The Office of Minority Health (OMH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, has announced a forecasted grant opportunity titled “Coordinating Center for Language Access Services.” This grant is a demonstration project funded under the authority of Section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 300u-6). Demonstration projects are designed to test the effectiveness of specific approaches to achieving desired outcomes and are typically limited in duration. OMH aims to support the creation of a National Coordinating Center for Language Access Services through this initiative.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to reduce barriers to health care and social services experienced by individuals with limited English proficiency. The Coordinating Center is intended to bridge gaps by connecting health and human service professionals with qualified interpreters and translators. The selected project will develop the necessary technical infrastructure, engage community-based organizations, and promote the initiative nationally. In addition to facilitating access to interpreters, the Center will work to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for those who face language-related barriers in accessing services.

The grant offers between $600,000 and $700,000 in funding, with a total program funding estimated at $700,000. Cost sharing or matching is not required. Only one award is expected. The estimated award date is September 15, 2025, with a project start date of September 30, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 1, 2025, no later than 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The estimated post date for the opportunity is April 21, 2025.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state, county, city, and township governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations; and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, including faith-based and community-based organizations. Only public or private nonprofit entities located in a U.S. state or territory are eligible. States are defined broadly to include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and their agencies, excluding local governments.

Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov and all applicants are required to have an active registration in SAM.gov. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process early to ensure timely submission. The opportunity aligns with Executive Order 14224 and the Make America Healthy Again Commission goals, focusing on improving access to healthcare for new Americans through language services.

For further information, applicants may contact Stacey Williams at 240-453-8444 or via email at OMHGrants@hhs.gov.