Community Health Grant

The 2026 Community Health Grant, administered by the Health First Foundation, is a regionally focused initiative targeting mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being within Native American communities in northern Arizona. This annual funding program aligns with the Foundation's “Healthy Minds Across Generations” initiative and centers its support on organizations that serve both Native youth and Native elders. Applicants must align with the Foundation’s mission, reflect cultural humility, and foster community engagement, especially within the five northern Arizona counties of Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai. The initiative is structured around two primary focus areas. The first, “Healthy Minds, Healthy Native Children,” seeks to support programs that foster resilience, reduce trauma, and encourage emotional wellness in youth through culturally informed, community-driven approaches. This includes programs that promote social-emotional development, incorporate traditional teachings or language, and engage family networks. Examples of eligible activities include youth wellness programs, art or storytelling initiatives, and trauma-informed care. The second focus area, “Healthy Minds, Healthy Native Aging,” emphasizes enhancing the quality of life and mental wellness for Native elders, recognizing their critical role as cultural anchors. Funded efforts might include elder wellness circles, caregiver education, or transportation support to access mental health services. Eligible applicants include Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, schools, universities, municipalities, or tribal entities. Religious organizations may apply if they propose non-sectarian programs. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted for organizations lacking tax-exempt status. All applicants must be in good standing with the IRS and actively serve at least one of the designated counties in northern Arizona. Applicants must also maintain an active non-discrimination policy, and only one Letter of Intent (LOI) per organization will be accepted. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent, which is required by February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The LOI should include essential project details such as the target population, anticipated health outcomes, budget overview, and partnerships. Applicants are advised to avoid technical jargon and use clear language to improve the clarity and accessibility of their submission. Once submitted, the Foundation will review and invite selected applicants to proceed to the next stage of the application process. Award amounts vary based on the proposed program's scope and scale, with a general preference for requests of $50,000 or more. However, innovative proposals below this threshold will also be considered. Funding can be used for both program-specific and general operating support, including personnel, supplies, training, evaluation, and cultural knowledge integration. Evaluation metrics should reflect both traditional outcomes and community-defined success indicators such as narrative or relational progress. The grant period will begin in July 2026 and conclude on June 30, 2027. Organizations are expected to describe both short-term and sustainable long-term impacts. The Foundation places significant value on cultural grounding, cross-sector collaboration, and strategies that reinforce intergenerational healing. Programs previously funded by the Foundation are ineligible for renewed funding through this cycle.

Avoid acronyms and use clear language to improve review scores.