Health Access Grants

Geographic Scope: Virginia

Purpose: Most VHCF grants work to increase access to healthcare for uninsured Virginians and those who live in areas with limited access to care.

Funding Priorities

Grant applicants are encouraged to develop initiatives in the following areas based on their local needs:

• Developing or Expanding Capacity – Initiatives that establish new outlets of care for uninsured or medically underserved Virginians, or enable existing programs to serve greater numbers of patients. Examples include proposals to add new primary care providers (medical, mental health, dental, pharmacists); undertake strategic expansion of physical infrastructure; utilize technology to expand access (e.g., telemedicine); or implement innovative models of service delivery.
• Establishing a Broader Scope of Services – Adding new services to current offerings. Proposals to add key primary care services (e.g., mental health, dental); institute programs to enhance care of uninsured, chronically ill patients; or utilize technology (e.g., telehealth or tele-mental health) to enhance and expand access to primary care in underserved areas.
• Accelerating Licensure of Behavioral Health Professionals – VHCF will consider proposals to pay salary and benefits of masters-prepared therapists (social workers and counselors) from local organizations that will provide the required oversight by a licensed professional, enabling them to obtain licensure. This addresses the compelling shortage of behavioral health professionals throughout the state, particularly in the 77 localities federally designated as mental health professional shortage areas.
• Creating Local Coordinated Systems of Care – VHCF is interested in stimulating and supporting local initiatives that result in community-wide coordinated networks of care for the uninsured and medically underserved. This funding track is appropriate for communities where multiple organizations have a vision of working closely together to achieve greater synergies and efficiencies by creating or enhancing interoperability among providers.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Organizations:

• Public agencies or private non-profits holding 501(c)(3) tax-exemption
• Organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt fiscal sponsor
• Applicants for federal tax-exemption under 501(c)(3)
• Free clinics or Community Health Centers must be members in good standing with either the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics or the Virginia Community Healthcare Association

What VHCF Does NOT Fund:

• Research projects that lack a direct primary care service component
• Funding to replace previously-existing sources of funding that have been reduced or eliminated
• Portions of existing operations
• Sponsorships

Award Information

• Range: Foundation grant awards have ranged from $10,000 to over $200,000
• First-year awards: Typically range from $60,000–$100,000
• Multi-year: Projects are funded for one year and may reapply each year for a total of three years. Funding is reduced by at least 25% in each subsequent grant year.
• Application amount: Concept paper request should represent one year of funding. There is no limit to the amount an organization can request.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are scrutinized thoroughly to ensure:

• Strong project leadership
• Well-articulated vision
• Solid operating plan
• Community support
• Long-term financial viability

VHCF funds projects that are "great ideas backed by well thought-out plans of action," not just good ideas.

Contact

Address: 6806 Paragon Place, Suite 250, Richmond, VA 23230

Application Process

VHCF uses a two-step application process:

Step 1: Concept Paper (Required First Step)

Submission Requirements:

• Maximum 3 typewritten, double-spaced pages
• Standard font size (12 point)
• Letter-sized paper (8½" x 11")
• 1" margins
• Page numbers required
• No attachments, cover letters, or additional information permitted

Deadlines: Concept papers are reviewed twice annually (fall and spring). While VHCF accepts concept papers year-round, there are cut-off dates. Check the website for specific deadlines.

Submission Method: Email to Kari Parkhurst, Grant Operations & Website Administrator, at kari@vhcf.org

What to Include in Concept Paper:

• Concise statement of case for VHCF funding
• Amount requested (should represent one year of funding)
• Project overview and approach

Decision Timeline: Applicants will be notified in writing within two weeks of the spring or fall concept paper submission deadline.

Step 2: Formal Proposal (By Invitation Only)

Important: Do NOT submit a formal proposal unless VHCF requests one following review of your concept paper.

Submission Requirements:

• 10-page limit for narrative portion only
• Page limit does NOT include: Executive Summary, budget forms, budget narrative, letters of support, or other attachments
• No page limit on attachments, but ensure attachments are relevant to the project
• Executive Summary cover sheet required
• All materials must be included

Submission Method: Email proposal to Kari Parkhurst at kari@vhcf.org

Deadline Compliance: Proposals must be received in the VHCF offices by 5:00 pm on the deadline date (not postmarked by deadline).

Decision Timeline: Applicants will be notified by June 30 for Spring cycle, and by December 31 for Fall cycle submissions.

Pre-Application Guidance

1. Review Requirements First: Before developing a concept paper, review general eligibility requirements and grant guidelines
2. Contact a Program Officer: Strongly encouraged to call a Program Officer before submitting concept paper to discuss plans. Schedule a time or call (804) 828-5804
3. Review Grant Guidelines: Download and review VHCF's comprehensive Grant Guidelines, which includes:
   • Funding Priorities
   • Focus on Sustainability
   • Grant Criteria and Eligibility
   • Grant Application Process
   • Special Instructions, Policies and Information
   • Conditions for Grant Acceptance
   • 20 Predictors of a Successful Project

Reapplication and Resubmission Policies

• After Denial: If a full proposal is denied funding, organizations must wait at least one year before reapplying for funds for that project. After one year, may send in another concept paper.
• Active Grants: Organizations with an active VHCF grant may submit a concept paper for a new project, though VHCF considers organizational capacity as a funding criterion.
• Multiple Concepts: If organization has more than one new project or service expansion, contact VHCF at (804) 828-5804 to discuss projects before submitting multiple concept papers.

Grant Administration

• Payment Timeline: If project is approved, organization will be asked to sign a Letter of Agreement that lays out specific goals. First payment is made once the Letter of Agreement is signed by both the Foundation and the Grantee, typically within two months of notice of a grant award.
• Important: An invitation to submit a concept paper or formal proposal does NOT guarantee funding. Grant awards are only assured after the application/review process is complete, the Foundation's Board of Trustees has made final determinations regarding awards, and a satisfactory letter of agreement has been signed by all appropriate parties.