Funding Priorities How to Apply Models that Made It Additional Resources Grantee Profiles Grantee Resources

VHCF grants are targeted toward four main areas, each of which has its own funding priorities and criteria:

	Health Safety Net
	Child Health Insurance (Project Connect)
	Medication Assistance Program (RxRelief Virginia)
	Mental Health ( A New Lease on Life:  Health for Virginians with Mental Illnesses)

VHCF issues health safety net grants in two funding cycles each year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall.  The other three grants are issued only in response to periodic requests for proposal.

Health Safety Net Grants

VHCF health safety net grants work to increase access to primary care for uninsured Virginians and those who live in areas with limited access to care.  VHCF health safety net funding focuses on projects that address one or more of these priorities:

	Developing or expanding patient capacity
	Establishing a broader scope of services
	Creating local systems of care
	Strengthening the infrastructure of health safety net providers

Grants can be used to fund innovative approaches to communities' primary care needs or to replicate one of VHCF's Models That Made It.  It's important to note that VHCF does not fund projects that are just good ideas, it funds projects that are great ideas backed by well thought out plans of action. Applications for health safety net funding are scrutinized thoroughly to ensure strong project leadership, a well articulated vision, a solid operating plan, community support, and long term financial viability.

Interested in applying for a Health Safety Net grant?  Check the eligibility requirements and review the Grant Guidelines (PDF).  For additional information, contact VHCF Program Officers Amanda Farnum or Sherrina Gibson.

Project Connect Grants

Integral to VHCF's Child Health Insurance Initiative are geographically targeted Project Connect grants.  These grants fund local outreach and enrollment efforts for uninsured children eligible for FAMIS and FAMIS Plus, Virginia's state-sponsored health insurance programs for children.

	Project Connect grants are made possible by a partnership with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services.
	Applications for Project Connect grants are solicited via special requests for proposals as new funds become available.   View the most recent Request for Proposal (deadline was January 2008).

Medication Assistance Program Grants

Medication Assistance Program (MAP) grants provide funds to help uninsured adults obtain prescription medicines.  MAP grants fund medication assistance caseworkers at local organizations who help eligible uninsured Virginians obtain free medicines for chronic illnesses via brand name pharmaceutical companies' Patient Assistance Programs.

	Funding for MAP grants has been targeted to some of Virginia's most economically disadvantaged regions.
	As more funds become available for MAPs, requests for MAP grant proposals will be issued.

Mental Health Grants: 

A New Lease on Life: Health for Virginians with Mental Illness

VHCF has undertaken a major new initiative to create or expand services in Virginia’s health safety net for those with mental illness.   A New Lease on Life: Health for Virginians with Mental Illness is the result of an innovative collaboration with the Attorney General of Virginia, Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VACHA), Virginia Association of Free Clinics (VAFC) and the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB). The grants will be awarded to establish or expand:

	Basic mental health services and access to necessary prescription medicines in a health safety net setting for uninsured patients of the health safety net organization and uninsured clients referred by the local community services board (CSB); and/or
	Primary medical care and access to necessary prescription medicines in a health safety net setting for CSB clients with serious mental illness who are able to follow a provider’s recommended treatment.

The deadline for applying for funding through this program has passed.  An announcement of the grantees will be made in Fall 2009.  For more information, contact VHCF's program officer Amanda Farnum at 804/828-5804.