eHealth Spark Fund

The eHealth Spark Fund is a grant opportunity administered by the Colorado Office of eHealth Innovation, a state-level entity focused on advancing health information technology and improving community health outcomes through digital innovation. The Office of eHealth Innovation works to increase access to secure, interoperable, and patient-centered health data systems across Colorado. This funding initiative reflects the agency’s broader mission to enhance community engagement in health IT, promote responsible data sharing practices, and encourage innovation that improves healthcare delivery and outcomes. The primary purpose of the eHealth Spark Fund is to support new and innovative projects that leverage technology to improve community health. The program prioritizes initiatives that address care coordination, expand telehealth services and digital access, support health IT adoption in rural areas, improve health data governance, and enhance consent management systems. These focus areas demonstrate the funder’s emphasis on scalable, forward-thinking solutions that strengthen healthcare infrastructure and accessibility, particularly in underserved or rural communities across Colorado. Funding through this program is intended to support specific project-based activities rather than ongoing operational costs. Allowable uses include investments in digital health tools, such as improving patient access to telehealth platforms, implementing language access solutions, and establishing connections to health information exchanges. Additional permissible uses include transitioning to electronic health record systems, digitizing paper records, advancing data interoperability, piloting FHIR-based APIs, adopting artificial intelligence technologies, and strengthening cybersecurity measures. Equipment purchases are permitted only when directly tied to implementing a new and innovative program, and not for routine replacement of existing infrastructure. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include tax-exempt organizations, government and public agencies, and Tribal nations. The program is designed to support organizations that can demonstrate the ability to implement impactful and scalable health IT initiatives. Successful proposals are expected to leverage existing resources, demonstrate measurable community impact, and focus on launching new programs or expanding innovative health IT solutions rather than sustaining existing operations. The application process is structured as a rolling submission period within a defined window. Applications are accepted from April 1 through April 30, with review occurring on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated or the deadline is reached. While specific application components are not explicitly outlined, applicants are expected to submit proposals that clearly articulate project scope, implementation plans, and alignment with program priorities. Evaluation criteria emphasize scalability, efficient use of resources, community benefit, and alignment with the program’s innovation goals. The timeline for this grant includes an application period in April, with estimated award decisions communicated by May 5. Following selection, contract execution is expected by July 1, and funded projects will continue through a performance period ending June 15, 2027. This structured timeline allows for rapid deployment of innovative solutions while ensuring adequate time for implementation and evaluation. For additional information or inquiries, applicants are directed to contact the Office of eHealth Innovation via email. Supporting resources, including proposal examples, draft scopes of work, contracting terms, and budget templates, are available to guide applicants through the submission and implementation process. This grant represents a strategic investment in advancing digital health innovation across Colorado, with an emphasis on sustainability, scalability, and meaningful community impact.

Focus on scalability leverage existing resources demonstrate measurable community impact and prioritize new innovative health IT programs over operational expenses