Mayo Clinic recently awarded nearly $478,000 in community grants to local human service nonprofits in Rochester as part of its Commitment Against Racism pledge. The funds are part of Mayo Clinic's 2020 institutional investment of $100 million over 10 years to address systemic racism and health disparities.

"We are grateful for the exceptional work happening in all of our communities to combat racism and reduce health inequities," says Caroline Davidge-Pitts, M.B., B.Ch., chair of the Commitment Against Racism Subcommittee in Rochester. "We hope that Mayo Clinic's additional community investments will reinforce collaborative community efforts and strengthen a sense of empowerment and belonging for everyone."

The grants went to local nonprofits supporting a broad range of activities. Grant recipients include:

PossAbilities: Funding will support outreach to residents who are Black, indigenous or people of color with disabilities and their families and provide comprehensive services that empower them to live with greater safety, independence, financial security, health and wellness, and social connectedness.

The Rochester Branch of the NAACP: This grant will support the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, a program for students who are Black, indigenous or people of color to empower them in academic and cultural achievement.

Boys and Girls Club of Rochester: Funding will support diversity education among staff and volunteers to empower them to better meet the needs of the youth they serve.

Salvation Army Good Samaritan Health Clinic: This grant will support improved access to medical care for underinsured and uninsured residents of Olmsted and adjacent counties.

Jeremiah Program of Rochester: Funding will support the Jeremiah Program's Childhood Development Center, which serves children and mothers who have experienced trauma and instability.

Pamoja Women: Funding will support health and wellness resources and supportive services for East African immigrants.

Bolder Options: This grant supports a youth mentoring program to expand mentoring services focusing on youth who are Black, indigenous or people of color.

The Center Clinic: Funding will provide health services and social determinants of health support to Spanish-speaking patients with limited English proficiency.

180 Degrees Von Wald Youth Shelter: This grant will strengthen programs for basic needs, shelter and physical, social and behavioral health needs of Black, indigenous or people of color and LGBTQ+ youth in Southeast Minnesota.

About the Commitment Against Racism

In 2020, Mayo Clinic pledged to invest $100 million over 10 years to combat racism. Each year, Mayo Clinic allots funding to support efforts that reduce health disparities, recruit and retain staff from underrepresented groups, and foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging for staff and patients.