WILLIAMSBURG, VA – December 17, 2024: The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees recently approved grant requests totaling $1.6 million from nonprofit and government organizations that work to improve health and well-being in the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. The Board approved requests within the Foundation’s funding areas of Healthy Eating Active Living, Two-Generation Family Services, Healthy Aging, and Behavioral Health Services.

Recognizing healthy eating and regular physical activity as important forms of primary prevention to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, WHF is pleased to invest in initiatives that encourage active lifestyles and make nutritious foods more accessible. “These grants strategically align with WHF’s mission and represent WHF’s continued commitment to fund programs and initiatives that remove barriers and increase opportunities for healthy eating and active living in Greater Williamsburg,” said Deanna Van Hersh, WHF President & CEO.

During this grant cycle, the importance of programs and services to support independent living for older adults in our community has also become increasingly apparent. According to USAFACTS, the 65+ population in Greater Williamsburg was the fastest-growing age group from 2010 to 2022. Specifically, there were increases in the older adult population of 49% in the City of Williamsburg, 56% in James City County, and 61% in York County. “We are happy to contribute to efforts designed to help older adults as they age in place,” said Bill Pribble, Vice President of Programs. “These grants fund essential services for approximately 975 older adults, including meals, medical transportation, in-home support, and various physical, social, and educational activities.”

In line with WHF’s mission and strategic focus, grants were also awarded in the Foundation’s Two-Generation Family Services and Behavioral Health Services focus areas. Please refer to the attached document for a list of grants.

In 2024, WHF awarded a total of $5.95 million to improve health and well-being in Greater Williamsburg. To learn more about the Foundation’s grant opportunities, visit www.williamsburghealthfoundation.org.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.