Louisville Nonprofits Receive $2.2 Million through Humana Foundation’s Community Partners Program

The Humana Foundation, philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) for the past 38 years, is awarding $2.2 million to nonprofit organizations in Louisville as part of its ongoing Community Partners Program. The initiative began in 2018 and has since awarded more than $6 million to local nonprofits addressing social determinants of health and creating greater health equity for all in Humana’s corporate hometown.

Initiatives funded by the 2020 Community Partners Program address social determinants of health in Louisville and focus on nutrition and food security, shelter, personal safety, healthcare services, built and natural environment, arts and culture, and education and early childhood development. Special consideration was given to organizations addressing historical and root causes of inequity, collaborative proposals, and initiatives with a strong focus on inclusion, diversity, equity and belonging. The Foundation also took into account the negative impact of COVID-19 and how the virus further marginalizes people in underserved communities.

“When we opened applications for our 2020 Community Partners Program in early January, we had yet to fully realize the challenges posed by coronavirus,” said Walter D. Woods, CEO of The Humana Foundation. “During the evaluation process in March and April, we realized we must look at applications through a COVID-19 community needs lens and support programs helping those most strongly impacted by the pandemic. We are funding as many initiatives as possible this year to bolster Louisville’s recovery from COVID-19.”

The most vulnerable are disproportionately experiencing the economic and health implications of COVID-19. These challenges are compounding issues many were dealing with before the pandemic, including hunger and financial instability. Initiatives like Dare to Care’s School Programs and CASA’s Raising Up: Working with Vulnerable Children for Positive Futures will work to help children receive healthy food and have the tools necessary to overcome trauma during and after the pandemic. Programs like New Directions Housing Corporation’s Eviction Prevention Program will help create greater financial asset security, especially for those facing furloughs and layoffs during coronavirus quarantine measures.