bi3 Fund
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Feedback to action: What we heard from bi3 partners
bi3 is committed to trust-based philanthropy by partnering in the spirit of service, shifting power dynamics, and building mutually accountable relationships. We strive to work alongside nonprofits to meet the needs and dreams of communities.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “When you know better, do better.”
At bi3, we want to do better by our funded partners. That’s why we worked with the Center for Effective Philanthropy to conduct a Grantee Perception Survey to help us identify our strengths and opportunities for improvement.
We’re encouraged by what we heard: Grantee partners appreciate our relationships, transparent communications, deep understanding of their work, and bi3’s effect on public policy. We also identified opportunities to build on current practices for greater impact, including more support beyond the check and continuing to streamline grantmaking processes.
We invite you to dive into the results with us.
bi3’s Jena’ Bradley recognized for supporting moms and babies
bi3’s Jena’ Bradley was honored this month at the Transformational Healing Place’s In Her Peace Healing Day Retreat during Black Maternal Health Week, receiving the 2026 Baobab System Leadership Award.
The award recognizes leaders advancing community-centered change for Black mothers and families. Jena’ was honored for her work throughout her career at bi3 and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, strengthening partnerships, aligning resources with community voice, and driving lasting impact, ultimately creating better outcomes for families.
Black Maternal Health Week featured on WVXU
Hundreds of community members across Greater Cincinnati came together April 11–17 to mark Black Maternal Health Week, uplifting Black voices and leadership and highlighting the need to improve outcomes for Black mothers and babies.
At bi3, we believe every mother and young child should have the support they need to thrive, and much of our work focuses on reducing health disparities. This year, bi3 awarded Spark Grants to seven local organizations to support community-driven events across the region.
Among the events fueled by bi3 spark grants was NyNi Inc.’s “Pause and Let’s Celebrate” event, recently featured by WVXU. bi3’s Jena’ Bradley also talked with WVXU for the story about the impact of this year’s events.
Clare Blankemeyer and Spencer Cropper join our Board
We’re pleased to welcome Clare Blankemeyer and Spencer Cropper to the Bethesda Inc. and bi3 Fund Boards.
Clare brings a passion for community-driven change and a track record of advancing youth wellbeing and trust-based philanthropy. Most recently, she served as the inaugural Executive Director of HEY! Greater Cincinnati, where she helped build a cross-sector movement to support youth mental health. Her experience spans philanthropy, impact investing, and coalition-building, with leadership roles at GreenLight Fund Cincinnati and The Manuel D. & Rhoda Mayerson Foundation. Clare is deeply committed to ensuring that community voice and lived experience shape decision-making.
Spencer brings deep financial and governance expertise, serving as Co-President of Stolle Properties, Inc. and as a member of its Board. A CPA with an auditing background at KPMG, he has long supported the Bethesda family, previously serving on Bethesda Inc.’s Board and contributing his time and leadership for many years to the Bethesda Foundation Board. His extensive community involvement includes board roles with LCNB National Bank, the Countryside YMCA, and the Warren County Foundation, demonstrating his dedication to the region.
Together, Clare and Spencer bring their unique strengths and a shared passion for making health and opportunities better across Greater Cincinnati. We’re truly delighted to welcome them to the bi3 Board!
Partnering with the Time to Care Coalition to support paid family leave
Ohioans shouldn’t have to choose between their paychecks and their families.
At some point, almost everyone needs to take time off work to be there for a sick child, an aging parent, or to care for themselves. However, 77% of workers in our state (4.4 million people) lack access to paid leave.
Ohio is falling behind other states, which is why we are partnering with the Time to Care Coalition to advocate for a statewide paid family leave policy that includes extended time off for parental leave, family caregiving leave, and personal medical leave.
Introduced by Senators Louis W. Blessing III and Beth Liston and announced with bipartisan support this month, Ohio Senate Bill 396 outlines a practical, affordable program designed to support families and help businesses retain valued employees by creating a fair system in which both employers and employees pay in through small contributions that provide stability for both.
bi3 supports Senate Bill 396, as paid family leave has been shown to increase productivity, reduce employee turnover, and strengthen family bonds.
GRANTEE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
TriHealth Behavioral Health
bi3 supports our strategic partner, TriHealth, in fueling innovation and evolving care models, while strengthening its culture and systems to better support all patients.
Since 2015, the bi3 Fund has invested more than $12 million to help expand the integration of behavioral health services into both pediatric and adult primary care locations at TriHealth.
TriHealth is among the first health systems in the nation to provide integrated behavioral health services to pediatric and adult patients, and the impact is clear. Today, it has provided behavioral health services to more than 7,000 people, breaking down barriers and setting a new standard for care.
For more updates on the work of bi3 and our funded partners, be sure to follow us on social media!
