Questions and answers about Health Forward’s 2022 grantmaking transition

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Last week, we announced changes to our grantmaking process that will take place in 2022. 

Our 2022 foundation defined grant funding process will change to provide sustaining support during this transition period, while our applicant defined grants will be awarded less frequently. You can read the full details here

Understandably, you have reached out to us with questions. Below are answers to some frequent questions we’ve received.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Why is Health Forward making these changes? 

As Qiana Thomason announced in October 2020 during Health Forward’s 15-year anniversary celebration, we have been reimagining our strategic positioning to accomplish our mission and strive to become a national model for health equity through economic inclusion. In charting that course, we’ve been spending the last year on a process called purpose alignment to determine how we can shift our work more upstream while also supporting direct services.  

When will Health Forward share more about new funding priorities and strategies? 

We look forward to sharing our new purpose and details around our evolved strategies with you in early 2022.  

APPLICANT DEFINED GRANT QUESTIONS

Will I still be able to apply for an applicant defined grant? 

Yes. We will have five deadlines for applicant defined grants in 2022: March, May, June, September, and November. 

How much can I apply for in 2022? 

Applicant defined grant awards will still be capped at $75,000 per grant. Our overall budget to fund ADG proposals will not be reduced. 

What are the priorities for applicant defined grant funding? 

Applicant defined grants will still be based on an applicant’s determination of need. We will continue to support our four funding categories: core operating support, capacity building, program support, and innovation.

Will the application process change? 

There may be a few changes to simplify the applicant defined grant application process. We will share more details in January. 

FOUNDATION DEFINED GRANT QUESTIONS:

Will there be open requests for proposals for Health Forward foundation defined grants in 2022? 

No, Health Forward will not release open requests for proposals in 2022. We will not accept unsolicited applications for Healthy Communities, Mental Health, or Safety Net funding. However, we will offer current partners the opportunity to apply for transitional funding opportunities in 2022.

Who is eligible for transitional foundation defined grant funding? 

Organizations who received a 2021 foundation defined grant will be eligible for transitional funding in 2022.

Will there be an application process to receive foundation defined grant funding? 

Those who are invited to apply for funding will complete a streamlined application. It will not be a typical Health Forward grant application. We will share more details about this process in February. 

How much funding can I expect to receive? 

Current grantees may not receive the same amount of funding as you’ve received in the past. We’ll be looking at historic funding levels, available dollars, and the timing of your current funding.  

When will I learn more about my eligibility for funding and potential funding amount? 

We will contact you about eligibility and funding amount in the first quarter of 2022. If you are a recent grantee, you can expect to hear from a program officer, but you may also reach out with any questions. 

When will 2022 foundation defined grants end? 

All foundation defined grants will end June 30, 2023. 

POLICY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONS: 

Will Health Forward accept new proposals for the Policy and Civic Engagement round in 2022? 

We will not accept new applications in 2022. We have contacted current Policy and Civic Engagement grantees about continued support in 2022.