CommonSpirit Health Equity & Advancement Fund

The CommonSpirit Health Equity & Advancement Fund, soon to be integrated into the CommonSpirit Mountain Region Community Health Improvement Grant program, was launched in 2021 as part of CommonSpirit Health’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. CommonSpirit Health, a healthcare organization serving communities across Colorado, Kansas, and Utah, created this funding initiative to promote social justice and improve public health among underrepresented populations. This grant aligns with the organization’s mission to advance health equity by addressing systemic disparities and improving outcomes for vulnerable groups. This grant supports projects that address social determinants of health (SDOH) and serve specific diverse, underrepresented, or underserved communities either by geography or lived experience. Projects are expected to incorporate participatory community approaches, leverage community health workers, and demonstrate measurable objectives. The program particularly encourages collaboration among organizations, initiatives that fill significant gaps in health equity, efforts that support existing care models, innovative approaches to reducing disparities, and projects that can match or leverage funding from other sources. Eligible use of funds includes project or program activities, operating support for addressing identified community needs, capacity building, and technical assistance. The application must be submitted through the AmpliFund Grant Management Application Portal and includes submission of a completed budget form and one letter of recommendation. No emailed applications will be accepted. Awarded organizations will be required to participate in one site visit with CommonSpirit leadership during the award year and submit a final report by the specified deadline. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations; community-based organizations applying with a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3); and federally recognized Sovereign Tribal Nations. Applicants must operate in Colorado, Kansas, or Utah and serve within 50 miles of a CommonSpirit hospital or within the hospital's defined service area. Public agencies including health departments and local governments (excluding Sovereign Tribal Nations), capital projects, and certain other entities are not eligible. Applications must reflect activities aligning with the specific needs outlined in CommonSpirit’s hospital service area health priorities maps. The 2025 grant application window opens on July 14 and closes on September 12. Applicants are expected to be notified about funding decisions around January 19, 2026. Grant agreements will be finalized between February and March 2026, with project implementation beginning April 1, 2026. Final reports from grantees are due by May 16, 2027. A training video and FAQ are available to assist applicants in navigating the AmpliFund portal and understanding expectations. Examples of focus areas for funded proposals include mental health and substance use, access to care, food security and nutrition, and other efforts advancing social justice and health equity across the eligible states. Applicants must consult hospital service area maps to ensure geographic eligibility and submit their proposals accordingly to the corresponding hospital or hospital group.

Ensure the project serves a diverse or underserved community, addresses SDOH, integrates community participation, and includes measurable objectives. Collaboration and innovation are encouraged.