Practical Support Grant Program

Essential Access Health (Essential Access) has established the Abortion Practical Support Fund, a grant program designed to support pregnant individuals in California by making abortion care more accessible. This initiative aligns with Essential Access's broader mission to ensure reproductive health equity and access to comprehensive care. The program's core objective is to dismantle practical barriers that often prevent individuals from obtaining abortion services, thereby upholding reproductive autonomy and health outcomes. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are pregnant individuals seeking abortion care in California, including those who reside in the state and those who travel to California for care. The program also supports non-profit organizations with active 501(c)3 status based in California that provide these practical support services. The ultimate impact goal is to increase access to abortion care by alleviating the financial and logistical burdens associated with it, ensuring that individuals can exercise their right to choose without undue hardship. The grant prioritizes direct practical support services for individuals, encompassing a wide range of needs such as transportation (gas, bus, airfare, rideshare, taxi, train), lodging (hotel/motel, short-term rental), meals (per diem, restaurant, grocery), childcare/elder care expenses, and travel for emotional support companions. Additionally, it covers language access services, abortion doula expenses, wage replacement for missed work, and pharmacy expenses (over-the-counter supplies and prescriptions). Support is also extended to organizations providing these services through care management/navigation, staff training, language access services, communication platforms, and indirect costs (up to 10% of the budget). Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in barriers to abortion care for eligible individuals, leading to improved access and timely receipt of services. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals assisted, the types of practical support provided, and the geographic reach of the services. The funding range for this grant is $100,000 to $500,000 for the period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, indicating a strategic investment in organizations capable of delivering substantial support. This program embodies a theory of change where targeted practical assistance directly translates into enhanced access to essential healthcare services, reinforcing reproductive justice within California.