Better Nursing Home Care Fund

The Better Nursing Home Care Fund is a grant opportunity designed to improve the quality of care for nursing home residents in Oregon. The program is administered by the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) and is open for applications from October 15 to December 2, 2024. This funding initiative specifically supports projects that address the needs of nursing home residents, with the goal of enhancing their quality of life and care. Eligible projects must target Oregon-based nursing homes, with a focus on residents rather than broader care facilities like assisted living homes. The fund does not support capital projects or routine equipment purchases unless there is a clear demonstration that the support from OCF would make a significant impact. The primary objective of the fund is to support innovative approaches that can be replicated and sustained beyond the grant period. Successful proposals should offer clear plans for sharing or disseminating results and demonstrate long-term sustainability. The grant period spans three years, and applicants are encouraged to design initiatives that will continue benefiting residents beyond that timeframe. Preference will be given to projects that address staff issues, resident care quality, or partnerships among nursing homes, resident organizations, and other community groups. Applicants must address at least one of the fund's stated priorities. These include developing methods to attract and retain skilled staff, such as Certified Nursing Assistants, and improving interdisciplinary relationships among staff members. Other priorities involve integrating evidence-based practices and new technologies into training or care practices, as well as fostering collaborations between nursing homes and various community organizations. Improving the quality of care for residents with dementia is also a key focus, as is promoting autonomy, nutrition, hydration, and overall well-being for nursing home residents. Desired outcomes for funded projects center on both resident care and staff development. For residents, outcomes include increased independence, better nutrition and hydration, improved mobility, and enhanced participation in meaningful activities to combat depression. For staff, the fund aims to reduce turnover, encourage consistent staff-resident assignments, and support programs that empower and recognize staff contributions. Proposals that promote regulatory compliance and rapid implementation of best practices will also be viewed favorably. To apply, interested organizations must download the Request for Proposals and application forms from OCF’s website. Completed applications, including any required attachments, must be submitted as a single PDF file via email by 5 p.m. on December 2, 2024. Applicants should clearly label their submission with "BNHC Fund Application - Organization Name" in the subject line. Grantees will be required to report on the outcomes of their project 10 months after receiving the grant, detailing how the funds were used and the impact on nursing home care. Nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status and public agencies in Oregon are eligible to apply, but they must ensure that their projects are specifically focused on nursing home residents. The fund does not provide grants for other types of care facilities or for-profit nursing homes unless it is clearly demonstrated that the project will directly benefit the residents of nonprofit nursing homes. For any questions during the application process, applicants can contact Brian Donkersley, Program Associate for Donor Impact, at the Oregon Community Foundation.