In this update:
- Federal Opportunities
- HRSA Issues NOFO for Grants to Fund New FQHC Sites
- Private Foundations and Other
- NY Community Trust Issues RFP for Grants to Advance Systems and Policy Change in Downstate NY
Federal Opportunities
HRSA Issues NOFO for Grants to Fund New FQHC Sites
On May 30th, the federal Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) issued the New Access Points Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for new sites under the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Program. This is the first such NOFO issued since 2019, and the funding is contingent on federal appropriations for next year. If funded, HRSA will provide $50 million in total funding to support the development of new FQHC sites that are in high-need geographic areas and/or support medically underserved populations, including low-income and uninsured individuals.
Under the FQHC program, organizations may request funding to establish a new site under one of the four FQHC types, each of which is allocated a distinct funding pool. All FQHCs are eligible to receive FQHC Prospective Payment System (PPS) reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. The funding available for each pool is:
- $40.8 million for Community Health Centers (CHC), which serve the general population;
- $4.3 million for Migrant Health Centers (MHC);
- $4.4 million for Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) centers; and
- $600,000 for Public Housing Primary Care (PHPC) centers.
Organizations may apply as part of one of three categories, depending on their status:
- “New Start” applicants are organizations that are not currently FQHCs or FQHC look-alikes;
- “Look-Alike” applicants are organizations that are FQHC look-alikes seeking to receive operating grant funding to become a full FQHC; or
- “Satellite” applicants are current FQHCs that are proposing new sites.
Eligible applicants are private, not-for-profit entities. In addition to the required health services, award recipients will be required to provide mental health and substance use disorder services, which may be provided 1) directly; 2) through a contract; or 3) through a formal referral arrangement.
HRSA intends to award up to $650,000 per awardee to approximately 77 new grantees. In general, applicants must propose to establish full-time, fixed, and permanent sites, except that MHCs may operate seasonally and satellite applicants have the option to propose adding only a new mobile unit. Up to $250,000 of the award may be used for one-time costs, such as equipment and/or minor alterations or renovations. Contracts will last for one year, beginning June 1, 2025.
The NOFO is available here. The first phase of applications will be due on August 15th, and supplemental information (Phase 2) will be due on September 30th. Business, administrative, or fiscal questions may be directed to Brian Feldman (bfeldman@hrsa.gov) or Patrick Johnson (pjohnson@hrsa.gov). Program issues or technical assistance may be directed to Allison Arnone and Menna Girma via the contact form here (under Funding, select Applications for Notice of Funding Opportunities, then NAP).
Private Foundations and Other
NY Community Trust Issues RFP for Grants to Advance Systems and Policy Change in Downstate NY
On May 13th, the New York Community Trust (“the Trust”) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for funding to support state-level advocacy on any issues within the Trust’s Healthy Lives, Promising Futures, or Thriving Communities categories (details here), except for projects that focus on environmental issues. Issues should affect the lives and well-being of people across the eight downstate counties of New York City (NYC), Long Island, and Westchester. The Trust will award up to five awardees with $200,000-$350,000 over an 18-month grant period. Up to 10% of the grant award may be used for lobbying activities (direct and/or grassroots lobbying). Examples of previously funded projects include:
- Development of New York’s first medical assistant apprenticeship program in community health centers;
- Advocacy for a state unemployment insurance program for undocumented workers; and
- Advocacy for healthier, sustainable, and equitable food distribution in downstate New York.
Eligible applicants are not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, or a fiscally sponsored program of such organization, headquartered in one of the eight downstate counties. If the applicant organization operates in a single county, the proposed project must still affect or influence the entire eight-county region. Proposals that enhance existing collaboration among not-for-profit organizations to address a policy or systems issue will be considered.
The RFP is available here. Applications are due on June 20th. Award notifications will be made in October 2024. Questions may be submitted to Barbara Taveras at bat@nyct-cfi.org.