Community Health Improvement Grants

The Community Health Improvement Grants program is designed to support the health and well-being of Reno County, Kansas, residents by fostering conditions that promote healthy lifestyles. This funding is a collaborative effort between the Hutchinson Community Foundation, the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation, and the United Way of Reno County. The aim is to assist community organizations in implementing strategies outlined in the 2023 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which is based on the most recent Community Health Assessment (CHA). Priority is given to funding initiatives that involve the Reno County Community Wellness Coalition and its work groups, with a focus on fostering collaboration and collective action. Organizations eligible to apply for these grants must be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) and serve Reno County. Special purpose units of government can also apply for support for innovative projects. Community groups without 501(c)(3) status may apply if they have a tax-exempt organization acting as their fiscal sponsor. Proposals from individuals or non-qualifying organizations will not be considered. Furthermore, applicants must operate without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, creed, or ethnicity. The grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000 for either single-year or multi-year projects (up to two years), with the possibility of larger requests being considered. A joint selection committee consisting of board members from the Hutchinson Community Foundation, the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation, and the United Way of Reno County will review and make decisions on proposals. It is important to note that the committee may opt to partially fund a proposal's requested budget. Projects not aligned with the priorities of the 2023 CHIP, as well as those involving religious activities, political lobbying, event sponsorships, deficit financing, and pre-award costs, are not eligible for funding. The most successful proposals will address systems and environmental changes that lead to better livelihoods for all, particularly vulnerable populations. Other desirable qualities include inclusion, collaboration, innovation, effective organizational strategies, and feasibility. The proposal submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025, through the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Management (GLM) system, accessible via the Hutchinson Community Foundation website. Notifications regarding funding awards or denials will be communicated to applicants by April 25, 2025. Grantees will be required to submit midterm reports or request a visit midway through their project, and a final report is due 30 days after project completion, with the latest deadline being one year plus 30 days after the grant award date. Failure to submit these reports on time may affect the organization’s eligibility for future funding. For any inquiries, applicants can contact Sarah Blake, the program officer, via email at Sarah@HutchCF.org or by phone at 663.5293. Additional details can be found on the Hutchinson Community Foundation's website.