Funding Opportunities – October 8, 2024

In this update: 

  • NYS and NYC Opportunities
    • DOH Issues RFA for Rural Health Network Development Program
    • OTDA Issues RFP for the Shelter Exit Services Program for Office of Refugee Resettlement Populations

NYS and NYC Opportunities

DOH Issues RFA for Rural Health Network Development Program
On October 1st, the New York State (NYS) Department of Health (DOH) issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Rural Health Network Development Program. This program aims to improve the health of New Yorkers living in rural areas by supporting the development, operation, and sustainability of rural health provider networks. The program does not directly fund the provision of health care services, but instead supports activities that facilitate partnerships to address community needs. Examples of such activities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Achieving formal affiliations among local health providers;
  • Working with regional partners on community health priorities;
  • Supporting the development or implementation of value-based payment systems;
  • Integrating behavioral health services with primary care; and
  • Supporting long-term care planning.

All activities are expected to align with DOH’s initiatives related to health equity, including developing activities related to implementation of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) Medicaid 1115 Waiver. Rural health networks will also be expected to develop, support, and build upon local efforts related to DOH’s Prevention Agenda.

DOH will provide over $3.6 million in total annual funding across 24 awardees (up to $150,000 in annual funding per awardee) to support the formation and operation of rural health networks. Contracts will last for up to five years, beginning October 1, 2025.

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that propose to serve residents of a NYS rural area (eligible areas are listed in Attachment 1 of the RFA). The existing or proposed rural health network must be composed of at least three members that are separate, existing health care providers, human service agencies, community-based organizations, and/or educational institutions, each of which has its own Federal Tax Identification Number and is located in the area proposed to be served by the rural health network.

The RFA is available here. Applications are due on December 3rd. Questions may be submitted to Alanna Belanger at orh@health.ny.gov through October 15th with “RFA#20495, Rural Health Network Development Program” in the subject line and a reference to the RFA section and paragraph to which the question refers in the body of the email. Answers to questions will be posted on or about October 25th.

OTDA Issues RFP for the Shelter Exit Services Program for Office of Refugee Resettlement Populations
On October 3rd, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Shelter Exit Services (SES) program. The SES program relocates Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible households from public shelters to permanent, affordable housing. By offering housing solutions, financial assistance, case management, and employment services, OTDA seeks to help eligible participants and their families transition to economic independence. 

OTDA will distribute $10 million in total funding through this RFP. Contracts will last for 18-months, starting on May 1, 2025. The payment structure will be a hybrid of expenditure-based and performance-based reimbursement. OTDA anticipates awarding approximately 70% of the total available funds to NYC-based projects (within the five boroughs) and 30% of the total available funds to projects in the rest of the state. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions. Awards will be announced in mid-February of 2025.

The RFP is available here. Applications are due on November 18th. Questions should be submitted to BRS.RFP@otda.ny.gov by October 17th. Answers will be posted on OTDA’s website by November 4th.