Applications are now OPEN

The Health Care Foundation awards grant funds to non-profit agencies serving communities in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties to support programs that promote physical and mental well-being. Each grant cycle is competitive. If your request is for a program’s operating expenses, your application must show how the organization will continue funding after the grant funds are expended. Preference is given to one-time requests and to support equipment purchases.

The Board of the Health Care Foundation ranks proposals highly when they describe approaches that are scientifically valid, seek measurable results, and show evidence of good design and planning. All projects should also identify and address barriers to sustainability and the best projects begin with a key problem that can be analyzed and the outcome measured.

All approved grant programs must be implemented by December 31, 2025. If your organization needs additional time to complete the program, please notify The Health Care Foundation to discuss arrangements to extend the funds into the next year. Failure to do so may result in reconsideration or revoking of the award.

Challenge Donation Program: As a non-profit organization The Health Care Foundation is required to raise funds. We do not compete with local organizations for charitable contributions, so grant applicants are encouraged to participate in the Challenge Donation Program. Recipient organizations agree to raise donation funds for their proposed project, which are matched, dollar-for-dollar, by The Health Care Foundation up the challenge grant amount. If you are interested in this program, please contact Mary Jane Melink at (360) 423-3591 or e-mail thehealthcarefoundation@gmail.com for more information.

The Health Care Foundation considers grant applications only from non-profit agencies and public charities as defined under the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations.

Grants for religious purposes and activities are prohibited.

An applicant must have obtained a 501(c) determination letter prior to submitting an application. First time grant applicants must include a copy with this application.

If a Health Care Foundation grant was previously awarded, all required reports must have been submitted prior to any additional application for funding being considered.

Relevance significance: Proposals should seek approaches that address a demonstrated need on the part of the local community. Please refrain from focusing on State and National trends/studies and keep the data specific to our local communities. The proposed program should avoid replicating existing sustainable services.

Clear objectives and an understanding of related work. The proposal should describe the project goals, previous efforts to address similar problems, and explain how this project will build on that work.

Sound methods and measurable results: Proposals should describe what will be done to achieve the project goals. Project must include clear, measurable results that can be reported on if funded.

Credible leadership. The applicant must have the technical skills and professional experience needed to manage the project, communicate effectively with the target population and identify key collaborating stakeholders. The agency must have the capacity to provide project support.

Appropriate partnerships. Cooperating agencies should have the necessary skill and interest in the project to be willing and effective stakeholders.

1. Completed grant packet (original and 13 copies – 14 in total) which includes:

• Signed and dated Grant Authorization page, (original and 13 copies – 14 in total)
• 2025 Grant Application (original and 13 copies – 14 in total)
• Grant Narrative (original and 13 copies – 14 in total)
• Do not include or send any copies of the grant instructions

2. Completed Grant Report – If you received a 2024 or earlier grant please include the previous grant report with the grant packet, even if it was previously submitted, (original and 13 copies – 14 in total)

• All the required appendices in the quantities identified. See below
• All documents must be collated, punched for a three-ring binder and paper clipped (if they are received otherwise, they will be returned to applicant).
• No Staples.

Appendix A: A program budget, include original and 13 copies (for a total of 14). Use your agency forms.

Appendix B: The current agency annual operating budget with detailed revenue and expense information include an original and 13 copies (for a total of 14). Use your agency forms.

Appendix C: A final report from previous grant award (if applicable) include an original and 13 copies (for a total of 14)

Appendix D: Current Board of Directors, listing occupations, include original and 13 copies (for a total of 14)

Appendix E. One copy only of your current audited financial report.

Appendix F: One copy only of your fundraising brochure letter.

Appendix G: One copy only of most recent 990 Tax Filing, include with original application.

Appendix H: One copy only of your current IRS exemption letter is required before your grant can be approved.

Before starting to write, read the entire application and make sure you understand the guidelines about eligibility, the use of funds, the application components, and the overall purpose of the grant program.

Develop clear goals and state them plainly. Make sure you communicate how your goals, timelines, and program make sense. Address and rethink obvious problems before writing anything at all.

Work for measurable results. Be able to describe how you know that you’ve reached your goals and objectives.

Check your printed proposal before sending it in. Make sure all the signatures and dates are on the printed proposal and that your attachments are included.