RMHF awards grants to Western Slope organizations offering programs and services that improve conditions for underserved, vulnerable or marginalized people, and are aligned with the purpose of one of our funds described below. Each fund has a separate, annual cycle; for details, see the current Timeline and Calendar here!
FOCUS AREA FUND
General Operating grants to organizations that deliver outcomes aligned with the Foundation’s core focus: to provide for basic needs, and to increase access to and affordability of healthcare. Follows our standard grant application, in-depth review process, and reporting schedule. Awards up to $50,000.
Basic Needs
- food (food banks and pantries, meal services, food-related equipment & delivery vehicles)
- housing (emergency shelters, safe houses, rental/mortgage assistance)
- transportation (medical, dial-a-ride vouchers, bus passes)
- safety (domestic violence, sexual assault, child advocacy, in-home parent education & child abuse prevention)
- resource centers assisting people with multiple needs
Physical Health
- medical, dental, visual, or hearing screening & direct services
- animal-assisted physical or occupational therapies
- specialized disability services
- health navigator/promotora
- hospice/palliative/home health care
- securing health insurance
Behavioral Health
- mental health counseling & therapy (including grief counseling)
- animal-assisted behavioral health therapies
- substance abuse prevention & recovery
- suicide prevention
- crisis response
SIMPLE GIFTS FUND
General Operating grants to organizations that are not directly aligned with our focus areas but are worthwhile and important to their community. Utilizes a streamlined application, expedited timeline, and minimal reporting. Awards up to $10,000.
- adaptive recreation for people living with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities, or trauma
- community coalitions (local organizations collaborating on a common focus issue/population)
- community gardens (garden space for community use that may also include nutrition education, or supply fresh food to local food pantries)
- early childhood development (training & support by child specialists to enhance the ability of childcare center staff and/or parents in helping children achieve full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential)
- language justice (organizations working to dismantle language barriers, equalize power dynamics, and build strong communities for social and racial justice)
- legal aid (legal assistance to low-income individuals/families for issues such as child-custody, restraining orders, landlord disputes, immigration)
- peer support groups (behavioral health support in a peer-group setting)
- positive youth development (1:1 youth to adult mentorships paired for a specified length of time and which may include case management; afterschool/summer programs that offer kids leadership opportunities, relationship & decision-making skills)
- respite care (day or short-term care for elderly/medically fragile/disabled individuals)
- social/emotional supports (creating social connections and alleviating isolation, especially for seniors and special populations)
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND
Program grants up to $50,000 specifically for expanding the healthcare workforce by promoting and supporting women, people of color, and people with low income who are seeking careers in behavioral health and healthcare. For example, but not limited to:
- Scholarships for behavioral health or healthcare related degrees or certifications (such as Master of Social Work (MSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Personal Care Provider (PCP), Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Professional supervision for licensure and internships
- Paid internships & intern living expenses
We will also consider capital requests <=$50k for instructional equipment (simulation labs, etc.) or similar.
Search our Grants Awarded to see the types of programs and projects we have supported in the past.