CommonSpirit Community Health Improvement Grants

The CommonSpirit Community Health Improvement Grants program is administered by CommonSpirit Health, a large nonprofit health system committed to advancing health equity and improving community well-being across the regions it serves. The program evolved from the CommonSpirit Health Equity and Advancement Fund, reflecting a continued and strengthened commitment to addressing disparities in health outcomes and supporting vulnerable populations. Through this initiative, CommonSpirit partners directly with community-based organizations to implement targeted interventions aligned with identified health priorities. The primary purpose of the grant program is to fund projects that improve community health and advance health equity. Funding is provided as restricted charitable contributions for clearly defined projects that align with the significant health needs identified in each participating hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment and corresponding implementation strategy. The program emphasizes measurable impact, system-level improvements, and collaborative approaches that strengthen local service delivery systems while addressing inequities affecting underserved populations. Funding supports project-based initiatives rather than general operations, and proposals must demonstrate alignment with identified health priorities within a hospital’s service area. Projects must be designed to operate over a period of nine to twelve months, with funding awarded for one-year terms. While applicants may reapply in subsequent years, projects are not eligible for funding beyond four consecutive years. The program also imposes limitations on certain expenditures, including restrictions on equipment purchases and a prohibition on capital projects such as construction or major infrastructure improvements. Activities such as lobbying, political advocacy, event sponsorships, and unrestricted operating support are explicitly ineligible. Eligibility is limited to organizations that qualify as IRS recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities or those working with a qualified fiscal sponsor capable of administering grant funds. Applicants must provide documentation of their nonprofit status and demonstrate alignment with the mission, vision, and values of CommonSpirit Health. Projects must serve populations within the hospital’s service area and prioritize vulnerable or underserved communities. Additionally, proposals requesting funding of twenty thousand dollars or more must include at least one collaborating partner organization with a clearly defined and substantive role in project implementation. The application process is conducted online during a defined submission window. For the 2027 funding cycle, applications open on July 20, 2026 and close on September 18, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars offered during the application period to better understand requirements and expectations. Following submission, applications undergo a review process, and funding decisions are expected to be communicated around January 20, 2027. Successful applicants will then enter into grant agreements and receive funding disbursements between February and March 2027. The grant performance period begins on April 1, 2027 and concludes on March 31, 2028. During this time, grantees are required to submit a mid-year report by November 12, 2027 and a final report by May 12, 2028. These reporting requirements ensure accountability and allow CommonSpirit Health to evaluate project outcomes and overall program effectiveness. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, the program places strong emphasis on alignment with community health priorities, collaboration, and measurable improvements in health outcomes. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, with application timelines and requirements expected to follow a similar structure in future years. Interested organizations may contact the program through the provided health equity fund email for additional information or support, including requests for language interpretation services during informational sessions. Overall, the grant represents a strategic investment in community partnerships designed to address systemic health challenges and promote equitable access to care.

Align proposal with hospital identified health priorities; demonstrate collaboration especially for requests above 20000; clearly define measurable outcomes and impact on underserved populations