13 Aug Funding Alert! Cooperative Agreements to Address Health Disparities
Department of Health and Human Services
Does your organization work to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations? The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health is accepting applications for its cooperative agreement program, Framework to Address Health Disparities through Collaborative Policy Efforts: Demonstration Projects. In conjunction with the office’s Coordinating Center cooperative agreements for the same program, Demonstration Projects develop and demonstrate the effectiveness of methodologies for addressing health disparities. This includes assessing and identifying policies that contribute to structural racism and perpetuate health disparities, as well as modifying, developing, and implementing policies that improve health outcomes. Proposals for this program are due August 23, 2022.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are any domestic public or private nonprofit entity, including faith-based organizations and American Indian/Alaska Native/Native American organizations. This could include state, county, city/township, or special district governments; school districts; institutions of higher education; 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations; public housing authorities; and others.
What are the program details?
The overarching goal of these cooperative agreements is to advance health equity. These projects will focus on assessing, identifying, and reducing health disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations in order to work toward achieving that goal. Applicants should propose demonstration projects that accomplish the following:
- Work with the Coordinating Center to develop the methodological framework, process, and tool;
- Implement those methodological products to assess and identify the policies that lead to health disparities;
- Modify existing or develop new policies to improve health outcomes;
- Implement those modified or new policies; and
- Report data to and participate in evaluation activities with the Coordinating Center.
The Coordinating Center will provide oversight and coordination, with the Demonstration Project cooperative agreement recipient serving as a participating site. The funder expects to support four Demonstration Project cooperative agreements of up to $375,000 per year for up to three years.
What makes a project a good fit?
Applicants should be prepared to establish a multisector team to participate in and carry out the activities if awarded. This team should include governmental, public, and nonprofit organizations from a variety of sectors, such as health, justice, education, commerce, and community service organizations.
Furthermore, because this funding is awarded through a cooperative agreement, applicants should expect the Office of Minority Health to be substantially involved in program efforts, beyond typical monitoring and technical assistance activities. For example, this may include regular reviews of work plans and priorities, participating in activity design, facilitating development of the multisector team, and reviewing all public-facing communications.
What if I am ready to apply? To move your project forward, take the following action steps as soon as possible:
- Review the full program solicitation, available here, for additional details and required activities.
- View the Office of Minority Health’s funding and programs page for examples of previously funded projects, information on other funding opportunities, and other resources.
- Watch the recorded technical assistance webinar for additional information.
- Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have agov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://sam.gov/content/status-tracker.
What if I need help with this application?
Contact Assel Grant Services (AGS) today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.
What if I am not ready to apply this year?
Start preparing for next year! The Office of Minority Health also has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit. View the office’s funding opportunities page for information about upcoming grant and cooperative agreement programs.
How do I learn more about federal grant proposal writing, so my application is more likely to be successful?
AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series throughout 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit leaders before and during the application process. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.
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