Abortion Practical Support Grant Program

Funder: California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)

The Practical Support Grant Program, administered by Essential Access Health under the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, allocates $20 million to assist pregnant individuals seeking abortions. This grant provides direct support for services like transportation, lodging, and childcare, ensuring access to reproductive care. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations based in California that aid those facing barriers to abortion services, promoting essential healthcare access for all.

California Department of Health Care Access and Information
HCAI has contracted with Essential Access Health (Essential Access) to administer the Uncompensated Care and Abortion Practical Support Funds. Essential Access has a long history of supporting individuals who face barriers in accessing reproductive health services.
The California State Budget appropriated funds to establish a $20 million Abortion Practical Support Fund at the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) to assist pregnant people with direct practical support for the purposes of obtaining an abortion.
HCAI has designated Essential Access to serve as the Program Administrator for both grant programs. In this role, Essential Access will manage the distribution of program funding, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Goal
The goal of the grant program is to support pregnant people with practical support services that help make accessing abortion care possible, including support services such as transportation, lodging, and child care.
What is eligible for funding?
Direct practical support to individuals seeking to obtain abortion care such as:Transportation (gas, bus, airfare, ride share, taxi, train, etc.)Lodging (hotel/motel, short-term rental)Meals (per diem meal allowance, restaurant, grocery store expenses)Childcare/elder care expensesTravel expenses for emotional support companionLanguage access services (patient interpretation services)Abortion doula expensesWage replacement for missed workPharmacy expenses (Over-the-counter supplies and prescriptions)Support for organizations providing practical support services to individuals seeking to obtain abortion care:Care management/navigationStaff trainingLanguage access services (translation and interpretation services)Communication platforms or systemsIndirect costs (up to 10% of overall budget request)

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?According to state statute, applicants must be non-profit organizations with active 501(c)3 status based in California that assist pregnant people with practical support services which help make accessing abortion care possible. Applicants must be located in California and serve pregnant individuals who reside in California or who travel to California seeking abortion care.

Ineligibility

Organizations that engage in programs or activities that conflict with the intent and purpose of the program are not eligible to apply as direct grantees or serve as subcontractors.