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New initiative to strengthen community resilience and build healthier communities

California is on the cusp of receiving and distributing an unprecedented level of financial investments for economic development. The Center at Sierra Health Foundation in partnership with The James Irvine Foundation today launched the $15 million Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI).

CEMI is an innovative approach to diversifying and increasing the number of community-based organizations that receive funding for sustainable recovery efforts and increasing their ability to determine how resources are invested. The initiative will equip nonprofits to be essential partners in designing inclusive economic development implementation plans. In this way, forthcoming economic recovery investments will be equitable in their allocation and impact for generations to come.

“The past few years have laid bare the impact of long-term disinvestment in poor communities,” said Chet P. Hewitt, Sierra Health Foundation and The Center president and CEO. “We must do all we can to position community institutions to grow power and create opportunity for the places and populations they serve.”

Access the CEMI news release (.pdf).