HealthFirst for Clinton County is a grantmaking program dedicated to improving the health and wellness of residents in Clinton County, Ohio. Operated through the Clinton County Foundation, HealthFirst supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that promote individual and community well-being through education, innovation, and direct support services. The program emphasizes outreach, collaboration, and community partnerships to ensure effective delivery of health-focused interventions.
The grant program operates on a semi-annual cycle. Funding requests typically range between $2,500 and $25,000, though larger proposals may be considered if they demonstrate a substantial community impact. Proposals should have clearly defined start and end dates, generally within a one-year timeframe. Multi-year projects may be considered for extended or renewed support.
Eligible applicants include Clinton County-based 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit entities, government agencies, and other tax-exempt groups committed to promoting health in the county. Organizations lacking tax-exempt status must partner with a fiscal sponsor. HealthFirst prioritizes proposals that address unmet needs, support underserved communities, incorporate systemic approaches to health outcomes, and foster collaboration across service providers.
Funding is available for projects in three main focus areas: health education, innovation in community health delivery, and promotion of wellness initiatives such as screenings, vaccination drives, and medication assistance. Lower priority is given to infrastructure improvements and projects fulfilling basic operational mandates of government agencies or schools. The program excludes support for individuals, political or religious activities, debt reduction, and capital campaigns.
The application process includes a two-step system beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI) submitted through the Clinton County Foundation’s Grant Portal. LOIs are reviewed to assess eligibility and alignment with HealthFirst’s mission. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full application including a detailed project narrative, budget, projected impact, and evaluation methods. For the second 2025 cycle, LOIs are accepted from October 1 to November 15. Invitations to submit full applications will be issued by December 16, 2025, and completed applications are due by January 30, 2026. Notifications of awards are expected by March 2026. For questions, applicants may contact Mark Kraus or Lynn Deatherage at the Clinton County Foundation.
Proposals addressing unmet needs, supporting underserved communities, and including collaborations are prioritized.
