On August 1, 2022, RMHF will begin accepting applications for Capacity-Building and Opportunity Investments grants and award them on a rolling basis until dedicated funds are expended.
Supporting Organizational Capacity Building
As a foundation focused on health and racial equity, we believe capacity building is critical to strengthening nonprofits, particularly Black and Brown-led and community-based, grassroots organizations. These grants, ranging from $1,500 to $15,000, are an important part of our new Strategic Framework that we announced in January.
“We cannot hope to advance our mission of fostering an equitable and healthy Richmond region until these nonprofits serving our community are given more support to strengthen organizational capacity needed to achieve their missions,” said Kendra Jones, RMHF Special Projects Officer and Accountant. “These grants are based on the recommendations of our Equity + Health Fellows and will position historically underfunded grassroots organizations to thrive and continue their good work.”
Capacity-Building grants empower organizations to develop their internal capacity to become more sustainable and effective over the long term. Capacity-building needs look different across organizations as they are identified by the people that are closest to the challenges of the organization and communities they support. Building-capacity can range from developing stronger governance to improving management systems.
Making Opportunity Investments
RMHF will also begin considering application requests for Opportunity Investments grants which provide time-sensitive support to organizations. These grants range from $1,000 to $7,500.
“As we developed our Strategic Framework, we considered the unforeseen changes that organizations have weathered over the past few years,” Kendra Jones said. “And we wanted to put funding in place that helps support them to respond quickly to urgent and unexpected opportunities or challenges.”
Grants Awarded Through a Simple, Efficient Process
Organizations that are mission-aligned with RMHF and meet the criteria for applying for a grant can access the online application portal beginning August 1, 2022. Applicants will need to complete basic profile fields and answer a few simple questions. We will review requests as they come in and respond within 15 days (response times may be delayed during major holidays).
If you have questions about either of these grant programs, please contact Kendra Jones, Special Projects Officer and Accountant.
If you have questions about the online application process, please contact Lisa Bender, Learning Officer and Grants Manager.