She Matters is a digital platform that improves health outcomes for Black women through building understanding and trust amongst healthcare professionals and mothers by providing access to community, certified healthcare professionals, education and culturally relevant resources.
  • Strong Children Wellness is an integrated healthcare network that embeds tech-enabled physical health, mental health and social care services within trusted community-based organizations to provide comprehensive care for psychosocially and medically complex children and families in under-resourced communities.

Since launching in 2018, the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Funds have supported more than 130 local social enterprises across the country.

Additional Resources

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries:

Mark Hurley, 212-878-5932, mark.hurley@heart.org or Diego Ortiz Quintero, 212-878-5903, diego.ortizquintero@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org


[1] NYC Health | Epi Data Brief (Nov. 2021)

[2] Magnan S. Social Determinants of Health 201 for Health Care: Plan, Do, Study, Act. NAM Perspect. 2021.