The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has opened applications for the Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure Mini-Grants for Fiscal Year 2025. This funding opportunity aims to support organizations that address health disparities and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in St. Mary’s County. The grants focus on initiatives that tackle the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) through culturally competent, evidence-based interventions. Projects may include health education programs or efforts to increase access to healthcare and related services for communities disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers.

Eligible applicants include businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations that serve residents of St. Mary’s County. All applicants must directly serve the local community and demonstrate their ability to begin providing services by January 1, 2025, with a project completion date of no later than June 30, 2025. Applicants should also illustrate how their programs will remain sustainable beyond the grant period.

The total funding available for this program is $80,000, which will be distributed among multiple organizations based on their proposed budgets. Funds must be used exclusively for advancing the approved programs or services. While furniture and equipment purchases are generally excluded, exceptions may be granted if clearly justified in the budget narrative and approved by SMCHD.

To apply, organizations must submit a completed application and cover page by 5:00 PM on December 16, 2024. The application must be no longer than four double-spaced pages and include details about organizational capacity, proposed strategies, implementation timelines, and a detailed budget narrative. Applicants must also commit to monthly meetings with SMCHD staff to provide progress updates, participant data, and any additional required documentation. These meetings will also offer opportunities for SMCHD to provide support to grantees.

Award notifications will be sent out on December 20, 2024, and funded programs will run from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Monthly reporting is mandatory, with grantees required to collect and submit data on participant demographics, healthcare needs, and program outcomes. At the end of the grant period, grantees must report on the number of participants who demonstrated increased knowledge or usage of healthcare and social services.

Applications must be emailed to Andrea Hamilton (andrea.hamilton@maryland.gov), Kelly Pruitt (kelly.pruitt@maryland.gov), and Suha Ansari (suha.ansari@maryland.gov) by the stated deadline. Late submissions or applications sent via mail or fax will not be accepted.

This mini-grant program represents a valuable opportunity for organizations in St. Mary’s County to address critical public health needs and foster greater equity in healthcare access. Organizations are encouraged to apply and demonstrate how their initiatives can create meaningful, sustainable improvements in community health outcomes. For additional information or questions, applicants can contact Andrea Hamilton at 301-997-6922, Kelly Pruitt at 240-890-0065, or Suha Ansari at 301-373-0016.