March 30, 2020

There is no denying that the COVID-19 Corona Virus has changed our lives and will have lasting impacts on our community.

In response, Rocky Mountain Health Foundation established a $300,000 Rapid Response Grant to quickly deploy resources to serve the most vulnerable, with a focus on agencies responding to critical issues surrounding the COVID-19 crisis.

Our goal is to be fast and flexible with this funding opportunity. Rapid Response grants up to $10,000 will be available through April 17 or when the fund has been expended. Applications will be reviewed regularly. Decisions will be announced within a week of applying and funds will be immediately released via ACH.

WHO CAN APPLY: Agencies (who have BOTH programmatic services and personnel residing primarily on the Western Slope) with an emphasis on health and Social Determinants of Health who are a 501(c)(3), a 509(a) or a governmental, tribal, school or public entity are invited to apply, as well as those organizations with fiscal agents.

Please note that organizations currently receiving funding, planning to apply for future funding, or past declined applicants and/or those organizations in a pause year are eligible to apply for this Rapid Response grant. Participation will not impact current, pending, or future funding opportunities.

WHAT WE WILL FUND: Examples of direct services that may be funded include:

• Funding for critical needs for the clients of nonprofits, including transportation, medical care, mental health services, childcare, and food security.

• Telehealth support (equipment, broadband access).

• Quarantine supplies and prevention-related items such as sanitizing supplies and equipment.

Grant funding is not available for any costs that insurance or state/federal emergency relief funds will cover or reimburse, unless delays will cause critical and/or ongoing program delays.

HOW AWARDS ARE DETERMINED: Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee and will be based on how well applicants:

• Address immediate, critical needs with direct services for vulnerable populations

• Coordinate and collaborate with work already happening in the community

• Support a community, population, and/or geography that is disproportionally impacted by COVID-19

• Illustrate urgent need

HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please complete the online application. Organizations that are funded will be asked to sign a grant agreement, provide ACH information and eventually respond to a survey on how funds were used.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Applicants are encouraged and always welcome to inquire with questions to Kim Lewis, Program Officer, at (970) 623-2302 or kim@rmhealth.org or Stephanie Self, Grant Manager, at (970) 773-6600 or stephanie@rmhealth.org.

Let’s continue taking good care of each other and sharing good health.