Social Accountability Grants

Samaritan Health Services (SHS) invites proposals for the 2026 cycle of its Social Accountability Grants program. Since 1997, this grant program has supported nonprofit and public entities serving Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties in Oregon by providing funding for community-focused health initiatives that align with the Regional Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). These grants are managed by the SHS Community Health department in partnership with the five Samaritan hospitals and are overseen by the Social Accountability Subcommittee of the Community Benefit Advisory Committee. The 2026 grant cycle opened on September 15, 2025, with an application deadline of November 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Final award notifications will be issued on December 12, and projects must run from January 1 through December 31, 2026. A total of $200,000 is available in this cycle, with awards offered in four levels: $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000. Funding will be disbursed in two installments: half in January 2026 and the remainder in July 2026 upon receipt of a mid-year progress report. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and coalitions that serve residents in Linn, Benton, or Lincoln counties. While advocacy efforts may be part of a program, organizations that exist solely for advocacy purposes are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to track and report data such as the number of participants served, demographic information, service outcomes, and detailed financial reporting. Proposals must address one or more CHIP priorities: access to affordable housing, access to quality care, behavioral health, or inclusion and equity initiatives. In addition, special consideration will be given to projects focused on transportation to care facilities, language access for non-English speakers, and services primarily benefiting Linn and Lincoln counties. Capital expenses, religious programs, political campaigns, direct SHS beneficiary programs, and for-profit or individual applicants are not eligible for funding. To apply, organizations must submit two documents by email: the completed proposal using the official 2026 Word template (limited to 8 double-spaced pages) and a budget using the designated Excel template. Optional information sessions will be held on September 23, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Interested participants should contact communityhealth@samhealth.org to register. Selected grantees must submit a mid-year progress report by July 15, 2026, and a final report by January 15, 2027. These reports must include participant and service metrics, impact stories, demographic data, and evaluation of outcomes. Questions can be directed to the SHS Community Health team at communityhealth@samhealth.org.

Applicants must align proposals with CHIP priorities. Use required templates. Projects focused on transportation, language access, and Linn/Lincoln counties receive special consideration.