Foundation History
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is an independent, private foundation born from the sale of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg in 2013. The Foundation was created to chart a new path in philanthropy. A path that emphasizes personal, local, and immediate needs, and stewards the funds to improve the health and quality of life for BIPOC residents.
A path that honors the Foundation’s origins.
“The arc of the social determinants of the health universe is long, but it bends toward social justice.”
David Chokshi
Over the past six years, lessons from the community and data from annual activities have informed key shifts in the Foundation’s identity.
Bayfront HERO became the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.
Foundation transitioned from being a traditional grant maker to a “listen and learn” philanthropic model.
Through the lessons gained by listening, Foundation shifted from programmatic support to emphasize grants related to health equity. This sharpened focus was designed to help overcome inequities defined by class, age, and geography.
The “Equity Atlas” (Equity Profile) was published by UNITE Pinellas in partnership with the Foundation.
A focus on racial equity became the baseline measure to address health inequities. This focus led to the Foundation to inspect systems, practices, and policies that perpetuate racial bias and discrimination.
Racial Equity to Achieve Health Equity to Improve Population Health.
In 2021, the Foundation will fuel influencing systems change, activities which accelerate health equity, and help build community wealth to health initiatives.
Our Origins
What existed before the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg? Read more about the origin story.
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