Vitalyst Health Foundation Systems Change Grant

The Systems Change Grant offered by the Vitalyst Health Foundation supports collaborative efforts in Arizona that seek to address complex health challenges by modifying systems that perpetuate disparities. Vitalyst is a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of individuals and communities across Arizona. Through this grant, the foundation emphasizes its commitment to long-lasting, sustainable transformation in policies, practices, and structures that influence health outcomes at the systemic level. Systems change is defined as altering the underlying structures and mechanisms that produce inequitable health outcomes, such as policies, resource flows, relationships, and mental models. Vitalyst seeks proposals from collaboratives working to change systems in ways that are rooted in equity, sustainability, and measurable health outcomes. Funded projects should align with at least one of six defined conditions of systems change and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the barriers within the systems they aim to transform. The Systems Change Grant provides up to $175,000 over three years for eligible projects. Funding is intended to support efforts that go beyond programmatic or direct service work to address structural issues and root causes. Applicants must identify specific health outcomes their initiative will impact and describe how the change will be evaluated. Collaboratives must include at least three Arizona-serving partners and submit letters of commitment from each. Proposals must reflect meaningful community engagement, especially from individuals or groups most impacted by the health disparity in focus. Applications are evaluated based on five rubric categories: Systems Change Project Design (40 points), Collaborative (20 points), Elements of a Healthy Community Outcomes (15 points), Health Equity (15 points), and Budget Narrative & Worksheet (10 points). Each section includes detailed prompts to help applicants describe their strategy, collaborative readiness, equity impact, and financial plan. All applications must include narrative responses, letters of commitment, and a detailed budget worksheet. The grant application process includes a Systems Change Grants Information Session via Zoom on September 9, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Final applications are due by October 9, 2025. Selected applicants will be invited to present between January 12 and January 16, 2026. Although the grant appears to recur annually, applicants are encouraged to monitor future cycles based on current deadlines. All inquiries should be directed to grants@vitalysthealth.org. Vitalyst Health Foundation has also provided supporting resources for applicants, including guides on systems thinking, health equity, and collaborative engagement. Applicants are encouraged to consult these materials to strengthen their proposals and align closely with the foundation’s strategic priorities.

Vitalyst recommends reviewing the Understanding Systems Change Spark Report and the Systems Change Budget Worksheet. Emphasis is placed on engaging impacted communities and ensuring equity in budgeting and collaboration.