CC26 Creating Healthy Communities Solicitation

The Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) Competitive Grant for Fiscal Year 2025 is administered by the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness. This funding opportunity supports local public and nonprofit agencies in advancing health equity by implementing community-led, sustainable policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies. The grant aligns with Healthy People 2030 objectives and emphasizes interventions that promote access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity in high-need communities, particularly those with high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores. Funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant, this program anticipates awarding approximately $2.4 million in total, supporting around 20 grantees. Each applicant may request up to $120,000, with a minimum award of $30,000. Applications that fall below this minimum will not be reviewed. Applicants must work within defined communities, such as counties, cities, or census tracts, and clearly describe the area and populations to be served. Eligible applicants are limited to local public or nonprofit agencies that can accept electronic funds transfers and meet criteria such as not owing funds to ODH or being under certification with the Attorney General’s Office. Non-local health district applicants must secure a letter of support from the district responsible for the jurisdiction of their proposed project. A Notice of Intent to Apply for Funding (NOIAF) and GMIS Access Form must be submitted by March 27, 2024. Full applications are due by May 6, 2024, and must be submitted via the Grants Management Information System (GMIS). A bidder’s conference webinar will be held on March 25, 2024. The program period extends from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2029, with the current budget period ending September 30, 2025. Grantees must participate in training sessions, submit quarterly program and expenditure reports, and may be subject to site visits. Evaluations are based on criteria such as alignment with CHC objectives, community engagement, qualifications of personnel, use of evidence-based strategies, and responsiveness to health disparities. Successful applicants will receive formal notification via a Notice of Award, while unsuccessful applicants will be informed within 30 days of the decision. Application requirements include a detailed project narrative, budget justification, personnel documentation, letters of support, and a public health impact statement. Specific strategies must be selected from an approved list provided in the solicitation. The grant also requires adherence to detailed formatting, reporting standards, and participation in various trainings and technical assistance activities. Questions regarding the solicitation may be directed to Sarah Ginnetti at sarah.ginnetti@odh.ohio.gov.