Health Equity Fund Grant

Health Equity Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Missouri Foundation for Health
Amount: US $50,000 - US $1,000,000
Last Updated: December 09, 2025

Summary

The Health Equity Fund Grant supports innovative community-driven projects aimed at addressing health disparities in Missouri. It provides funding opportunities for organizations focused on systemic change, ensuring equitable access to health resources. By tackling root causes such as economic instability and inadequate healthcare access, the grant fosters collaborations that empower communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and governmental entities, with an emphasis on proposals that integrate community input and prioritize long-term impact, thereby enhancing health equity across the state.

Overview

Note: Please submit a brief concept paper to tell us more about your proposed work. Staff will review concept papers and then send invitations to organizations to submit full proposals if the idea fits with the Health Equity Fund and aligns with our mission and values. Full proposals due mid January 2026. Health Equity Fund Partnering with communities to reshape systems and promote better health for all. The Health Equity Fund supports organizations working to ensure all Missourians have a fair and just opportunity to live their healthiest lives by changing systems that create barriers to health. Formerly the Opportunity Fund, the Health Equity Fund, invests in bold, community-driven work that addresses the root causes of health inequities. We know that health is more than what happens in a doctor’s office. It’s shaped by the places we live, the air we breathe, and the opportunities we have. Yet, for many communities, essentials like affordable housing, clean water, quality education, and good-paying jobs with benefits remain out of reach, creating obstacles to health and well-being. That’s why we partner with organizations tackling the underlying causes of health disparities. From raising the minimum wage and securing paid leave for working people to reforming the foster system to ensure families stay together, we support organizations that go beyond treating symptoms to disrupt the systems the created these challenges in the first place. Our partners have made a real impact by creating cross-sector collaborations, advocating for changes in policies and practices, and working with their communities to look at systems with fresh perspectives. We invite you to join us in continuing to build on that momentum and create a future where all Missourians thrive.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. What the Health Equity Fund Supports

We welcome a wide range of approaches, including but not limited to those listed below. ApproachesPilot models to create long-term changeField or sector-wide capacity building to engage in systemic changeCross-sector coalition building or strengtheningCommunity organizing or mobilizing community membersAdvocacyOutcomesPolicies and institutional practices changed (or in process of changing)Resource flows (e.g., funding/budgets, expertise, data, etc.) shiftedCoalitions, networks, and partnerships built and sustained that bring the voices of those most impacted to the tableCommunity power strengthened to influence changeCollective capacity and infrastructure for systems change work created and reinforcedNonprofit or governmental entities that meet our funding guidelines are eligible to apply.Applicants may apply with a fiscal sponsor.We do accept applications from organizations outside of Missouri but the project must primarily benefit the MFH service area. Current grant recipients from another MFH funding program can apply for a Health Equity Grant.Organizations can submit more than one proposal at a time.We are interested in efforts that address the root causes of systemic and structural inequities. For organizations with multiple departments or locations, we’re open to learning about distinct proposals. However, we encourage you to prioritize the opportunity with the greatest potential impact – both to make the best use of your time and to help ensure funding is available to as many organizations as possible. Organizations can have more than one Health Equity award at the same time.The Health Equity Fund generally supports short-term proposals up to three years in length. Organizations with previously declined concept proposals may reapply.What We FundMFH will fund costs necessary to meet the objectives of a project as outlined in a request for application, contracted service, or program related investment proposal.The following expenses are allowable subject to the limitations stated:Benefits and Payroll Taxes: For each employee supported with Foundation funds, benefits and payroll taxes may ONLY be requested for:employer portion of federal, state, and local taxeshealth, life, and disability insurance related only to the Foundation funded employee(s)retirement (only 401(k), 403(b), or pension)Indirect Expense: Indirect expenses are shared among projects and/or functions. Examples include executive management, accounting, grants management, human resources or administrative and other support services, phones, occupancy, insurance, utilities, and facility maintenance.

Ineligibility

What the Health Equity Fund Does Not Support Proposals that intend to replace lapsed or lost federal funding for direct service programs. Proposals that fall within the topic areas of our issue-based work. We have dedicated funding and strategies already addressing the topic areas listed below. If your proposal falls within one of those areas of work, we encourage you to use this contact form and choose funding or partnering opportunity to connect with those teams.Topic areas not accepted include: Behavioral health, mental health, harm reduction, substance use Contraceptive access Crisis response and justice system diversion  Firearm injury and death preventionFood systemsInfant and maternal healthMedicaid expansionPlease note that the Health Equity Fund will not support concept papers that primarily focus on the following:Proposals where the majority of the grant is funding direct services without any plan or preparation for systems changeProposals that lack understanding of inequities, do not address root causes or power imbalances, do not integrate community member input, or share decision-making power with those the proposal seeks to benefitProposals that impact only one organization’s clientsCapital campaignsConcepts whose goal is sustainability through a Medicaid 1115 waiverBudget requests that are far beyond available funding for the current yearMFH will not fund the following types of expenses and activities:Basic biomedical research or research on drug therapies or devicesLobbyingExisting operational deficits or programs projected to create a deficitFundraising campaigns for the purpose of construction, endowment building or establishing emergency or other types of reservesPrograms that promote specific religious beliefs or proselytizePrograms fully funded from other sources