The Cecil County Health Department is currently accepting proposals for the Community Health Investment Grant Program. This initiative aims to provide funding to community organizations that focus on advancing health equity and improving overall health in specific priority areas identified in Cecil County’s Community Health Improvement Plan for the fiscal years 2023 to 2025. The grant program is designed to address social determinants of health, with particular emphasis on issues such as substance use disorders, mental health, childhood trauma, and access to health services. The total funding available for each project can reach up to $25,000, with multiple awards anticipated based on the quality of the applications received.

The primary purpose of the Community Health Investment Grant Program is to empower organizations to tackle social needs and other factors that contribute to negative health outcomes and health inequities within Cecil County. The program encourages projects that may include, but are not limited to, increasing access to transportation resources, improving health literacy, enhancing access to nutritious food and physical activity opportunities, and supporting early childhood development. Additionally, projects aimed at improving social connectedness, reducing unemployment, and enhancing access to health services are also encouraged.

Eligibility for this grant is open to a variety of organizations, including municipal governments, law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and other non-profit entities that serve residents in Cecil County, Maryland. This broad eligibility criterion allows for a diverse range of applicants who can contribute to the program's goals of improving community health and addressing social determinants of health.

Applicants must adhere to specific submission requirements, which include providing detailed project proposals that outline the objectives, expected outcomes, and methods for addressing the identified health priorities. The application process will also involve answering a series of questions designed to assess the project's alignment with the program's goals and the applicant's capacity to implement the proposed activities effectively.

Evaluation criteria for the grant will focus on the merit of the applications, including the clarity of the project goals, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the potential impact on health equity and community health outcomes. The review process will prioritize projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the social determinants of health and how they relate to the specific needs of the community.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Community Health Investment Grant Program is October 22, 2024. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare their proposals in advance to ensure they meet this deadline. For further information, applicants can contact Sandra Ferguson at the Cecil County Health Department via email or phone, as provided in the grant announcement. This grant program represents a significant opportunity for organizations in Cecil County to secure funding for initiatives that can lead to meaningful improvements in community health and well-being.