Health Equity Assistance Fund
The State of Montana has received funding in a two-year grant from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Address Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity Among Populations that are at High-Risk and Underserved. The funding is part of the federal COVID response under the American Rescue Plan. The CDC specifically required an allocation of funds for rural areas. The funds are provided through a two-year CDC grant (ending on 5/31/2024) to MT Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS). DPHHS is contracting with the Montana Office of Rural Health/Area Health Education Center (MORH/AHEC) to implement the project.
Health Equity Mini Grants
Health Equity Mini Grants are designed to support projects around the state that work to advance health equity for communities most heavily impacted by health disparities. These funds are intended to complement regional and state health equity task force work.
Application closes April 1, 2023.
Funding: This funding aims to encourage collaboration between non-profits or community groups, Critical Access Hospitals and local health departments. Funding is structured accordingly.
Funding Restrictions: Funding may not be used to purchase food, vehicles, or incentives (gift cards). These federal funds can not be used to supplant local or state funds. Indirect costs may not exceed 10%.
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Organization Type
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Total Eligible to Apply for
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Notes
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|---|---|---|
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Grassroots
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$5,000
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|
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Grassroots American Indian Focus
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$8,000
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|
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Critical Access Hospital Alone
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$5,000
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|
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Partnership
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$15,000 or $18,000 |
Partnerships between grassroots and hospital OR grassroots American Indian focus and
hospital = extra $5,000
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Public Health
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$2,000
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Bonus $2,000 for any project that includes local public health department
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Max Total
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$20,000
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Per region
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Eligibility: Eligible entities include non-profits, Critical Access Hospitals, and local Public Health Departments. Community groups may use a fiscal administrator. Multiple submissions from each region are allowed and multiple projects may be funded in each region, not exceeding $20,000.
Requirements: Funded projects must impact a rural community or population and align with findings from a local Community Health Needs Assessment or Community Health Improvement Plan.
Timeline: Funding will be dispersed May 1, 2023, and the grant period will end May 1, 2024.
** This is anticpated to be one time funding **
Reporting: Funded entities will be required to meet quarterly with MORH/AHEC to discuss progress and provide project updates including activity and budget updates.
Preference points: Preference points will be award to projects that impact American Indian communities, align with health equity priority areas defined by regional task forces, and include partnership between non-profits, Critical Access Hospitals, and local public health departments.
Western:
- Behavioral Health / SUD
- American Indian Leadership in Health Equity
- LGBTQIA+ Education in Healthcare
North Central:
- Transportation
- Aging Population
- American Indian Leadership in Health Equity
South Central:
- Service Coordination
- Behavioral Health / Mental Health
- Aging Services
Eastern:
- American Indian Leadership in Health Equity
- Access to care
- Behavioral Health/SUD and Mental Health
North Eastern:
- Behavioral Health/SUD and Mental Health
- Workforce
- American Indian Leadership in Health Equity
Health Equity Training Funds
The Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center has funds available for organizations that impact rural communties and their health seeking training for staff in the following areas:
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- Rural health
- LGBTQ+
- Disability
- People 65+
- Religious minorities
- Low socioeconomic status
The intent of this funding is to provide organizations with the financial support they need to receive training and professional development on the above topics. Organizations may choose trainers or guest speakers they feel best suit their organization however trainers selected by funded organizations must reside in Montana. Out of state offerings may be considered but not favored.
These funds will be released in three $15,000 cycles throughout the year. Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 each. Organizations or individuals who have not been funded by previous cycles will be given higher priority than those who have been previously funded.
Cycle 1: Closes May 1
Cycle 2: Opens July 1 - Closes August 1
Cycle 3: Opens October 1 - Closes November 1
