How We Fund
Funding FAQs
What does bi3 stand for?
The letters “bi” honor the Bethesda Inc. heritage. The number “3” recognizes that Bethesda Inc.’s grantmaking initiative is built on three core elements – ideas, investments and impact.
How does bi3 define “transformational systems change?”
bi3 invests in ideas to advance equity by shifting the conditions or systems that hold a problem in place in order to reduce disparities and improve health. Elements of systems change:
- New and innovative practices
- The potential for scale (e.g. impact a large number of people) and sustainability (e.g. continue beyond bi3 grant funding)
- Public policy change
We are willing to take informed risks and invest in transformational ideas that can be scaled. bi3 funds primarily in the planning and piloting stages, and may consider opportunities to scale successful pilots. We have a strong commitment to collaborative efforts and partnerships.
How many projects are funded annually?
bi3 has typically awarded two or more large-scale grants each year, in addition to smaller grants. The exact number varies from year to year.
What organizations are eligible to apply for bi3 grants?
bi3 awards grants to 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations located in the Greater Cincinnati area, including Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Warren Counties in Ohio.
How will bi3 define success?
Success relates to sustainable systems and/or cultural change that lead to reduced health disparities and improved health.
What is the relationship between the bi3 Fund, Bethesda Inc. and Bethesda Foundation?
The bi3 Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization, originally founded by Bethesda Inc. to transform health in Greater Cincinnati.
Bethesda Inc. is bi3’s parent organization, a co-sponsor of TriHealth, and provides oversight for Bethesda Foundation.
Bethesda Foundation cultivates major gifts in support of specific projects at Bethesda hospitals, Hospice of Cincinnati and Fernside.
What is the relationship between bi3 and TriHealth?
The bi3 Fund’s parent organization, Bethesda Inc. is co-sponsor of TriHealth. bi3 provides grant funding to TriHealth to accelerate innovation and address health disparities.
Does an independent community organization have to partner with TriHealth to be eligible for a grant?
No. However, bi3 is very interested in projects that have a relationship with TriHealth in some capacity, either as an active partner or in the form of participation on boards or advisory committees.
Do partnerships have to be established before submitting a preliminary grant application?
No. However, we encourage you to list potential partners you have approached and/or are interested in working with to implement your project. With that said, we encourage you to open a dialogue with potential partners before submission and include letters of support where possible.