Healthcare grant program

LC Valley Healthcare Foundation opens second year of grant cycle

Representatives of the Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation announced it opened its second year grant cycle July 1, 2019. In addition to the impact grants awarded last year, they will add a “fast- track” for smaller grants, during the second year cycle.

The foundation anticipates awarding approximately $700,000 in grants this year while making $150,000 of the grant funding available through the new “fast-track” program.

The foundation accepts grant funding requests to promote the health, wellness or disease prevention for residents and communities in a nine-county area which includes Whitman County. Others are Clearwater, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce in Idaho; Asotin and Garfield in Washington, and Wallowa in Oregon.

The new Fast-Track Small Grant, offers quick turnaround grants up to $5,000 intended for small nonprofits that focus on health, wellness or disease prevention. Applicants are required to have an annual operating budget of less than $250,000 and have an emphasis on serving rural communities. Fast-Track Small Grant applications can be submitted at any point during the year and may be awarded monthly until the funds available run out. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded monthly. The application can be found on the foundation’s website Lewisclarkhealth.org.

The larger Impact Grants are intended for requests up to $75,000 but the foundation will consider compelling requests in any amount. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate a commitment to long-term vision, building partnerships, and projects that address the root causes that affect health, wellness, and help prevent disease.

Application is a two-step process. A letter of inquiry form, which can be found on the foundation’s website must be filled out and submitted through email or through regular mail. Letters of inquiry will be accepted until midnight Aug. 1.

The Board of Community Advisors will review the letters of inquiry and will invite those it deems most promising to complete a full grant application packet in September. Organizations that are selected for funding will be notified in early December and the grant money will be distributed by year end.

The Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation was established in 2017 by Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden as part of the sale of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center by Ascension Health to RCCH Healthcare Partners. The Idaho Attorney General’s office established specific guidelines for the grants. Last year, the Foundation gave away more than $250,000 in grants in its initial funding cycle.