Harris County Public Health Awards $1 Million in Grants to Strengthen Local Nonprofits
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has announced the recipients of its $1 million Capacity Strengthening Program (CSP) grants, designed to empower small, community-based organizations (CBOs) in addressing health equity and social determinants of health. This initiative marks a significant step in supporting grassroots efforts to enhance public health in Harris County.
Supporting Grassroots Organizations
The CSP focuses on smaller organizations with fewer than 25 employees, providing up to $100,000 over a 16-month period. In addition to funding, grantees benefit from tailored support, including leadership development, peer networking, and personalized technical assistance to foster sustainable growth.
“This program represents a transformative step in equipping local organizations to tackle the health challenges our communities face,” said Dr. Umair Shah, Executive Director of HCPH.
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The Grant Recipients
HCPH selected 10 nonprofits from a competitive pool of applicants based on their commitment to improving health outcomes:
African American Male Wellness Initiative
The African American Male Wellness Initiative focuses on reducing health disparities among African American men through education, screenings, and awareness campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles.
BridgeYear
BridgeYear addresses the gap between high school and career readiness, offering career exploration programs and pathways to underserved students to improve economic mobility.
Can Do Houston
Can Do Houston partners with local communities to combat health inequities by promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and wellness education.
Center for Civic & Public Policy Improvement
The Center for Civic & Public Policy Improvement works to advance policy initiatives and programs that promote equity and improve the quality of life for underserved populations.
Christ Clinic
Based in Katy, Christ Clinic provides affordable, high-quality healthcare to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Services include primary care, mental health support, and prescription assistance, ensuring vital medical access for vulnerable populations.
Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS)
ECHOS helps low-income families access healthcare, social services, and educational resources, fostering stability and self-sufficiency.
Gustavia Pearls Women’s Outreach
Empowering women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence through education, mentorship, and support programs, Gustavia Pearls Women’s Outreach focuses on personal and professional growth.
Institute of Spirituality and Health
By integrating spirituality and health, the Institute of Spirituality and Health provides innovative approaches to mental health, wellness, and holistic care for diverse populations.
Texas Federation of the People Foundation
Dedicated to reducing homelessness and poverty, the Texas Federation of the People Foundation offers transitional housing, job training, and supportive services to individuals in need.
The Arc of Harris County
The Arc of Harris County advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing resources, education, and inclusive opportunities to improve quality of life.
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Partnering for Capacity Building
To ensure the success of the CSP, HCPH partnered with VESTEDin™ Consulting Group, LLC, a nonprofit management and development expert. Led by founder Bridget Y. Samuel, the group provides:
- Custom Assessments: Identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
- Leadership Training: Enhancing sustainability and strategic planning.
- Experiential Workshops: Covering grant writing, artificial intelligence, and funder engagement.
- Peer Learning Sessions: Fostering collaboration and shared insights.
- Resource Portal: Offering tools, templates, and educational materials.
“Investments in early capacity-building pay dividends, not just for the organizations but for the communities they serve,” said Samuel.
Advancing Health Equity
The CSP grants emphasize the critical role of small nonprofits in addressing health disparities and promoting equity. “Expanding capacity at the community level is a cornerstone of public health,” said Shah.
For more information about the Capacity Strengthening Program, visit hcphtx.org/csp.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
