Governance and Operations

“The approach for Black Women Thriving is imperative now because we haven’t seen the disparities reduce over time. And in fact, the disparities are increasing. Black women are the core of the community. They’re the decisionmakers in their families, and the caretakers in the community. Finding the best approach to lift up their lives and their voice, improve their health outcomes and economic mobility, will have an economic and social benefit across communities. So, it’s something that we must do, and we can’t ignore any longer.”

“Philanthropy is the catalyst that holds the key to unlocking the boundless potential of communities, setting in motion a powerful ripple effect of positive change that elevates the quality of life, enhances health outcomes, and fosters lasting prosperity. Investing in crucial areas such as educational opportunities, equitable health care access, and economic empowerment initiatives can bridge gaps and pave the way for a future where prosperity knows no boundaries. Through strategic philanthropic endeavors, we have the transformative ability to uplift entire communities. By fostering a culture of giving and collaboration, philanthropy becomes a driving force behind building a society where compassion, empathy, and collective action reign.”

“Philanthropy can and should be the risk capital for social good. In this field, we are positioned to be bold and to stretch for love, justice, health, community, and humanity. We can take the risks that many organizations can’t, and we can use our funds and our power to do the work, but not control the work. It is not always the size of the grants that we give out that make the most impact—it’s the doors we open, the tables where we give up our seats to voices who need to be heard, the new tables, structures, and systems we build in partnership with those most impacted by the issues we’re working to address, and the trust we build with our community partners through longevity, relationship, and consistency—that allow for the work that is needed to happen in our communities, to happen meaningfully and sustainably.”

“The Medica Foundation especially values programs that utilize tools to deliver mental health care where it’s most needed, and that overcome obstacles like race, language, economic status, geographic location, or historical distrust of the health care system. Both telehealth and mobile health care units are reaching communities and populations that were previously unrepresented and making inroads to building trust in the health care system. We are proud to partner with programs that are delivering care to people through innovative new methods and models.”

“Increased economic and social stress is driving a higher need for mental health and substance misuse care, making the work of our grantee partners even more important than when we were founded. People are ready to talk about and seek help, and Caring for Denver’s grantmaking process is ready to meet this moment because it is centered in reflecting the unique cultural needs, values, and beliefs of the city’s diverse communities.”