Collective for Health Equity

The Collective for Health Equity (the Collective) is a national program that helps community-based organizations (CBOs) build health solutions that are led by the communities they serve.

For nearly 20 years, the Collective has connected CBOs with learning, resources, and each other. As our previous federal funding has ended, we are rebuilding - expanding our focus from mental health to overall health, because we know that many factors contribute to poor health outcomes in underserved communities.

Visit the Collective's website

The Challenge

Health gaps between racial, ethnic, and low-income communities are significant and persistent. The organizations closest to these communities are being asked to do more with less.

By the Numbers:

• In the U.S., life expectancy differs by about 20 years depending on race/ethnicity, income, and where people live.
• Over 92 million people — nearly one-third of the U.S. population — live in areas with little to no access to primary care providers.
• CBOs face chronic underfunding, workforce shortages, and limited access to data, infrastructure, and technology, made worse by current federal funding cuts.

Three Critical Gaps:

• Infrastructure Gap: CBOs lack the digital tools, networks, and data access needed to grow their impact.
• Capacity Gap: Even well-trusted CBOs often cannot access training, funding support, or advocacy resources. 
• Recognition Gap: Community-defined practices are frequently overlooked and underfunded, despite strong results.

When CBOs lack support, communities are left without the help they need. This leads to health gaps that continue to grow, missed opportunities, and solutions that never get the chance to spread.

The Opportunity: Community-Led Solutions Work

Past efforts showed clear results: when CBOs receive resources, training, and network connections, they deliver real impact. The Collective Model elevates CBOs from passive participants to system leaders. We do this by: 

• Making health data and tools more accessible
• Building digital platforms and hosting annual gatherings
• Connecting CBOs across different cultures and regions
• Keeping community members in leadership roles
• Supporting the use of Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation to build evidence for practice and demonstrate community impact

Why CHE?

• Nearly 20 years of foundation building with trusted relationships across 1,600+ CBOs and 5,000+ individual members nationwide. 
• Proven platforms and programs (Resources & Interventions Library, Learning Opportunities, and Connection Platforms) that CBOs already use and trust.
• Community-led governance that keeps CBOs in control of the direction and decisions
• Coordinated by Change Matrix, with deep expertise in health equity, capacity building, and national network facilitation.

The Collective Solution with Your Support

We are seeking donations to support:

1. Digital Platform Maintenance and Improvement - Keep and upgrade our online tools, including the resources library, partner hub, and CBO directory.
2. Training and Convenings - Continue our annual conference, virtual training sessions, and peer gatherings.
3. Mini-Grants for CBOs - Small grants to help CBOs test new ideas, document what works, and share their approaches with others.
4. Facilitation Partner Support - Program management, communications, and evaluation to ensure effective coordination and impact.