Closing Equity Gaps: i2 Challenge Grant

Ten i2 semi-finalists advance to phase two | Closing equity gaps; improving access to health & wellness

After eight weeks of workshops and pitch practice, the phase one cohort of 25 Innovation Initiative (i2) teams have been rigorously reviewed and evaluated. While all of them have fundable solutions aimed at improving the health and wellness of under-resourced populations, the evaluation team selected ten of the solutions ready to advance to phase two of the Innovation Initiative (i2) $1 Million Challenge Grant.

i2 teams were evaluated based on the following criteria:

• community-informed
• impactful
• feasible plan
• scale and sustainability
• equity
• innovative

The selected top ten semi-finalists are focused on closing equity gaps with solutions that address racial and social inequities. Populations that will benefit include older adults, youth, immigrants and refugees, the formerly incarcerated, homeless, and those who experience food insecurity, barriers to quality jobs, trauma, and mental health challenges.

The team of Phase one evaluators was comprised of four AHF staff and five community resident leaders. Input from both AHF Program Committee members and our partners at Nex Cubed was also considered.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SEMI-FINALISTS!
Care Coach Corporation
Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.
Global Ultrasound Institute
Kitchens for Good
Project New Village
Simtech Solutions
Union of Pan Asian Communities
Urban Restoration Counseling Center
Welfie
Youth Empowerments Finest

Grantee news

San Diego Gives | Nonprofit Deadline May 31 

We’re a proud partner of San Diego Gives! This effort offers San Diego nonprofits months of networking and training in fundraising, donor stewardship, and communications, culminating in a huge day of local giving on September 8, 2022. We encourage 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the greater San Diego area to sign up for this year’s experience before May 30, 2022.

 

Mid-City CAN Advocacy | Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP)

Starting May 1st, youth ages 18 and under can now ride public transportation at no-cost with a PRONTO YOUTH pass from May 1, 2022- June 30, 2023. Youth can use their PRONTO pass to ride Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) buses and trolleys including the Coaster and Sprinter for free.

“YOP will eliminate the transportation barrier and risk of fare evasion that youth from low-income backgrounds experience. YOP ensures youth from all backgrounds are connected to their schools, internships, medical care, and early-career opportunities,” said Jonn Segovia, 18, Mid-City CAN Youth Council Member and City Heights Area Planning Committee Youth Representative.

The genesis for YOP began over ten years ago as Mid-City CAN’s Improving Transportation in City Heights (ITCH) team advocated for free public transportation for our youth. ITCH’s hard work and dedication was supported by community members that devoted countless hours to ensure that this program would become a reality.

Upcoming events

During Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Following months of reports of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), many AAPI communities have and continue to create solutions to raise visibility and fight racism. Here is a story that appeared on NBC News May 2 that’s worth reading: “100 Ways Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and allies have found solutions to racism and violence.”

Meanwhile in San Diego, you can support and learn more about our AAPI community through these upcoming events:

• Taste of Culture–May 18 @UPAC Neighborhood Enterprise Center
• Asian & Pacific Islander Leaders of the Year Awards–May 19; hosted by the Asian Business Association San Diego and the San Diego Business Journal
• Roots of Healing and Transformation–May 22 6th annual gala for the Asian Solidarity Collective

During National Foster Care Month

May is a good month to acknowledge those working in all parts of child welfare to strengthen and support children, youth and families. Here are a couple of suggestions from our partners Promises2Kids and Just in Time for Foster Youth:

• Foodies4FosterKids–May 1-31; Dine out a partner restaurants
• “Walk the Talk” Empower Parties by Just in Time for Foster Youth

During Older Americans Month

At-risk seniors are the priority of a number of organizations in San Diego. May is a good time to celebrate and be reminded about caring for our older Americans.

• Oasis San Diego helps older Americans continue learning and staying productive and healthy
• Serving Seniors provides health-promoting services to help low-income seniors thrive

Meet the Reality Changers (5/18 and 5/23)

Realty Changers is hosting virtual and in-person events with Reality Changers students and alumni. This is your chance to hear directly from program participants about their experiences as future first-generation college graduates; the challenges they’ve faced; the role of Reality Changers in their lives, and their aspirations for the future.

What’s inspiring us

Catalyst funded to help Stop Hate in border region

Catalyst was awarded a grant from California Department of Social Services for their backbone role in the border region related to the “Stop the Hate Program.” They were asked to apply for this role by San Diego’s API Coalition. The program provides grants to qualified organizations to provide support and services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes and facilitate hate crime prevention efforts. As regional lead, Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties will distribute funds to six non profits that were selected by the State as Program Service Providers: Asian Solidarity Collective, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Pacific Arts Movement, San Diego LGBT Pride, Somali Bantu Association of America, and Union of Pan Asian Communities.

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