Rapid Response Fund for Community Power Grant

The Rapid Response Fund for Community Power, launched by HealthSpark Foundation, offers quick, flexible funding to Montgomery County organizations facing urgent challenges. With a budget of approximately $50,000, grants range from $500 to $5,000, supporting community-led initiatives that enhance civic engagement and social equity. This fund aims to empower local voices and strengthen community influence over policies affecting their lives, aligning with HealthSpark's mission to foster healthy and equitable communities.

Note: HealthSpark Foundation is currently accepting grant applications on a rolling basis.Who We Are
Originally known as the North Penn Community Health Foundation, we became HealthSpark Foundation in 2016 when we expanded to serve all of Montgomery County.
Since our founding, we’ve made 1,044 grants totaling $18.4 million to 226 organizations.
This past fall, HealthSpark Foundation launched our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which will direct our efforts to advance positive social change in Montgomery County and to build community power – our belief that people should have influence and control over the policies, programs, and practices that affect their lives.
Every day in Montgomery County, community organizations and leaders are working to address and improve civic engagement, racial and social equity, public policies and systems, and social determinants of health and well-being. Our grantmaking, convening, and leadership will stand behind and support their inspirational and essential efforts. Each year, HealthSpark will prioritize strategic initiatives that support transformative leaders, build thriving communities, and achieve opportunities and justice for all.
Aligned with our core principles of courage and justice, we are proud to launch our Rapid Response Fund for Community Power. This fund will give one-time, fast, flexible funding support to Montgomery County organizations responding to critical and unexpected, urgent events or external challenges, while strengthening the voice and power of community members. The Rapid Response Fund is intended to help nonprofits and community-based organizations in a nonpartisan manner respond to critical threats, or opportunities to advance support for racial and social justice goals.
Grant Funding Details
The 2025 Rapid Response Fund for Community Power budget is approximately $50,000. HealthSpark anticipates awarding grants with a range of $500 to a maximum of $5,000.
Note: Receiving funding from this grant program does not disqualify an applicant from receiving other funding from HealthSpark through other grant programs.

Eligibility

The Fund may support nonpartisan activities such as:
Peaceful protest and actions in solidarity with targeted communities or issues (e.g., immigrants, LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous and people of color; people experiencing homelessness; reproductive rights)
Supporting community and organizer safety (e.g., trainings, wellness, and legal defense needs).
Popular education and public awareness campaigns
Community organizing and leadership trainingsEligibility Requirements
Projects must serve Montgomery County residentsApplicants must have a 501(c)(3), or have a fiscal intermediary/sponsorship relationship, or be a religious organization, or part of Montgomery County government.
Organizations that are not Montgomery County-based (i.e., statewide or national organizations) should clearly demonstrate their connections and work to Montgomery County, the relationships with organizations in Montgomery County, and the connection to and understanding of Montgomery County residents and their needs. Grants awarded to these regional, statewide, or national groups will be in the form of a restricted grant to benefit Montgomery County, where work is centered.

Ineligibility

The Rapid Response Fund does not support:501(c)4 organizations
Funding for individuals, personal projects, or personal needs such as personal health, emergency relief, and assistance, medical bills, rent, providing food or basic essentials to individuals
Direct service provision is defined as meeting individuals’ basic immediate needs and other emotional and social supports
Publications, media events, or research unless it is tied to an organizing strategy
Replacing revenue shortfalls or addressing cash flow challenges
General operating requests for ongoing work or existing programs that are not timely or urgent in response to sudden shifts in the political climate such as an unexpected threat or an unforeseen opportunity to build power
Lobbying, political campaigns, or partisan activityWhat The Foundation Does Not Support
Athletic recreational clubs or alumni activities
Replacement of lost government-funds or supplementation of private/public insurance
Please know that we do not respond to requests for annual support, events or other general solicitations.