SPARK Grants

Purpose: Meet emergent community needs aligned with the social determinants of health in a responsive manner. Previously known as Mini-Grants or Spark of Change grants.

Geographic Scope: Perry County, Central and Western Cumberland County, Northern Adams County, and the greater Shippensburg area

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 717-960-9009 x7

Focus Areas:

• Social determinants of health
• Emergency and urgent community needs
• Health equity advancement
• Neighborhood-based solutions
• Counter-narratives to health inequities

Recent Performance (2024-2025 fiscal year):

• 36 grants awarded
• Total funding: $141,352

Special Initiative (2022): Four Spark of Change mini-grants focused on addressing health equity challenges at the neighborhood level, including projects by Tomorrow's Neighbors, Hope Station, and YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County.

Background: Responsive grantmaking designed to address pressing community needs quickly. Part of Partnership's strategic focus on neighborhood-based solutions to health inequities.

Application Process

1. Visit the Partnership for Better Health Grants Portal
2. Complete streamlined online application
3. Describe emergent community need
4. Submit by deadline

Required Materials (based on available information):

• Organization information
• Description of emergent/urgent community need
• How project aligns with social determinants of health
• Budget (modest scope)
• Timeline for implementation
• Expected community impact

Application Advantages: Streamlined process designed for responsiveness and quick turnaround to address urgent needs.