Local nonprofits receive grants to support inclusive health data practices

Ten Greater Cincinnati nonprofit organizations will receive a combined $400,000 to strengthen their ability to collect and use data that supports health equity and amplifies community voices.

The Data for Equity Funding Collaborative – a joint initiative of the bi3 Fund, HealthPath Foundation of Ohio and Interact for Health – awarded the grants as part of its ongoing effort to promote inclusive data practices.

Grant recipients include The Transformational Healing Place Inc., The Community Builders, Forever Kings, Healthy Moms & Babies, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region, Equality Ohio, Starfire, Queer Kentucky, Middletown Connect and My Why Cincinnati.

Each organization will receive $40,000 over 18 months, along with access to training, technical assistance and peer learning opportunities.

“This investment helps our nonprofit community approach data collection in fair and thoughtful ways, which means we get more inclusive and accurate information, ultimately leading to work that drives healthier communities,” said Kiana Trabue, president of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio.

Since launching in 2023, the collaborative has invested $925,000 across 31 organizations. The program aims to support equitable, culturally responsive evaluation methods that elevate community perspectives.

Although many view data and evaluation as neutral, program leaders note they often reflect the systems and assumptions behind them. When nonprofits involve the people they serve in the data process, they can better identify disparities tied to race, income and geography—and more clearly understand the systemic barriers that drive them.

Each organization will use its grant to strengthen community engagement and build data practices that reflect the lived experiences and priorities of the people they serve.

Data for Equity Funding Collaborative