NEW YORK – The Joyful Heart Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2025 recipients of its annual Heal the Healers grants. The Heal the Healers (HTH) Fund supports professionals working directly with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse who face a heightened risk of secondary trauma.

As funding cuts and uncertainties strain organizations nationwide, these workers are increasingly being asked to do more with less–and these funds are one way to provide critical support to them. In addition to applicants funded by Joyful Heart, our philanthropic partners’ directed donations allowed us to also fund every applicant from Texas, Minnesota, Hawaii, New York, as well as every applicant serving predominantly Indigenous communities.

The grants will support the frontline staff of these organizations by funding staff retreats, training and program development for self-care practices, facilities upgrades that promote wellness, and therapeutic experiences including mental health services.

“We know that secondary trauma is a relentless challenge, leading to high turnover rates for advocates in the domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse fields, and making it harder for survivors to access the care they desperately need,” says Robyn Mazur, Executive Director of the Joyful Heart Foundation. “With the extraordinary support of our philanthropic partners, we were able to fund over 60 organizations this year – almost three times the number we were able to fund last cycle. More than ever, this funding is vital because so many of these very applicants lost core funding this year. This expansion ensures that by supporting our partners’ staff and volunteers, we are directly helping advocates maintain the compassion and strength required to light the path toward healing for survivors.”

Testimonials from 2025 Heal the Healers Grant recipients:

“We are grateful for the Joyful Heart Foundation’s support! Zero Abuse Project’s team works daily on the frontlines of abuse prevention and response training professionals, supporting survivors, and advocating for systemic change. But behind the organization’s expertise is a group of humans who have dedicated their lives and careers to caring for survivors and holding their abusers accountable. This generous gift will breathe life into our team through an all-staff wellness retreat because we know the work of protecting children is only possible when those doing the work are cared for, too.”

Zero Abuse Project, Minneapolis, MN

“Qeciyewyew.  Thank you.  We are honored to receive support from the Joyful Heart Foundation’s Heal the Healers Fund. This grant allows the Indigenous Idaho Alliance to create space for our community’s caregivers, organizers, and healers to rest, reconnect, and be replenished through our Healing Kits and Gatherings program. At a time when our work is carried under immense pressure, this support strengthens our ability to continue showing up for our people with love, resilience, and care.”

Indigenous Idaho Alliance, Boise, ID

“I am beyond grateful to the Heal the Healers fund for supporting our team at the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. Our staff give so much of themselves every day to help survivors of domestic violence and trauma heal and rebuild their lives. This grant allows us to create a space where they can also rest, recharge, and care for their own wellbeing. By supporting our staff, you are helping us better care for the survivors who rely on us.”

Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, Lansing, MI

Media

Contact: Olivia Hall, media@joyfulheartfoundation.org

[email protected]