2023 Capacity Strengthening Initiative Request for Proposals
The Minnesota Department of Health Center for Health Equity previously released a request for proposals (RFP) for the Capacity Strengthening Initiative, a grant program established to empower and uplift the ability of community organizations to receive state funding that is focused on improving the health and well-being of Minnesotans.
The initiative focuses on helping community and faith-based organizations that serve people of color, American Indians, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities.
Funding details and application instructions are in the 2023 Capacity Strengthening Grant Request for Proposals (PDF).
Funding decisions
Final funding decisions were made based on community recommendations in February 2024, and applicants were immediately notified. State law prohibits the Department of Health from sharing the names of those selected for funding until negotiations for all grant agreements are completed. A list of those selected for funding will be posted on this page once it becomes available.
For additional information, please refer to the 2024-2025 Capacity Strengthening Grant Funding Decision Letter (PDF).
The following memo summarizes data about the applications received by MDH and the community review process: Capacity Strengthening Initiative Grant Review Process Summary: Memo to Applicants and Partners (PDF).
Timeline
RFP published: Oct. 19, 2023
Information session: Oct. 26, 2023
Questions due: on or before Nov. 10, 2023 (optional)
Applications due: Nov. 20, 2023
Anticipated notice of award: Feb. 15, 2024
Grant period begins: April 1, 2024
Questions
The question and answer period closed Nov. 10, 2023, and final questions and answers have been posted to the website. Please refer to the RFP Questions and Answers for a complete list of answers to questions that were submitted.
To ensure all applicants have access to the same information, questions submitted after Nov. 10 will neither be answered nor posted to the website.
Application forms
- Application Form (PDF)
- Applicant Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form (Word)
- Due Diligence Review Form (Word)
- Work Plan Template (Word)
- Budget Template (Excel)
All five application materials were to be submitted via email to health.capacity@state.mn.us.
Recorded information session
A virtual info session was held Oct. 26, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m. The recording is on the MDH YouTube channel: Capacity Strengthening Initiative RFP information session.
Community review process
The application period for the review process has closed. If you are interested in becoming a grant reviewer for similar grants in the future, please email health.capacity@state.mn.us.
Other resources
Center for Health Equity Handout (mission, values, approaches) (PDF)
MDH Sample Grant Agreement (PDF)
ASTHO Glossary of Health Equity Terms (PDF) [LINK EXPIRED]