Regence’s corporate foundation announces $280,000 in grants to support kinship and grandfamilies

When parents are unable raise their children, grandparents, older relatives or close family friends step in to care for them. This type of family structure is referred to as kinship families or grandfamilies and nationwide, over 2.4 million children live in this arrangement. 

Research shows that kinship caregivers frequently experience chronic stress which can cause serious health conditions. Meanwhile, studies also reveal that with proper support and resources, these caregiving arrangements can benefit everyone involved. Children in kinship care consistently show better emotional and behavioral outcomes than those in non-relative foster care, and older adults in these caregiving roles often experience improved purpose and community connection compared to living alone. 

Today, Cambia Health Foundation announced nearly $280,000 in grant funding to six organizations across Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington that are supporting whole-person health for older adult kinship caregivers in grandfamilies. This initiative addresses a critical but often overlooked demographic facing unique health challenges while raising relatives' children. 

This funding is part of the foundation’s strategic focus on Healthy and Connected Aging, which aims to increase behavioral health access and support whole-person health for older adults across our four states.

For more information about Cambia Health Foundation and its initiatives, visit cambiahealthfoundation.org.