FISA Foundation focuses its efforts on improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities, women, and girls, with a special emphasis on those who are of color. The foundation aims to address bias among healthcare professionals, improve access to quality healthcare, and work towards the removal of societal barriers to promote equitable opportunities. Additionally, it seeks to prevent domestic and sexual violence and support the most vulnerable victims in their pursuit of safety, healing, and justice.
The grant program aims to advance strategic priorities that enhance the lives of women, girls, and people with disabilities, with a particular focus on supporting Black individuals and other people of color. It gives priority to proposals that improve access to healthcare and dental care for those with significant disabilities or complex health conditions, address bias among healthcare professionals, and cater to the specific needs of marginalized women, girls, and people with disabilities. The program also focuses on influencing policy and practice to change systems, promoting equal rights and access, ensuring full inclusion in all aspects of life, and addressing the needs of those marginalized by society due to addiction, homelessness, trauma, and poverty. It considers funding for general operating support, ongoing programs/projects, new and innovative programs/projects, capacity building, and advocacy efforts, with grants varying in size from $5,000 to $75,000, typically not exceeding $50,000 for organizations new to FISA.
The Foundation prioritizes initiatives with specific, measurable outcomes and a pragmatic approach to assessment. Emphasis is given to projects addressing physical, sensory, and cognitive/developmental disabilities.