Iowa ACEs 360 Is a Finalist for a National Grant Challenge

We are thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for the CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge, with the possibility of winning up to $50,000 to support our mission. From October 18-29, 2021, Iowans can vote once a day for the organization that is inspiring innovation on reducing health disparities and moving the needle on health equity. 
​

Vote here

​We are proud to be recognized for this challenge grant among many organizations who are leading incredible work to improve Iowans' health and well-being. This grant would further our efforts to empower communities, organizations, and individuals to take informed actions that promote healing from ACEs and the healthy development of kids from the start. 
​

About our work
Iowa ACEs 360 fosters collaboration across the state to implement three strategies: 1) advocate for systems change, 2) advance knowledge and grow the movement, and 3) catalyze innovative best practices in prevention and healing. We aim for all Iowans to have lifelong physical and mental well-being by improving how systems and programs in several sectors (including health, education, child welfare, and human services) interact with families.

 Examples of our work include:

• Providing reports, white papers, and training for professionals who provide direct services to families to build a foundational understanding of ACEs, what drives trauma in communities, and how to respond in trauma-informed and healing-centered ways.

 

• Infusing emerging, evidence-based best practices into sectors, such as trauma-informed supervision to address secondary traumatic stress among the Iowa Dept. of Human Services' workforce to improve caseworkers' ability to support families. 

 

• Offering advanced training and technical assistance to school districts to shift toward a trauma-informed culture and to health care clinics to integrate trauma-informed, relationships-based models that support entire families' well-being. 

 

• Advocating for policies that provide greater supports for families to increase their capacity to provide safe, nurturing relationships for kids. 

Collectively, these approaches improve the well-being of children and families as our systems and organizations become better able to support individuals in growing up with the building blocks they need for healthy development and to flourish throughout life.

About the grant challenge
This is the first year for the CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge, established to recognize organizations and programs that are making significant impacts on communities' toughest health issues. 

A total of $500,000 will be awarded by the end of this year to nonprofits across the nation with
winning organizations receiving $50,000. Smaller awards will also be awarded to second and
third place organizations. Competitions are held in various states with the focus varying from
state to state.

Get involved!
Support our work in these ways: 

1. Vote for us each day. 
2. Follow us on social media to learn more about our work. 
3. Share this opportunity on social media and with your networks. Sample message: 

We are excited that @iowaaces360 is a finalist for the @CareSource Foundation's Grant Challenge! They can use your help to win up to $50,000 to support the mission of empowering Iowans to take informed actions to create compassionate communities that support lifelong healthy development. Vote for Iowa ACEs 360 each day at https://form.jotform.com/212306985799169 and share this link with your friends, families and co-workers. #CareSourceCares #UniquelyCareSource