Taking Action with Data Grant Program

The Taking Action with Data funding opportunity is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services through its Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, commonly referred to as Wisconsin Tracking. This program operates within the Division of Public Health and is supported through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since its establishment, Wisconsin Tracking has focused on compiling, maintaining, and disseminating environmental public health data to support informed decision-making at the community level. The program emphasizes accessibility of data through tools such as Environmental Health Data Dashboards and County Environmental Health Profiles, which provide localized insights into environmental health trends and risks. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support local public health agencies and federally recognized Tribal nations in developing innovative or enhanced projects that improve environmental public health outcomes in their communities. Applicants are required to use Wisconsin Tracking data to identify environmental health concerns and design targeted interventions. The funding prioritizes new initiatives or expansions of existing projects that demonstrate clear enhancements. Projects must align with the program’s goal of promoting data-driven decision-making and fostering measurable improvements in environmental health conditions. Funding is structured as mini-grants, with up to six awards anticipated, each providing up to 10,000 dollars for a one-year project period. Funds are distributed through a reimbursement-based system and must be used within the defined performance period. Allowable expenses include education, outreach, training, testing supplies, and activities that expand environmental health surveillance. However, funds cannot be used for mitigation efforts such as infrastructure development or capital purchases like laboratory equipment. This restriction reflects federal funding guidelines tied to the CDC’s support of the program. Eligibility is limited to local public health agencies, including city and county health departments, federally recognized Tribal nations in Wisconsin, and multi-jurisdictional health entities. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement a project, engage stakeholders, and utilize environmental health data effectively. Projects must also incorporate partnerships and community engagement, and applicants are expected to collaborate with Wisconsin Tracking staff throughout the project lifecycle. This includes participation in progress calls, submission of mid-project and final reports, and dissemination of findings through presentations or publications. The application process requires submission of a completed application form, including detailed sections on project description, target population, stakeholder engagement, and a comprehensive work plan with performance measures. Applications must not exceed eight pages, excluding appendices. Required components also include letters of support from collaborating partners. Applications are submitted electronically via email, and adherence to formatting and submission guidelines is strictly enforced. A non-binding survey of intent is encouraged prior to application submission to assist with planning and review logistics. The timeline for the funding opportunity begins with the release of the request for applications in May, followed by a question period and an optional survey of intent. The final application deadline is June 24, 2026. Award notifications are expected by mid-July, with project implementation beginning in early August 2026. Projects must be completed by July 31, 2027, with final reporting due in mid-August 2027. This funding opportunity is issued annually, representing the eleventh year of the program, indicating a recurring cycle of support for environmental public health initiatives in Wisconsin.

Emphasize strong use of Wisconsin Tracking data; align project with measurable environmental health outcomes; include clear SMART objectives and performance measures; demonstrate meaningful partnerships and stakeholder engagement; incorporate health equity considerations throughout proposal