WellSpan Health announces today that it has opened the application process for its Community Grants Program that provides direct funding to organizations to assist in addressing the social determinants of health and barriers to positive health outcomes.

"We know 80 percent of health outcomes are related to social and behavioral conditions impacting health and quality of life. Health systems cannot tackle these issues alone," said Ann Kunkel, vice president of community health and engagement, WellSpan Health. "Through our grants program, we are fortunate to partner with organizations across our region to address the health challenges facing our individual communities."

There are three levels of grant funding available:

· Imagine Grants: This grant helps fund big ideas that may lead to transformational change which is measurable and sustainable. Grant amounts will range from $50,000 to $150,000 per year, renewable for up to three years. The grant's specific focus area for 2022 is addressing food insecurity issues to improve health outcomes especially with medically compromised, chronically ill patients.

· Inspire Grants: These grants, formerly known as Community Partnership Grants, support projects that advance WellSpan's Community Health Improvement Plan priorities. Projects should be new or expansions of existing programs, one-time seed, or gap funding, and have measurable impact. Inspire grants are not for ongoing operational support. Grant amounts will range up to $50,000 and are generally limited to one year.

· Spark Grants: These grants are $5,000 or less and are made available when emergent needs are identified. For example, Slow the Spread grants have assisted organizations in making COVID-19 vaccination and testing more accessible to community members.

Last year, WellSpan distributed more than $900,000 in grants to community partners who are working to reduce gun violence, furnish food and shelter to those in need, expand mental health services and address other health barriers. Our 2021 Slow the Spread grants, specifically related to COVID-19, helped our vulnerable and marginalized populations get access to vaccines and testing.

Deadlines for applications for Imagine and Inspire grants are due March 1, and the next opportunity to apply will be Sept. 1. 2022 Slow the Spread grants are open now and are due by Jan. 31.

A workshop is available to assist with the application process Jan. 25. Contact communitygrants@wellspan.org for details. For more information on the grants and how to apply, click here.

Grants are open to non-profit organizations. Individuals, for-profit entities, and organizations outside the WellSpan service area will not be considered.