bi3 wins Innovation Award for a second time in five years
bi3 and Interact for Health received the 2024 Philanthropy Innovation Award on September 24 at Philanthropy Ohio’s Philanthropy Forward ’24 conference. Presented annually by Philanthropy Ohio, the award recognizes a funder who has moved philanthropy forward through an implemented idea or innovation that led to positive change in how the sector operates, thinks or impacts communities.
“We are delighted to recognize bi3 and Interact for Health for their innovative leadership in developing the HEY! Cincinnati program,” said Philanthropy Ohio Interim President & CEO Claudia Y.W. Herrold. “This initiative would not be possible without the leaders at bi3 and Interact for Health: Jill Miller and Kate Schroder. They are champions for building healthier and stronger communities through philanthropy and continue to lead efforts to find innovative solutions to our community’s challenges.”
Good mental health is foundational for a fulfilling, productive life. Yet far too many young people grapple with anxiety and depression. In response, bi3 and Interact for Health, under Jill Miller and Kate Schroder’s leadership, have convened extensive cross-sector partnerships to build healthier and stronger communities through Hopeful Empowered Youth, or HEY! Cincinnati.
HEY! Cincinnati is a diverse coalition of community groups, health care providers, educators, policymakers’ families and most importantly, young people themselves, working collaboratively to create a community that supports the well-being of all youth. Its 10-year vision is to build a community where every young person in Greater Cincinnati enjoys optimal mental health, is free of stigma and is empowered to realize their fullest potential, now and into the future.
Philanthropy Ohio is a statewide membership association that provides the network, tools and knowledge to help people engaged in philanthropy become more effective partners for change in our communities.
Award Nomination Summary
bi3 and Interact for Health stepped up to foster the creation of the innovative program, HEY! Cincinnati. Under their leadership, HEY! Cincinnati has formed a diverse coalition of community groups, health care providers, educators, policymakers’ families, and most importantly, young people themselves, working collaboratively to create a community that supports the well-being of all youth.
bi3 and Interact for Health also convened extensive cross-sector partnerships to support the work. So far, they have secured over a dozen funders aligned with this initiative’s mission. The resulting 10-year vision is to build a community where every young person in Greater Cincinnati enjoys optimal mental health, is free of stigma and is empowered to realize their fullest potential, now and into the future.
