Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (NHFMC) is working with community partners to address identified community health needs in Forsyth County by launching a pilot community grant program. Working in collaboration with local groups with shared values will reinforce Novant Health’s commitment to improving the health of the community, one person at a time.
Statement of need
Based on the reported health data from the NHFMC 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment, evidence shows that mental health is a key health issue in Forsyth County. From 2001-2013 the death rate from suicide in Forsyth County increased by 10%. For males, Forsyth County had the highest suicide rate of the five most populated North Carolina counties. In addition, 26.5% of participants reported that they had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety by a health care provider, and 24.9% reported that feeling sad or worried in the past month kept them from going about their normal day.
Responding to the health needs of our communities, especially to the most vulnerable among us, is central to the mission of Novant Health. We strongly believe in our role as a good corporate citizen, which involves working with community agencies and organizations to make our communities better places to live and work. In an effort to take this commitment one step further, the primary focus that we have chosen for this inaugural community grant initiative is mental health.
Funding opportunities
In recognition of Novant Health’s commitment to support the identified community health needs in Forsyth County, we are offering multiple grants to address barriers and to improve overall mental health. The award will fund initiatives between $10,000 and $25,000 for a two year funding cycle. The following priorities are being considered for funding:
- Social determinants serving as barriers
- Community coordination of mental health resources and services
- Education and awareness addressing prevention and myths
- Transportation
Novant Health will fund meritorious projects that are evidence-based with defined measurable impact metrics. The development of initiatives including a program that provides for the continuum of care needed for persons experiencing mental health concerns and includes education along with community support. During the evaluation, priority consideration will be given to projects that are sustainable and/or collaborative.
Application & submission information
Letter of Intent criteria:
To be considered for grant funding, please submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by 5:00 PM, June 2, 2016. Include the following:
- Organization name
- Describe the organization
- Describe the proposed program or project
- Identify which strategy from the funding priorities your program/project supports and how the proposed program/project support the strategy
- Brief overview of target population, barriers being addressed and/or plan for community coordination of services
- Describe evidence of need
- Total project budget
- Amount requested and brief description of purpose
- Contact Name Phone Email of lead program facilitator
- Collaborative partners