July 11, 2024 3:20 a.m. 

CHI Mercy Health is inviting local non-profit organizations to consider applying for grants that support the delivery of services vital to improving health and well-being and improving health equity.

Mercy Communications Director Sarah Baumgartner said the application period runs through August 16th. Baumgartner said successful applications will be announced in November for projects conducted between March of 2025 and February of 2026.

A Mercy release said the grants range from $20,000 to $100,000. Applications must include collaborating partner organizations to help deliver services. Lead applicants must also be a 501c3 or have a qualified fiscal partner who is.

The grant program is focused specifically on significant needs identified in Mercy’s most recent health needs assessment which can be viewed at this link: https://chimercyhealth.com/assets/dc_community_health_needs_assessment.2022_lowres.pdf. The hospital conducts a need assessment every three years to help it and community partners identify and address priority health and social needs faced by residents and the region. CHI Mercy Health Mercy Foundation is accepting proposals that address social determinants and health equity needs determined in the county.

Baumgartner said this opportunity is part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program. CHI Mercy Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, which was created in 2019 when Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health came together to create a national health system.

Interested organizations can learn more about the grant program, including eligibility criteria, how to apply and a local contact for questions by going to: https://www.commonspirit.org/communitygrants