Rapid Response Fund for Community Power Grant

Rapid Response Fund for Community Power Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Healthspark Foundation
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: October 25, 2025

Summary

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.

Overview

Note: HealthSpark Foundation is currently accepting grant applications on a rolling basis.Who We Are We are a private, independent foundation in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, part of the Greater Philadelphia region. Our foundation was created in 2002 from the sale of the North Penn Hospital in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Originally known as the North Penn Community Health Foundation, we became HealthSpark Foundation in 2016 when we expanded to serve all of Montgomery County. Our mission is to achieve healthy, equitable, and hopeful communities throughout Montgomery County. Since our founding, we’ve made 1,044 grants totaling $18.4 million to 226 organizations. Rapid Response Fund for Community Power 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. Our strategic goals—Community Power, Leadership, and Solutions—are designed to advance our new mission: to achieve healthy, equitable, and hopeful communities throughout Montgomery County. 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

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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). Community-led organizing and mobilizations Know your rights, safety, and legal training and support Security, wellness, and healing justice support Strategic mobilization and organizing convenings 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 Individuals or for-profit organizations, firms or companies Disease-specific charities Endowments Debt reduction Clinical or academic research Academic projects 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.