Building Connections Initiative

Overview

_NOTE: The application period will be have two-phases: an eligibility phase and a grant application phase for eligible organizations. Applicants who have recently completed an EHF technical assistance application will not be required to resubmit information in the eligibility screening phase. Our intention in creating this eligibility phase is to reduce unnecessary effort for community partners who do not fit the eligibility criteria for this program. See Letter of Inquiry Deadline above for eligibility screening. All applicants will receive notice of whether they are deemed eligible or not within three business days. Organizations deemed eligible will receive an invitation to complete the full application. We invite and encourage you to reach out for assistance with the application process. Please contact the Building Connections Team.
_

Background

We imagine an Inland Northwest where everyone determines their own paths to healthy, thriving lives, no matter who we are, where we live, or how much money we make. To accomplish this, we believe communities need strong leaders equipped with the experience and resources to lead stable organizations built with the infrastructure and access to resources to sustain change and build power, and an interconnected approach to changing systems to better support these community visions. This will take true partnership, a centering of community leadership at every turn, and organizations like EHF willing to use every resource at our disposal.

We are inviting leaders and organizations who share this vision and have relationships in the key communities identified to join us in a community of learning. This will be an intersectional space and we will be working from shared agreements that honor and respect the diversity of identities and backgrounds represented in the community. If you’re energized by the prospect of creating spaces for organizational and leadership growth towards authentic community determination and power building, this is an opportunity for you.

This invitation represents an initial expression of EHF’s commitment to historically disadvantaged communities. A commitment to prioritize our resources towards this effort, to organize other funders and institutions to increase the resources available for this work, and to follow the lead of our community partners in how we can best provide support.

How will the cohort operate?

The Building Connections Initiative will support organizations in realizing their vision for health equity in their community. Applicants selected for this cohort will be asked to engage in co-creating this program in collaboration with EHF Staff and fellow nonprofits. While the cadence and shape of these convenings will be decided with the direction of the cohort, we expect regular engagement from grantees.

Cohort members will be expected to participate in shaping and respecting shared agreements. We believe that by working together toward the shared goal of improving health equity we can build an interconnected network of nonprofits capable of catalyzing systems change for a more equitable and vibrant community in eastern Washington.

We also plan to create opportunities for shared healing experiences for our partners and for knowledge sharing based on partner needs. We will not be requiring extensive grant reporting. There will be periodic check-ins with EHF staff and a yearly storytelling and evaluation session to improve the program.

Funding

EHF is dedicating $5 million over five years to this program, with $1 million dedicated to annual general operating grants. Grant awards will be $50,000 per year. These funds will be for general operating expenses and may be spent at the grantee organization’s discretion. EHF will create a low barrier annual reporting process that focuses on mutual learning and organizational storytelling. Grantees will receive a 5-year commitment.

Cohort members will also be prioritized for additional EHF grant funding programs. These opportunities will evolve from year-to-year based on third-party funding opportunities.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* This fund will support grassroots and by-and-for nonprofit organizations representing and responsive to BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, disability, rural, and low-income communities.
* Our grants are open to organizations serving Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties, as well as the lands and people of the Colville Confederated, Kalispel, and Spokane Sovereign Nations