DEADLINE: August 16, 2021
2021 Community Impact Grant Program Now Open
The Wisconsin Partnership Program at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health seeks applicants for its 2021 Community Impact Grants Program Request for Partnerships. The overarching goal of the Community Impact Grant Program is to advance health equity in Wisconsin through support for community-academic partnership initiatives that address the social determinants of health and root causes of health inequities.
Each award is for a maximum of $1 million over a period of five years. The Wisconsin Partnership Program anticipates making up to three awards. A revised two-stage application process includes an online application and a presentation to the Partnership’s Oversight and Advisory Committee. Progressing to the presentation stage is by invitation only. Online applications are due August 16, 2021.
The Wisconsin Partnership Program advances health equity through a commitment to supporting initiatives that address the social determinants of health including economic stability, social and community context, access to health services and healthcare, neighborhoods and the built environment and education and that are informed and implemented by those who are most affected by them. In alignment with the Wisconsin Idea, we believe that bridging the expertise and resources of the university with the lived experiences and expertise of communities strengthens our ability to successfully address and influence health and advance health equity.
Addressing COVID-19
This funding cycle recognizes the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on Wisconsin communities. Data illustrating this impact is still emerging, but we do know that those communities hardest hit include families who have experienced deaths from COVID-19, adolescent populations who are experiencing social and emotional health challenges at high rates, rural communities that tend to have higher rates of cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and obesity as well as less access to healthcare and lower access to health insurance.
The pandemic has also brought social and racial injustice and inequities to the forefront of public health. It has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality as COVID-19 has disproportionately affected many racial and ethnic minority groups, putting them at greater risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. While these communities have been harder hit by the pandemic, they are also profoundly resilient and have vital assets that should be supported, amplified and replicated. This Request for Partnerships asks applicants to address the impact of COVID-19 on the communities and populations they seek to support with this funding.