CHIA (Community Health Innovation Award) encourages 501(c)(3) organizations to think boldly and creatively about solutions to health challenges our communities face. The 2019 grantees participated in a rigorous 10-week process that culminated in final presentations to a panel of judges on Thursday, December 5th.

The process began with 17 applicants who attended a mandatory innovation workshop to refine project ideas, then submitted proposals that were reviewed against the funding criteria. Next, applicants were connected to mentors for expert advice. Five applicants made it through the process entirely, securing a total of $55,000 in program and project funding.

Here are the 2019 CHIA Grantees:

• Gasp is a health advocacy organization with a mission to advance healthy air and environmental justice in Birmingham. Award: $5,000

• Girlz Talk United provides mentoring, young adult leadership, parent involvement and sports, all as part of its mission to continue to empower and inspire the community. Award: $7,500

• Link and Lease/Druid Hills Alliance exists to create a Birmingham where everyone has a place they can call home by working with housing insecure individuals who deserve an opportunity for fair housing. Award: $11,000

• Offender Alumni Association is dedicated to its mission to empower former offenders and their family members to actively engage in reducing crime and restoring communities. Award: $11,500

• Chocolate Milk Mommies is a parenting group working to remove the stigma surrounding breast-feeding—especially in public—in black communities. Award: $20,000

The recipients will be celebrated at an awards reception on Tuesday, December 17th. Visit our CHIA page to learn more about the program and to keep in touch with the progress of these awardees.