Virginia Health Care Foundation

Most VHCF grants work to increase access to healthcare for uninsured Virginians and those who live in areas with limited access to care.

Barriers to healthcare access take many forms and can be caused by a variety of factors. Grant applicants are encouraged to develop initiatives in the following areas based on their local needs.

• Developing or Expanding Capacity – This includes initiatives that establish new outlets of care for uninsured or medically underserved Virginians, as well as those that enable existing programs to serve a greater number of patients. Examples include proposals to add new primary care providers (medical, mental health, dental, pharmacists); undertake a strategic expansion of physical infrastructure; utilize technology to expand access (e.g., telemedicine); or seek to implement an innovative model of service delivery.
• Establishing a Broader Scope of Services – Some organizations are interested in adding new services to those they currently offer. Proposals to add key primary care services (e.g. mental health, dental); institute programs to enhance care of uninsured, chronically ill patients; or utilize technology (e.g. telehealth or tele-mental health) to enhance and expand access to primary care in underserved areas fall within the parameters of this funding track.

• Accelerating Licensure of Behavioral Health Professionals – There is a compelling shortage of behavioral health professionals throughout the state, particularly in the 77 localities that are federally designated as mental health professional shortage areas. There are many masters-prepared social workers and counselors who require oversight for a defined period of time by a licensed professional in their field, before they can become licensed. VHCF will consider proposals for funding to pay the salary and benefits of these masters-prepared therapists from local organizations that will provide the required oversight from a trained behavioral health professional.

• Creating Local Coordinated Systems of Care – VHCF is interested in stimulating and supporting local initiatives that will result in a community-wide coordinated network of care for the uninsured and the medically underserved, and invites proposals designed to achieve this. This funding track is appropriate for communities where there are several organizations that have a vision of working more closely together to achieve greater synergies and efficiencies both for their patients/clients and for their operations by creating or enhancing interoperability among providers.

• Conquering the Consequences of COVID-19 – The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted life on all fronts and created many economic and personal ripple effects that have significantly increased the number of Virginians reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD (35% compared to 10% in 2019 – Kaiser Family Foundation data). During and following the pandemic, many nonprofit organizations report a significant increase in these conditions among their patients. As a result, VHCF is interested in supporting services or initiatives that increase the availability of mental health services at this critical juncture and beyond. The Foundation has a special interest in receiving proposals that will address the mental health needs of populations and individuals most impacted by the pandemic.

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 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?  First, check the eligibility requirements and review the grant guidelines to see if your organization or project might be eligible for consideration. You may also want to review VHCF’s Models that Made It to see if replicating one of these proven approaches will match your needs. Then, schedule a time to speak with a Program Officer for additional guidance here.

Last Updated on October 25, 2023