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Black Women’s Health Imperative commends MacKenzie Scott’s efforts to shore up the non-profit community during times of economic uncertainty

WASHINGTON (MARCH 24, 2023) — Today, the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) — the oldest national non-profit dedicated to improving the health of our country’s 22 million Black women and girls — commends MacKenzie Scott and her Yield Giving organizations’ open funding call that launched this week.  

The $250 million Yield Giving Open Call will help shore up non-profits facing unprecedented funding challenges during a volatile economic period. Amid wilting corporate and government funding, this effort will support non-profit organizations serving communities, individuals, and families who lack access to foundational resources and opportunities.

BWHI was a recipient of one of Ms. Scott’s first rounds of giving. Our organization uses scientific inquiry to research and understand the barriers Black women face in pursuit of optimal health and wellness. “The generous gift from MacKenzie Scott strengthens our efforts to eliminate these barriers and ensure Black women have access to the resources and care they need to lead healthy lives,” said Linda Goler Blount, President of the Black Women’s Health Imperative. “The flexibility provided by her unrestricted gift allows BWHI to continue developing groundbreaking initiatives such as Fair Work that address the modern problems faced by Black women.”

The Yield Giving Open Call will allow 250 small nonprofit organizations to address the pressing and interconnected challenges facing all of America’s communities.

“It’s heartening that MacKenzie Scott has dedicated  a large portion of her philanthropy to improving the health and wellness of underserved communities,” said Blount. “We know that if Black women were to achieve health equity, their poverty rate would decrease by 60%, avoidable chronic disease mortality among the Black population would be cut in half and college matriculation rates among Black youth would double. We look forward to partnering with Ms. Scott to achieve health equity for Black women and girls once and for all.” 

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About the Black Women’s Health Imperative:

Established originally as the National Black Women’s Health Project in 1983, the BWHI is the oldest national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our nation’s 22 million Black women and girls — physically, emotionally, and financially. Our core mission is advancing health equity and social justice for Black women through policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development.

Media Contact:
Michelle Webb

info@bwhi.org

888.834.845