Paths to Black Health Grant Request for Proposals
The Office of African American Health released a new request for proposals (RFP) for the Paths to Black Health Grant Program (also known as the African American Health Special Emphasis Grant Program in state statute). The goal of the program is to invest in community solutions to enhance the vibrant and thriving African American community in Minnesota. This will help reduce the health disparities arising from cumulative and historical discrimination and disadvantages in multiple systems, as well as historical trauma.
The purposes of the program are to:
- Identify disparities impacting African American health arising from cumulative and historical discrimination and disadvantages in multiple systems. These may include, but are not limited to, housing, education, employment, gun violence, incarceration, environmental factors, and health care discrimination.
- Develop community-driven solutions that incorporate a multisector approach to addressing identified disparities impacting African American health.
These grant program funds are specifically designed to support organizations that work with U.S.-born African Americans. For the purposes of this RFP, Black(s) or African American(s) specifically references the U.S.-born African American population for whom studies indicate that health has been impacted as the result of historical trauma. This trauma includes post-traumatic slave syndrome (PTSS) and epigenetic inheritance.
Proposals may focus on addressing health inequities specific to U.S.-born African American communities; addressing the health impact of historical trauma and structural discrimination in U.S.-born African American communities; reducing health disparities experienced by U.S.-born African American communities; and/or incorporating a multisector approach to addressing identified disparities in U.S.-born African American communities.
Interested applicants should review the following RFP for funding details and application requirements:
Paths to Black Health Grant Request for Proposals (PDF)
Timeline
RFP published: Dec. 18, 2023
Questions due: Jan. 12, 2024 (optional)
Applications due: Jan. 22, 2024
Anticipated notice of award: April/May 2024
Grant period begins: May 6, 2024
Questions
Please refer to the RFP Question and Answer page for a complete list of answers to questions that were submitted.
The question-and-answer period closes on Jan. 12, 2024, and final questions and answers will be posted by Jan. 18, 2024. To ensure all applicants have access to the same information, questions submitted after Jan. 12 will neither be answered nor posted to the website.
Application forms
- Application Form (PDF) or complete and submit online through the PBH Grant Online Application Form.
- Applicant Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form (Word)
- Work Plan Template (Word)
- Budget Template (Excel)
- Due Diligence Review Form (Word)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications, including the Application Form and all four attachments (#2-5 above), through the online application: PBH Grant Application Form. Applicants who are unable to submit through the online application form may submit their application documents via email or postal mail.
Info session
MDH will provide RFP information and guidance through a virtual information session on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at 11 a.m. CST. Staff will not be able to help with the actual writing of applications or critiques of drafts but can answer general questions about the process and requirements. ASL interpretation will be available during the session.
Though not required, prospective applicants are encouraged to participate in the information session or to watch the recorded video of the webinar. Questions and answers from the RFP information session will be posted on the RFP Question and Answer page webpage.
Contact us
If you have questions or need assistance with application files, please send an email to oaah.mdh@state.mn.us or call 651-201-5813.