Lancaster Osteopathic Health Foundation Community Grants Program

Lancaster Osteopathic Health Foundation (LOHF) Community Grants Program

Funder: Lancaster Osteopathic Health Foundation, operating under Touchstone Foundation

Program Status: Launched 2015; based on results of "Lancaster County Youth Behavioral and Mental Health Needs Assessment"

Geographic Scope: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Vision: All children and youth in Lancaster County experience mental well-being

Mission: Advance mental wellness of children and youth in Lancaster County by facilitating access, education, and coordination of resources

Funding Available:

• 2015: $279,000 total funds available
• Fall 2015 funding: Available January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016
• Spring 2016 funding: Available July 1, 2016 – July 30, 2017
• Fall 2016: Additional $41,070 in grant funds available

Target Population:

• Children and young adults (0-25) with mental/behavioral health issues
• Their parents/caregivers
• Teachers and healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers)

Impact Area 1: Care Coordination

Improve delivery of children's behavioral health services

• Increase access to mental/behavioral health services
• Seamless transition of services for young adults
• Coordinate resources to support families in navigating and accessing care

Impact Area 2: Parent/Caregiver Education

Enhance capacity of parents, families, and caregivers through training and support

• Increase competency in addressing children's mental/behavioral needs
• Increase understanding and confidence in parents using strength-based techniques
• Decrease need for care coordination

Impact Area 3: Access to Providers

Improve capacity of providers to support and treat children

• Reduce wait times for behavioral healthcare
• Increase number of children who have and utilize health insurance
• Encourage well-child visits and preventative care
• Expand number and frequency of behavioral/mental health screenings in primary care

What LOHF Will Provide:

• Research to support initiatives
• Grantmaking guidelines
• Clearly defined and communicated grant funding process
• Advocacy

Organizational Values:

• Honor osteopathic legacy while advancing entire medical professional community
• Prioritize investment in improving health outcomes for most vulnerable populations (lacking access due to income, ability to navigate systems, mobility, or proximity)
• Focus on care coordination within children's behavioral healthcare
• Leverage financial resources through partnerships
• Work collaboratively
• Actively participate in advocacy
• Include diverse stakeholders in planning and design
• Evaluate and improve for continuous learning

Contact Information:

• Email: info@lohfoundation.org
• Phone: 717-397-8722
• Website: lohf.org/grants
• Address: 128 East Grant Street Suite 104, Lancaster, PA 17602-2854

Grant Application Process

Two-Cycle Funding System:

Fall Cycle (Calendar Year Funding)

• Information Session: Friday, June 19, 8:00 a.m., Cap and Cork Restaurant
• Letters of Intent/Inquiry Period: Now through July 15, 2015
• Full Grant Applications Due: September 1, 2015
• Funding Available: January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016

Spring Cycle (Fiscal Year Funding)

• Information Session: Announced at later date
• Letters of Intent/Inquiry Period: July 16, 2015 – January 15, 2016
• Full Grant Applications Due: March 1, 2016
• Funding Available: July 1, 2016 – July 30, 2017

Application Steps:

1. Submit Letter of Intent/Inquiry online during designated period
2. If invited to proceed, submit complete grant application
3. Application must address one or more of three impact areas (Care Coordination, Parent/Caregiver Education, or Access to Providers)

Required Elements:

• Demonstrate how program aligns with LOHF impact areas
• Show partnership commitment to collaboration
• Evidence of innovation and creativity
• Plan for evaluation and continuous improvement

Submission Method:

• Online application portal
• Full guidelines available at lohf.org/grants

Pre-Application Support:

• LOHF staff available to discuss programs before application
• Encouraged to contact staff with questions

Timeline:
Applications due September 1, 2015 for Fall 2015 cycle
Applications due March 1, 2016 for Spring 2016 cycle