HealthComp Foundation Grant

The HealthComp Foundation is a private grantmaking organization focused on improving health outcomes for residents of Cuyahoga County, Ohio. With a clear mission rooted in health equity, the foundation prioritizes support for grassroots and community-based organizations that are either led by or deeply embedded within the communities they serve. The foundation’s commitment is evident in its emphasis on funding groups addressing structural determinants of health rather than clinical interventions, reflecting a broader understanding of what shapes population health. The grant program supports both upstream and midstream efforts, meaning initiatives aimed at systemic change and community-level support (upstream), as well as those directly serving individuals and families (midstream). However, downstream services—those providing clinical care—are explicitly excluded from consideration. Projects eligible for funding include direct service programs, capacity-building activities (e.g., training), and research aligned with public policy or systems change goals. The foundation also gives special consideration to BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving organizations, encouraging applicants to involve community members in program planning and demonstrate leadership that reflects the demographics of the populations served. HealthComp’s responsive grant cycle occurs twice annually. Applications open on February 1 and August 1, with deadlines on March 1 and September 1, respectively. Award decisions are made during board meetings held in May and November. Each grant is for a one-year term, with typical award amounts ranging between $25,000 and $50,000, although the board retains discretion over final funding levels. While the foundation does not fund scholarships, endowments, or capital projects, it remains open to a range of non-clinical, community-driven interventions. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations based in and serving Cuyahoga County, Ohio. In rare circumstances, organizations headquartered outside the county may be eligible if they deliver services aligned with HealthComp’s priorities to Cuyahoga County residents. Large organizations must show evidence of meaningful partnerships and power-sharing arrangements with smaller, community-rooted groups. Additionally, applications are prioritized if they serve populations identified by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio as experiencing the poorest health outcomes—namely Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities, individuals without a high school education, those with disabilities, and low-income individuals and families. The application process is straightforward, with no mention of a pre-application requirement such as a Letter of Intent or Concept Paper. Applications are accepted online by 11:59 p.m. on the listed deadlines. The foundation emphasizes programs informed by data analysis or meaningful community input, and evaluators will look for organizational alignment with the foundation’s values, particularly around equity and inclusiveness. It is recommended that applicants review the Health Policy Institute of Ohio’s Health Value Dashboard to further understand the foundation's funding priorities. Although no specific contact information or downloadable application PDFs are included in the source material, applicants with eligibility questions are encouraged to reach out to the foundation office prior to submission. The HealthComp Foundation remains a key supporter of equitable health improvements in Cuyahoga County, leveraging its grantmaking power to uplift underserved communities and drive systems-level change.

Demonstrate community engagement and equity in leadership; emphasize data-informed planning and BIPOC-led involvement.