HealthComp Foundation Grant

The HealthComp Foundation offers responsive grants designed to address health equity by supporting community-focused initiatives within the state of Ohio. As a private philanthropic organization, the Foundation is focused on improving health outcomes by tackling the social determinants of health, especially among populations that have been historically underserved. Emphasis is placed on funding programs that prioritize equity, community engagement, and capacity building. The Foundation’s approach reflects a commitment to improving systems and conditions at both individual and community levels, excluding direct clinical care. Grants are available to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. Preference is given to grassroots and community-based organizations. Large institutions may still apply, but must show evidence of authentic partnerships and power-sharing with groups representing or embedded in communities directly affected by poor health outcomes. The foundation particularly encourages applications from organizations led by and serving BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, and those with leadership that reflects the populations they serve. Applications must be accompanied by either the most recent financial audit or the IRS Form 990. Health equity is the principal focus of funding, with priority given to projects serving Black and Hispanic/Latinx individuals and communities, people with disabilities, those without a high school diploma, and low-income families. Applicants must show that their proposals either aim to improve community conditions and systems (upstream) or address individuals’ and families’ social needs (midstream). Projects that fall under downstream interventions, such as clinical care, are not eligible. Funding can support project implementation or capacity-building efforts, such as staff training, but not capital projects or scholarships. The Foundation has two funding cycles annually. Applications open on February 1 and close on March 1 for consideration in the May board meeting. A second cycle opens August 1 and closes September 1, with decisions made in November. The Foundation does not fund on a rolling basis, but it does operate recurring cycles each year. Grant awards are typically one-year in duration, ranging between $25,000 and $50,000, although the board retains the authority to issue awards above or below this range based on need and merit. Evaluations focus on the applicant’s demonstration of community engagement, use of data or input from the population served in planning and implementation, and leadership composition. Competitive applications show alignment with the Foundation’s goals of racial equity, inclusion, and community representation. Projects must demonstrate their impact on upstream or midstream health determinants. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation prior to submission if they have eligibility questions. There is no listed contact name, email, or phone number in the available source. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline dates. Award decisions follow the corresponding board meetings in May and November. While no direct application questions were listed, successful applicants should prepare to articulate their approach to equity, describe community engagement practices, and present a clear program structure aligned with HealthComp Foundation’s objectives.