Health TRUST Rockdale Grants

The Health TRUST Rockdale Grants program is administered by the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County, a local governmental entity responsible for improving the health and well-being of residents within Rockdale County. The Authority operates this grant program as part of its broader mission to invest in initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address critical health needs, particularly among vulnerable populations. The program reflects a targeted, community-based funding strategy focused exclusively on serving residents of Rockdale County, ensuring that all awarded funds directly benefit this geographic area. The primary purpose of the Health TRUST Rockdale Grants program is to support programs and projects that improve both physical and mental health outcomes. The Authority prioritizes services for individuals who are indigent, uninsured, or underinsured, as well as other underserved groups. Funding is directed toward a range of health-related initiatives organized into priority tiers, including access to medical and dental care, behavioral and mental health services, non-emergency healthcare transportation, preventative screenings, family planning, support services for individuals with disabilities, and broader public health initiatives such as healthy lifestyles and workforce development in healthcare professions. These priorities guide applicants in aligning proposals with the Authority’s strategic objectives. Funding through this program is flexible in terms of award size, as there is no stated maximum funding limit. Applicants may request any reasonable amount necessary to implement an eligible project or program. However, funding decisions are influenced by several factors, including alignment with the Authority’s mission, the total volume of requests within a grant cycle, and the overall budget allocated for grants in a given fiscal year. While there is no lifetime limit on the number of grants an organization may receive, applicants are strongly encouraged to develop sustainability plans and seek additional funding sources to ensure long-term program viability. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental entities under specific conditions. Government applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project enhances health-related services and is not simply replacing existing funding. All applicants must serve Rockdale County residents exclusively and comply with residency verification requirements. Organizations must also be in good standing with prior grant reporting obligations, as failure to submit timely and complete reports can result in temporary or extended ineligibility. The application process is structured and requires adherence to strict submission procedures. Organizations may apply for one grant per calendar year within one of two established grant cycles, with the option to submit a second application in a subsequent cycle for a different project. Applicants must meet all pre-application requirements, including participation in a pre-proposal conference for new applicants or notification of intent to apply for returning applicants seeking repeat funding. Completed applications must be submitted electronically by the stated deadline and accompanied by three hard copies plus the original, which must be postmarked by the deadline. Late applications are not accepted outside of limited emergency exceptions. The program follows a clearly defined annual timeline with two grant cycles. In Cycle I, the grant opportunity is publicized in mid-January, followed by mandatory pre-proposal conferences held from mid-January through early February. Applications are accepted in early February, with a firm submission deadline typically set at 5 p.m. during that window. Staff review and technical assistance occur immediately afterward, followed by assignment of review leads, site visits, and interviews conducted from late February through mid-May. Final funding decisions are made by the Board of Trustees in mid-May, with award notifications distributed shortly thereafter and funds disbursed in June upon receipt of signed grant conditions. Cycle II follows a parallel structure, with the opportunity publicized in early July, pre-proposal conferences held from mid- to late July, applications accepted in early August with a firm early August deadline, and subsequent review, site visits, and decision-making extending through November, with awards announced in late November and funds disbursed in December. Proposals are evaluated based on clearly defined criteria that emphasize impact, sustainability, and organizational capacity. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes, address unmet health needs, and serve underserved populations. Additional consideration is given to organizations that leverage other resources, maintain strong financial management practices, and collaborate with community partners. The review process includes staff review, site visits, and interviews, culminating in Board deliberations where final funding decisions are made. The program operates on a recurring basis with two clearly scheduled grant cycles each year, requiring applicants to closely track deadlines and participate in required pre-application activities. For further information, applicants may contact the Executive Director, Julie Mills, via email or phone. Overall, the Health TRUST Rockdale Grants program represents a structured, locally focused funding opportunity designed to improve community health outcomes through strategic investments in nonprofit and public sector initiatives.

Focus on measurable health outcomes, demonstrate service to underserved populations, show sustainability and collaboration, ensure financial transparency