Bishops launch health foundation to serve New Yorkers in need

Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the bishops of New York State have announced the formation of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, which at $3.2 billion will be one of the largest in the United States, and the largest focused solely on New York State.

The foundation will provide up to $150 million annually in grants to serve New Yorkers in need. It will:

•  improve the health and well-being of vulnerable New Yorkers,

•  bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities,

•  eliminate barriers to care,

•  bridge gaps in health services,

•  drive better care for marginalized communities, and

•  provide flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State.

This foundation will exist in perpetuity, helping generations of New Yorkers of all faiths or no faith at all and all backgrounds, and from all parts of the state. It will be steered by a board of health experts, business leaders and philanthropists, chaired by Al Kelly, CEO of Visa.

The foundation is named after Sister Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini), an advocate for immigrants and children and foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The foundation will help poor and underserved New Yorkers regardless of background, including immigrant and other marginalized communities.

The foundation will partner with leading private sector and governmental experts to develop innovative and impactful grant-making programs.

“The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation will provide the critical funding we need to expand. Hundreds of organizations like mine across the state will be able to quickly and effectively scale up their operations to serve thousands more people in need, in communities that too often lack the resources and support residents need to thrive,” said Jenn Hyde, executive director of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, based in Rensselaer.

The foundation will result from the sale of assets from Fidelis Care to Centene Corporation. The transaction has been approved by the New York Department of Health and the New York Department of Financial Services and is awaiting approval by the New York Attorney General.