American Heart Association logoThe Social Impact Funds

Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund

AHA’s Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund is a national fund with a local investment focus supporting and investing in evidence-based, locally led solutions that are breaking down the social and economic barriers to health equity.
Bernard J Tyson

Bernard J. Tyson was a visionary leader who cared passionately about the health and well-being of all. His quest for affordable, equitable health care and social justice improved and extended lives throughout the U.S. and around the world.

The American Heart Association is honored to continue his legacy through the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund.

Bernard considered it a privilege to make a difference. He inspired us with his wisdom as a member of the American Heart Association national board and CEO Roundtable and as a trusted advisor. This fund will power the American Heart Association’s aim to reduce health disparities and address social determinants of health, so all people have the opportunity to live longer and healthier—physically and mentally.


“Don’t ask permission to help improve lives of the people and communities you’ve pledged to serve. Instead, march through the doors of red tape, make bold moves and usher in access.”

Bernard J. Tyson
(1959-2019)

Breaking down social and economic barriers to
health equity

The American Heart Association’s Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund is a national fund that supports and invests in evidence-based, locally led solutions that break down the social and economic barriers to health equity in under-resourced communities.

We’re working to increase access to housing, health care, COVID-19 testing and nutritious food, and improve economic resiliency and mental health.

Atlanta Harvest is a Black-owned, family-operated, multi-generational farm and food hub operating within food insecure counties.

Urban Growers Collective, a Black women-led nonprofit, is building economic opportunities for urban farmers and increasing food access through a mobile produce market.

Funding Opportunities

Is your business or organization in need of additional funding?
More funding opportunities

San Francisco & Oakland

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Our work in San Francisco & Oakland

Puget Sound

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Our work in the Puget Sound

The Walmart Foundation logoThe Walmart Foundation is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund helping community-based entrepreneurs that are expanding access to affordable and healthy food. .

A Relentless Pursuit of Equitable Health

The Stories of the Relentless podcast series features the people and issues closest to Bernard’s heart. Listen to the episodes here.

Episode 1: Equity: The Impact and Legacy of Bernard J. Tyson | Read the ep. 1 transcript

Episode 2: How Equity Impacts a Seat at the Table | Read the ep. 2 transcript

Episode 3: How Inequity Impacts Access to Care | Read the ep. 3 transcript

Episode 4: How Inequity Impacts Mental Health | Read the ep. 4 transcript

Episode 5: How Inequity Impacts Dignity of Life | Read the ep. 5 transcript

Episode 6: How Inequity Impacts the Heart | Read the ep. 6 transcript


A Visionary Leader

Scroll through the photo gallery to see special moments with Bernard J. Tyson. Scroll through the photo gallery to see special moments with Bernard J. Tyson.
  • Bernard J Tyson and Denise Bradley Tyson

    Bernard and his wife, Denise, at the Heart Ball

  • Bernard J Tyson shaking hands with the Dalai Lama

    The Dalai Lama greeting Bernard

  • Bernard J Tyson with Nancy Brown and Kravis

    Bernard with Nancy Brown and Henry Kravis

  • Bernard J. Tyson with Barack Obama and Stephen Curry at My Brother's Keeper in February 2019

    Posing with President Barack Obama and basketball player, Steph Curry

  • Bernard J Tyson and the Milken Institute 2019

    The Milken Institute 2019 global conference

  • Bernard J Tyson back to school drive

    Helping at a back to school drive

  • Bernard J Tyson speaking

    Bernard speaking

  • Bernard J Tyson and Lee

    Bernard with San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee

female teacher working with student
female teacher working with student

Interested in learning more about the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund?

We’d love to hear from you.
Email the team