H.E.A.L. Collective
Building collective power for health equity and liberation
Why This Work Matters
The harsh reality is that philanthropic funding dedicated to women and girls of color in the United States represents approximately 0.5% of total foundation giving (Ms. Foundation for Women, “Living with Pocket Change: What it Means to Do More with Less,” 2023). The vast majority of this meager 0.5% is focused on women of color, leaving girls, younger women and gender expansive young people of color relegated to no more than an after-thought – if they are considered at all.
Organizations and movements advancing justice with and for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color are too often expected to address interconnected injustices through isolated programs, issue areas, and funding streams—without adequate funding and the sustained infrastructure needed to build and sustain collective power. These are the most difficult of times – but we know we are stronger together and that this is the time for innovation, for thinking bigger and not shrinking in fear, and for collaboration that invests in our collective intergenerational power.
Justice + Joy’s Approach
The HEAL (Health Equity Advancing Liberation) Collective is a four-phase initiative to build a national intergenerational, intersectional movement ecosystem that connects advocates, organizers, researchers, leaders across generations, and organizations working with and for girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color. Together, centering youth leadership and working across issues, identities, systems, communities, and geography we will strengthen the collective power needed to advance healthier, safer, and more just communities.
HEAL In Action
HEAL is grounded in the critical need for safety and well-being but broadens the health equity frame to include economic, civic, political, and climate health equity, and more, including a diverse array of issues rooted in current social and political determinants of health, or lack of it. We envision a future where gender-based violence, climate, immigration, reproductive health, carceral and child welfare system reform, clean food, voting rights, etc. Intergenerational advocates sit shoulder-to-shoulder – busting silos, addressing root causes to fuel social, system and political change as part of an enduring movement ecosystem of care and collective power.
HEAL Grantmaking
Through grantmaking, capacity building, peer learning, convenings, and relationship building, HEAL seeks to advance health equity across issues and fields to create the conditions for liberation across the four phases of the initiative. All work will be led or co-led by young women and gender expansive young people of color.
Phase 1 – Grantmaking
Phase 1 of HEAL focuses on grantmaking by moving resources to the first cohort of organizations, alliances, and youth-led efforts advancing health equity and liberation across issues and communities. Grantees will be required to use an intergenerational model for leadership, centering youth leaders. The initiative prioritizes collective leadership, intergenerational collaboration, and the meaningful participation of young people in shaping solutions that affect their lives and communities.
Who should apply?
We’re looking for organizations, alliances, collectives, youth-led efforts, and/or emerging leaders who are strengthening movement infrastructure, mobilizing communities, and advancing social, economic, political, civic, climate, and health justice through an intergenerational leadership model that centers young people.
What will grantees receive?
- Funding ranging from $25,000–$100,000
- Capacity-building support and technical assistance
- Peer learning opportunities with fellow grantees
- A national, in-person convening with the cohort
- Ongoing opportunities to build relationships, share strategies, and strengthen collective impact
If this opportunity sounds like a fit for you—or someone in your network—we encourage you to apply and help spread the word.
Applications are open now through September 14, 2026.
What’s Next
HEAL is designed to grow beyond grantmaking. Future phases will deepen relationships among young people, grantees, movement partners, and other organizations committed to health equity and liberation. Together, Collective members will exchange knowledge, identify shared priorities, develop coordinated strategies, and create opportunities for collective advocacy and action.
Advance Health Equity With Us
Learn about HEAL’s current investments and opportunities to strengthen collective work across movements and communities.
