Health First Wellness Grants

Health First Wellness Grants

Overview: Health First awards grants to local nonprofit organizations addressing health disparities and wellness needs in Brevard County.

Award Amount: Varies by grant; 2022-2023 cycle distributed over $360,000 total to 12 nonprofits

Recurrence: Annual

Geographic Scope: Brevard County, Florida

Eligibility:

Brevard County-based nonprofit organizations

Organizations addressing health disparities identified in Community Health Needs Assessment

Focus on improving wellness and health equity in the community

Focus Areas:

Basic health and wellness services

Programs addressing health disparities

Community health improvement

Services for underserved populations including:

- Youth homelessness prevention
- Aging services
- Healthcare navigation
- Sled hockey and adaptive recreation (Space Coast Blast)
- Indigent services (Streetside Showers)
- Healthcare access (WAYS for Life Brevard)

Application Cycle: 2023-2024 application period opened March 28, 2023

Selection Process:

Applications evaluated and approved by Community Health Improvement Committee

Committee comprised of Health First leaders across the system

Focus on disparities identified in Community Health Needs Assessment in partnership with Space Coast Health Foundation

Grants intended to be enterprising and invite expansive thinking

Recent Impact (2022-2023):

12 nonprofits received grants totaling $360,000+

First quarter reports showed measurable results and life-saving impact

Examples: WAYS for Life Brevard prevented homelessness for students; Space Coast Blast expanded sled hockey program

Contact Information: Health First Foundation, Paula Just (Chief Experience Officer), Michael Seeley (President, Health First Foundation)