Category Archives: Health

The J.W. Couch Foundation

Jesse W. Couch was a World War II veteran, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. The Foundation established in his name carries on his legacy by investing in projects in Preservation, Education, and Wellness.

They meet twice a year to review submitted applications. The second due date for 2023 is September 15.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
For profit businesses in the United States working in Preservation, Education, or Wellness

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may be used for:

General operating support
Specific programming
New product development for social entrepreneurs

Program Areas

Preservation

Eligible applications under Preservation may focus on:

Historic Preservation – conserving historic resources to cultivate the importance of community
Wildlife Conservation – protecting land and water so all life on Earth can thrive
Renewable Energy – expanding solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass and geothermal power to prevent catastrophic global temperatures
Food Management – reducing emissions from all levels of food production: growing, transporting, and waste disposal
Transportation – transforming the transportation industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Waste Management – shifting consumption to reduce single use products and the need to obtain raw materials

Education

Eligible applications under Education may focus on:

Early Childhood Education – creative approaches to education such as life skills, project based learning, and increased outdoor time
21st Century Education – teaching essential skills for modern times, such as critical thinking, collaboration, oral and written communication, and entrepreneurship
Teachers – investing in teachers

Wellness

Eligible applications under Wellness may focus on:

Mental Health – assisting people struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
Digital Wellbeing – promoting a more balanced approach to technology use
Get Outside – promoting the health benefits of outdoor activities

Supporting Communities to Reduce Lead Poisoning

Supporting Communities to Reduce Lead Poisoning is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program to help American families address the potential for lead poisoning in their homes. Children in particular are susceptible to the effects of lead poisoning which can lead to developmental problems.

The CDC anticipates awarding ten grants of up to $200,000 per year for three years for projects that educate and provide resources on the dangers of lead exposure. There is no matching requirement, but grantees are encouraged to leverage additional resources. Applications are due through Grants.gov by July 31, 2023.

Eligibility

Applicant Type

This grant is open to:

State, local, and special district governments
Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
School districts
Public colleges and universities
Public and Native American housing authorities
Nonprofits with or without a 501(c)3 status
Other Native American organizations

Applicants Conditions

Applicants must also:

Be physically located in the target community
Have received less than $2 million per year in federal funds for the past five years
Have a proven record of success working with underserved communities

Project Focus

Projects must focus on:

Children under the age of six, particularly those under three
Children at high risk of lead exposure and poisoning

Factors to consider when assessing which children are at higher risk include:

Their housing situation. Houses built before 1978 and some low-income and subsidized housing are at greater risk.
The presence of hazardous waste sites or industrial lead emissions in the community
Eligibility for Medicaid or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

Project Strategies

Projects must use one or more of these strategies or create their own.

Strategy A: Activate the Community

Under this strategy, community members and stakeholders collaborate to address the cause of lead exposure, educate the public, and make resources more accessible.

Strategy B: Improve Access to Services

Under this strategy, awareness of and access to existing programs is increased. This is done through promoting these programs and making referrals.

Strategy C: Educate the Community

Under this strategy, community knowledge of the issue is increased through workshops, communication, and train-the-trainer programs.

The Scherman Foundation

Since 1941, the Scherman Foundation has been involved in philanthropic giving in New York City and across the United States. Currently, they are focusing their efforts on racial justice issues surrounding climate change, democracy, and reproductive health care.

Grants are awarded on a national level in three focus areas: Democracy, Environmental & Climate Justice, and Reproductive Justice. Average award varies by focus area. Letters of Interest are accepted on a continual basis and responses typically take twelve weeks. Approved submissions will receive an invitation and link to the full application.

Focus Areas

Democracy

Awards in this area are generally $75,000 – $150,000 over a two year period for general operating support or specific projects.

To protect the right to vote, build institutions that are more accountable to the public, and address injustice, the Foundation supports organizations working toward:

Protecting, increasing access to, and expanding the right to vote, and ensuring secure and peaceful elections
Advancing institutional reforms
Building community power

Grant funds may not be used for:

Direct service
Annual or capital campaigns
Endowments
Conferences
501(c)4 organizations

Environmental & Climate Justice

Awards in this area average $50,000 over a two year period for general operating support or specific projects.

The Foundation is currently focusing on community-based BIPOC groups who are fighting for climate justice. People of color have born the brunt of negative impacts from pollution, climate change, and other types of environmental degradation and are leading the charge to overcome them. Preference is given to organizations in New York City and State, but applications from all U.S. states are welcome.

Grant funds may not be used for:

Land conservation
Projects outside the United States

Reproductive Justice

Awards in this area average $45,000 over a two year period for general operating support or specific projects.

The Foundation supports organizations addressing the disparities in access to reproductive health care based on race, class, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Potential strategies include:

Policy advocacy
Voter engagement
Public education
Leadership development
Legal advocacy
Litigation

Funds may not be used for:

Projects outside the United States
Direct action
Medical research
Research and publications not directly linked to policy outcomes
Scholarships or grants to individuals
Conferences and travel stipends

Family Counseling and Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex+ Youth and their Families

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Office of Behavioral Health Equity has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Family Counseling and Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex+ Youth and their Families grant.

This grant is intended to fund programs that address the higher rates of mental illness and suicidality among LGBTQ+ youth in comparison to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Applicant programs should also focus on the negative impacts of an unsupportive home/family environment.

The Office anticipates awarding four grants of up to $425,000 per year for as many as three years. There is no match requirement. Applications are due through Grants.gov or eRA ASSIST by July 3, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

State and Territory governments in the United States
Local governments
Native American Tribes
Health facilities
Facilities run by or in conjunction with the Indian Health Service
Public or private nonprofit organizations
Tribal organizations

Required Activities

Create and implement an outreach strategy to connect the target community with services within four months of award
Create and implement a public awareness campaign to engage families and promote familial support for LGBTQ+ youth within four months of award
Create and implement screening and referral guidelines to connect the target community with services
Identify and collaborate with community-based service providers to refer LGBTQ+ youth who require more intensive services due to mental health or substance misuse disorder
Create and implement a workforce training plan to educate providers on evidence-based family counseling practices
Implement an evidence-based family counseling program to promote family acceptance within six months of award
Establish or expand an existing LGBTQ+ youth and family advisory workgroup within six months of award
Create and implement a family counseling training program for organizations who work with LGBTQ+ youth
Coordinate efforts and access relevant technical assistance (TA) and resources with the SAMHSA funded LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, Technology Transfer Centers (TTCs), and other SAMHSA and relevant Health and Human Services (HHS) TA Centers and resources.

Allowable Activities

Consulting with social media professionals to improve targeted communications
Consulting with education and child welfare professionals to create or expand volunteer programs that address LGBTQ+ mental health and family rejection
Providing peer and family support services
Collaborating with agencies that work with youth to develop a broad web of partnerships

Evaluation Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on:

Population of focus and statement of need (10 points)
Proposed implementation approach (30 points)
Proposed evidence-based service/practice (20 points)
Staff and organizational experience (25 points)
Data collection and performance measurement (15 points)

Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards

The Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health is the newest initiative from the Morgan Stanley Foundation. They are partnering with nonprofit organizations to address the increase in mental health challenges for youth in the United States and funding novel solutions through their Innovation Awards.

In it’s third year, they will make awards to five organizations who receive:

$100,000 in grant funding
Consultation and training from industry professionals
Opportunities to connect with peers
Opportunities to showcase their programs and raise their profile

Applications are due by July 14, 2023. Grantees will be announced in Spring 2024.

Eligibility

Applicant

This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in the United States. Although any nonprofit may apply, organizations with an annual revenue over $10 million must justify why additional funding is needed.

Program

The Alliance is looking to fund programs that:

Are new or piloted projects
Work with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations
Address unmet needs
Reduce stigma
Increase access to care
Improve equity in mental health

Programs may be national, regional, or local in scale.

Evaluation Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on:

Innovation
Expertise
Impact
Potential

Capacity Building Platform

Applicants may opt into the chance to participate in a capacity building platform which will include networking opportunities, peer-led learning sessions, and expert advising. This new platform hopes to assist small and mid-sized organizations thrive and will include applicants beyond the five top awardees.

Cigna Healthier Kids for Our Future Mental Health Grant

Global health company Cigna believes that high quality, affordable health care should be available to everyone. The Cigna Foundation has been advancing this vision for over 50 years through grants, sponsorships, volunteering, and community involvement.

The Healthier Kids for Our Future Mental Health Grant funds activities that enhance existing mental health services in and outside the school system. They specifically focus on the issues of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicide prevention. Interest Inquiry Forms can be submitted through September, but will be reviewed throughout the year. Approved applicants will received an invitation code and link to the full application.

Eligibility

This grant is open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations or the equivalent from anywhere in the world.

Program Expectations

Applicant programs should promote partnerships between educators, licensed therapists, and nonprofits organizations to address the mental and emotional health needs of today’s youth.

Programs are also encouraged to incorporate one or more of these evidence-based methods.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds should be used for expenses directly related to the proposed project. This can include salaries, but not:

Benefits
Payroll taxes
General operating support
Capital campaigns
Events
Fundraisers

All expenses listed in the budget will be reviewed by the grants committee.

Family and Youth Services Bureau Basic Center Program

The Family And Youth Services Bureau operates the Basic Center Program under the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act of 2008. The program was designed to support community-based services for homeless or runaway youth and their families. In 2023, they expect to have approximately $22 million available for awards between $50,000 – $250,000.

This grant is currently categorized as “Forecasted” with an estimated post date on grants.gov of April 21. The estimated due date is June 22 and the estimated award date is September 29.

Eligibility

This grant is open to

City, county, and state governments
Special district governments
Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments
Public and Tribal housing authorities
Nonprofits with or without a 501(c) 3 designation
Independent school districts
Public institutions of higher education

Program Services

All Basic Center Programs are required to provide the following for homeless and runaway youth.

Up to 21 days of emergency shelter
Food, clothing, and medical care
Individual, group, and family counseling
Crisis Intervention programs
Recreational opportunities
Post-shelter aftercare services

Some Programs may also offer:

Education and employment assistance
Drug abuse and prevention education
Street-based services
Outreach to at risk youth
Outreach to other organizations who work with youth and families

The goal is, of course, to find permanent housing for these youth either with their own families or an appropriate alternative.

Other Requirements

Projects funded through the Basic Center Program must also:

Develop an Emergency Preparedness and Management Plan
Use trauma-informed care strategies
Use Positive Youth Development concepts

Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant

The Whole Kids Foundation was founded by Whole Foods Market to encourage kids to eat healthier. They understand that kids are more likely to eat foods if they feel connected to them. By learning about where food comes from and growing it themselves, kids become more adventurous and willing to try new things. The Garden Grants Program was created to help make those connections happen.

Grants of $3,000 are available for new or existing gardens that provide educational opportunities to K-12 students in the United States, US territories, and Canada. The grant portal will open on February 1, 2023 and close on March 1. Applicants will be notified by August 1, 2023 and checks will go out in September.

Past grantees who received their award in 2021 or earlier may reapply. Each school or organization may only receive two Garden Grants total.

Eligibility

Applicant

The Garden Grant program is open to:

Public schools and public charter schools serving K-12 students. Early education sites are only eligible if they also serve older grades.
Private schools and private charter schools with an official non-profit status
Tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools
Homeschool programs with an official non-profit status or a non-profit community partner to apply on their behalf
School districts
Officially recognized non-profits who have either partnered with a school or who provide programming to K-12 aged youth
Government and tribal entities who provide programming to K-12 aged youth

Project

To receive a Garden Grant, projects must grow edible plants such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs and actively engage at least 10 youth on a regular basis.

Allowable Expenses

Funds must be spent on supporting an educational garden. Up to 30% or $900 may be spent to attend a garden training.

Funds may not be used for field trips, travel, or purchasing property.

Application Requirements

All applications must have

A community partner totally separate from the applicant school or organization. Partners are not require to provide financial support, but should be involved as volunteers, advisers, or through in-kind donations.
A signed letter of support on official letterhead from the School Principal or Executive Director of the applicant organization.
Garden photos which should include pictures of the space as it currently is and drawings of the proposed new garden or expansion of a pre-existing one.

Upcoming Webinars

The Whole Kids Foundation will be providing three webinars to help applicants.

Information Webinar for Schools – Wednesday, February 1st at 3 PM EST

Information Webinar for Organizations – Thursday, February 2nd at 3 PM EST

Q&A Webinar for All – Wednesday, February 15th at 3 PM EST

VegFund Special Projects Grant

VegFund is an international organization dedicated to providing assistance to vegan advocates around the world. They hope to promote a vegan lifestyle, with no animal products or exploitation, to all people on Earth. They do this through grants such as the Special Projects Grant, which is intended for long term projects that reach a wider audience over a specific timeline.

Past awards have varied greatly in size and there is no maximum or minimum request. Awards are based on the type of project and number of people impact. Applicants are encouraged to make a strong case for their project and the amount requested, but to also know that they may not receive the full amount.

There is likewise no limit to the number of grants an applicant can apply for. In 2023, applications are due through the web portal by April 14th, July 14th, or October 13th at 11:59 PM ET.

Eligibility

Applicant

Applicants must be either non-profit organizations or individuals 18 years of age or older. They may come from anywhere in the world, but applicants outside the United States should expect their review time to be longer due to U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control requirements. Following a vegan lifestyle is not required.

Project

Projects must be focused on promoting or educating on a vegan/plant-based lifestyle. All aspects must be vegan with no animal exploitation. Events or programs must also be open to the public. Private events will not be funded.

Grant-Making Priorities

VegFund has identified the following priorities for 2023.

Educational programs on plant-based nutrition for medical and/or health professionals and students
Partnerships with organizations such as schools hospitals, and other places of business to offer plant-based options in cafeterias
Vegan challenges and mentorship programs that gather information through pre- and post-activity surveys
Education and outreach in institutional settings
Educational programs and curriculum that concentrate on the impacts of animal agriculture on environmental issues including climate change

Allowable Expenses

General Operating Support – organizations may receive a single, one time grant to pay for staff, websites, and other organizational needs.
Educational Programs and Curriculum – An outline of the curriculum must be included in your application and you must have at least one year of experience working with the target population.
Mentored Campaigns and Vegan Challenges – Such projects must have a well developed marketing strategy to reach a unique audience.
Video Production and Other Content – Funding for any kind of content is very limited, but proposals for new and different products with well developed marketing strategies may be considered.
Marketing – Approval may be given for well developed plans that will reach a large audience.
Food – In general, food should be sample-sized; some exceptions made be made for larger meals. Grant funds may not be used to purchase alcohol.

Evaluation

When assessing your application, reviewers will ask the following questions:

Is there a well developed plan already in place?
Is there a full budget?
Is there a specific timeline?
Is there a team in place to carry out the project?
Is there a well-defined, non-vegan target audience?
Does the project convey a powerful message on the benefits of a vegan lifestyle?
Are there well defined goals and a plan for evaluating success?

First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Grants

The First Responders-Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act program was created to provide financial support for first responders and others who respond to known or suspected opioid overdoses. Grant funds are available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for training and resources related to administration of drugs and devices to reverse overdoses. Funds are specifically targeted toward communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic.

A total of $17,200,000 is expected to be dispersed to approximately 34 grantees. Projects may last for up to four years and do not require a cost match. Applications are due through eRA Commons by March 14, 2023.

For the purposes of this grant, first responders are defined as emergency medical professionals, firefighters, law enforcement, and any other legally recognized volunteer groups trained to manage drug related incidents.

Eligibility

Applicants

State governments, local governments, and federally recognized Native American tribes and tribal organizations may apply for this grant. The maximum allowed grant request is dependent on the type of entity applying.

Tribes/Tribal Organizations – $250,000 per year
Local Governments – $500,000 per year
State Governments – $800,000 per year

Communities

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the community/ies they serve have been disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic. They recommend the following as potential data sources:

If the applicant proposes a project in a rural area they must be able to demonstrate that it is officially designated as rural. Useful sources for doing so include:

Required Activities

All grantees are required to carry out the following activities.

Purchase and distribute approved devices and drugs for emergency opioid overdose reversal.
Train and support first responders in carrying and administering such devices and drugs as well as safety protocols for substances they may come in contact with.
Train personnel in execution of evidence based, trauma-informed care practices
Create processes for referring individuals to proper treatment for substance misuse disorder, etc.
Draft a Naloxone Education and Distribution Plan and submit it in SPARS within six months of receiving award.
Establish or join an advisory council.
Hire staff from the community.
Where applicable, translate all resources to make them accessible per the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care, standards 5-8.
Implement policies for making services more accessible to marginalized communities.
Devise conflict resolution processes in keeping with CLAS, standard 14.

Allowable Activities

Grant funds may, but are not required to be spent on additional activities such as

Tobacco prevention programs
Alcohol prevention programs
Training on CLAS standards for behavioral health providers
Addressing inequities in behavioral health access
Public education on ‘Good Samaritan’ laws
First aid and CPR training
Support services for individuals with substance misuse disorder

Additionally, the amount that may be spent on certain activities is limited.

Data collection, performance measurement, and performance assessment – up to 20%
- Development of infrastructure for service delivery – up to 15%
Administrative costs – up to 10%

Intergovernmental Review Requirements

Under Executive Order 12372, certain states and territories have established their own State Single Point of Contact. Applicants in these jurisdictions will need to work with their SPOC. This does not apply to Native American tribes and tribal organizations.