Public Health > Divisions & Offices > Divisions > Community Health & Wellness Division > American Rescue Plan Act

Reproductive Health Access Fund (RHAF)

The Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund (RHAF) is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to increase access and utilization of reproductive healthcare services by:

Providing funding to existing under-resourced health clinics to increase capacity for reproductive healthcare services and expand their service delivery within priority zip codes.
Providing funding for grassroots organizations to educate, promote, and connect people to reproductive healthcare services within their community.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other healthcare shortages and precautions have disrupted how individuals access reproductive healthcare services and products, including birth control, routine screenings/exams, and family planning services. This program will support access to the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare options for low-income, Harris County residents, so that they can reach their reproductive health goals. In compliance with federal law, these grants will not be used to fund abortion procedures.

Approach

The Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund focuses on two funding categories:

Category A: Clinical Capacity Building
Builds capacity for reproductive care and services by funding clinics that serve priority geographic areas.

Category B: Education and Outreach
Provides funding for grassroots organizations to educate, promote, and connect community members to reproductive healthcare services.

For more information contact:

For all inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Program Outcomes

Through this funding opportunity, Harris County Public Health aims to achieve the following key outcomes for Harris County.

Increased utilization of reproductive healthcare services
Decreased transmission of sexually transmitted infections
Increased knowledge of the availability of reproductive healthcare services

Eligibility

Organizations with fewer than 25 paid employees will be prioritized.

Organizations under category A should:

Be located in Harris County and conduct their work in Harris County
Have a history of serving vulnerable populations
Be able to demonstrate experience providing reproductive health care services

Organizations under category B should:

Be located in Harris County and conduct their work in Harris County
Have a history of serving vulnerable populations
Be able to demonstrate experience reaching disinvested and marginalized communities through targeted outreach

Application Timeline

Applications have closed and are currently in the evaluation period.

Estimated award date: January, 2024.

For all inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Harris County Public Health Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund (RHAF)?
1. The Harris County Public Health Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund (RHAF) is a program designed to enhance outreach, education, and direct access and utilization of reproductive healthcare services. It provides supplemental funding to grassroots organizations that provide direct clinical reproductive healthcare services in targeted areas and/or educate, promote, and connect Harris County community members to reproductive healthcare services within target areas.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund?
1. This funding opportunity specifically targets entities at the local level to create sustainable operational improvements to increase access to reproductive services and resources.
2. Organizations under category A should:
  1. Be located in Harris County and conduct their work in Harris County
  2. Have a history of serving vulnerable populations
  3. Be able to demonstrate experience providing reproductive healthcare services
3. Organizations under category B should:
  1. Be located in Harris County and conduct their work in Harris County
  2. Have a history of serving vulnerable populations
  3. Be able to demonstrate experience reaching disinvested and marginalized communities through targeted outreach
What is the amount of funding available?
1. Participating organizations are eligible to receive $50,000 to $1,000,000 for the period of performance, and award amounts are subject to adjustments based on the number of qualified organizations and available funding.
Who to contact if I have questions related to the program or application?
1. You may direct all your questions, including specific application-related questions, to [email protected]. Please submit all questions no later than 5:00 PM CST on October 20, 2023.
Where should I apply?
1. Applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM CST on Thursday November 9, 2023 at [email protected]. Late applications will not be accepted.
What is the application review and selection process?
1. All applications will first be reviewed for completeness, timeliness, and eligibility. Applications that fail the initial review will receive no further consideration. Applications that pass the initial review will be evaluated and scored by a panel of reviewers with knowledge of public health, policy, systems, environmental change, health equity, and social determinants of health. Reviewers will independently evaluate and score applications, and then all scored applications will be compared, ensuring inclusivity, diversity, and equity in the selection process. Harris County Public Health will make awards to applicants who demonstrate the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of this RFA.
Can I apply with either RHAF component, even if I may not have IRS tax forms -what other alternatives do I have?
1. The most recent IRS tax form is required for a complete application to the reproductive healthcare access fund. There are no substitute documents that can replace this required document.
I have a for-profit business. Can I apply with either component?
1. Yes, non-profit and for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
We are a for-profit institution with more than 25 paid employees. Are we eligible to apply?
1. Yes, organizations with over 25 paid employees are eligible to apply, but organizations with less than 25 paid employees will be prioritized in the selection process.
Which services exactly are considered "reproductive healthcare" for the purposes of RHAF? For example, would maternal care, prenatal care, and/or education regarding menstrual health fall under this category for the purposes of RHAF?
1. Maternal or prenatal care is distinct from reproductive care. It involves services aimed at assisting individuals in either conceiving or avoiding pregnancy, which encompasses maintaining the well-being of their reproductive organs and protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Yes, menstrual health education is a component of reproductive health.
Is there a word limit or preferred format/structure for the project proposal document?
1. No, the proposal document has no word limits or preferred format. Please clearly label any required documents/sections to prevent any confusion during the application review.
What kinds of questions should we ensure are addressed in the project proposal?
1. Please refer to sections A-G on page 8 of the RFA to see the components that your application should address.
Is there a rubric for evaluation available for the application? Is there a rubric for the project proposal specifically?
1. Please refer to the evaluation criteria on page 11 of the RFA to see the rubric.
Are there any unallowable expenses for this fund?
1. In compliance with federal law, these funds will not be used to fund abortion procedures or used for any clinical care except as allowed by law.
Will you accept multi-partner proposals that show collaboration?
1. Yes, multi-partner proposals are accepted. Please include all planned partnerships and collaborations in one application. There will be a single award per selected proposal. Organizations may use their discretion when designating partners as subcontractors or collaborations.
Can you share the priority zip code table?
1. Please refer to the priority geographic areas on pages 5-6 of the RFA to see the priority zip codes.
May we get a copy of the information session slide deck?
1. Yes, the Reproductive Healthcare Access Fun RFA information session slide deck and presentation will be uploaded to this page.
How long will funding last for organizations that are awarded?
1. Funding will last 24 months, approximately from January 2024 through January 2026.
Is there a portal to upload the grant?
1. No, there is no portal. Please submit applications to [email protected] by November 9, 2023.
What is the total amount of funding that is available?
1. The total amount of funding available is $4.2 million. The award range is $50,000 up to $1 million per awardee.
Are there page limits or font requirements?
1. No, there are no limits or requirements, but clearly labeled sections will prevent any confusion during the application review.
Can this program be a continuation for services not Covered by MCO?
1. It does cover the reproductive health component/services of a Managed Care Organization.
What are the business insurance liability limits?
1. Minimum Insurance Requirements for Harris County.pdf
Are reproductive health services for all perinatal care?
1. This grant covers reproductive health services and contraceptives, but does not include any services related to the birthing process.
Is there specific information that we should be sure to include in employee resumes? Should submitted resumes be in a standardized format across all employees?
1. Resumes are not required, and this information has not been specified to be included. However, please provide a robust understanding of those working towards goals and objectives within the implementation plan.
Is this RHAF program for Medicaid-eligible clients or chip clients?
1. Yes, funding can be used for Medicaid/CHIP-eligible patients as long as you use these funds to cover other expenses not covered by Medicaid/CHIP. This fund is mainly for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
I noticed that the pdf application is not an editable version. Can we have an editable version?
1. An updated fillable PDF of the RFA application package will be uploaded to this page.

RHAF RFA Email Questions

Is HCPH able to limit the indirect cost rate or will it be dependent upon the grantee’s IDC rate?
1. The indirect cost rate is ten (10) percent, or a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) approved by a federally cognizant agency. Please note that the indirect cost rate is based on the administration cost of the grant and not on the grant fund itself. There is no cap to the administration cost.
Will awarded funds cover the build-out of a new clinic, cost of remodeling a space to meet family planning clinic guidelines, or rent for clinic space?
1. These are allowable expenses for the funding as long as your organization can clearly demonstrate how the cost of remodeling a space or rent coverage will help facilitate a 25% increase in the number of patients seen for reproductive healthcare services. This will be based on your organization’s current capacity. Please refer to pages 4 of the RFA for the additional requirements of Category A.
Our organization has multiple sites. Would we need to submit multiple applications?
1. Only one application is required per organization.
If our organization has more than one site, do we list the administrative office as the physical address for the application form?
1. Please use the primary address where documents/notices can be mailed.
My organization has more than 25 paid employees when accounting for the network of clinics. May we apply using only one clinic in our network to meet the preferred organization size?
1. The number of employees will be reviewed at the entire organizational level.
Can we apply for both categories in the RFA as one program?
1. Yes, you can apply for both categories. Please make sure you address all requirements of each category as listed on page 4 of the RFA
Are there limits on how long you want the narrative for each section of the proposal/application to be?
1. Please refer to question 11 in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website.
I currently work for a 501(c)3 that has been working on environmental justice issues to address a multitude of issues faced in the 5th Ward community. Would we be eligible to apply for this grant?
1. If your organization is currently providing clinical reproductive healthcare services, you would be eligible for Category A of the grant. If your organization educates, promotes, and connects community members within identified at-risk communities to reproductive healthcare services, you would be eligible for Category B.
Will the criteria for demonstrating a history of serving vulnerable populations be based on the volume of patients, number of programs, years of experience, etc?
1. It is up to the organization to best describe/demonstrate their history of serving vulnerable populations. Please refer to page 11 of the RFA where the evaluation scoring criteria table may give guidance on how to best explain your organization’s history.
Is there any recommended format or key metrics you are requesting for “data-driven strategic approach with corresponding and measurable inputs, outputs, and outcomes, including tracking and reporting of activities”?
1. There are no recommended formats or key metrics, as each organization provides different programming and services. This is an opportunity for your organization to highlight any current reporting, analyses, or data collection processes.
What is the baseline anticipated number of residents being reached for each applicant applying for Category B?
1. There is no set baseline number set. This number will be determined during the contracting period after awardee selection. Baselines will be set according to organization size and current performance.
Can you clarify ‘Equity Reflections’ in the reporting requirements?
1. Please refer to page 25 of the RFA where the Harris County Equity Framework, Equity Goals, and Equity Strategies are outlined to see what the Equity Reflections will review.

RHAF Questions/Notes Live Session

If we’re a new grassroot organization and have not had taxes filed yet how do we go about that process?
1. We will accept new organizations that have not filed their taxes but hold a valid “Certificate of Good Standing” issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and are officially registered as businesses within the state. Certificate Of Account Status
What if you need to add something to the application after submitted?
1. We need a complete application at the time of submission but after review if there are any missing documents, a member of our team will reach out to you.
How is HCPH distinguishing reproductive health as different from maternal health?
1. The distinction is that this is to increase capacity or education of reproductive services. Maternal health is specific to our birthing persons. Reproductive health services include contraceptive services, pregnancy testing/counseling, pre-conception health screening (pap smears, well women’s exams, immunizations), STD and HIV services (education, counseling, testing, and referrals), infertility counseling, pelvic examinations, family planning services, breast and cervical cancer screening/diagnostic services (radiological procedures, mammograms, breast cancer screening, treatment of cervical dysplasia), and counseling and education on sexual abstinence.
Is this multi-year funding or just one year of funding?
1. The period of performance is 2 years
Could a clinical applicant apply to provide education and outreach or include that work in the clinical application? Or would we need to submit two proposals?
1. Submit one proposal and identify that you are applying for both categories
Is the total $4.2 Million over 2 years?
1. Total amount allocated to the fund in totality of the two years.
The two-year funding is $50,000 total for Category B. Therefore would it be $25,000 for year one and then $25,000 for year two?
1. This would be true if the proposed project budget was $50,000 but depending on any start-up costs there may not be an even split.
Are we reimbursed funds after the first year is completed, or funding is upfront for the projects?
1. The disbursement of funds follows the terms of the contract. By law, HCPH cannot disperse funds prior to receiving invoices for services. Invoices are regularly submitted to the Harris County Account Payable Office where they are documented and processed for payment.
Will the applications go through the Harris County Purchasing Office?
1. Because the RHAF is being hosted internally by HCPH as an RFA and not an RFP, applications will be reviewed internally by HCPH and not the Purchasing Office.
Are you expecting that services be given free of charge or that the funding received would help offset the cost of those services for the uninsured?
1. The only expectation is that the proposal demonstrates how you would increase the capacity to provide services. The proposal will not look at specifically how costs are reimbursed.
Will grant awards be split equally between each Harris County precinct?
1. While there are targeted zip code areas listed within the proposal, awards will not be split equally between precincts.
We often use community health workers for our work. Are there funds available for hiring and salary for these folks or to train existing staff?
1. These are allowable expenses as long as they are within the budget of the proposal.
Do you have resources around what is legally allowable contraceptive with the changes from SB8?
1. We do not have any information on this at this time.
If all funds are not used during the 2-year timeframe, will organizations have to return unused funds?
1. It will depend on the written contract between HCPH and the awarded organization. We will work closely with awardees to identify any obstacles that may create a delay in fund usage.

Glossary

Application Package: A collection of required documents and forms an organization must complete and submit as part of the grant application process.
Application Review and Selection Process: The procedure through which grant applications are assessed for completeness, eligibility, and quality, followed by scoring and comparison to determine grant recipients.
Board of Directors: The governing body of a nonprofit organization responsible for setting its strategic direction and overseeing its activities.
Capacity Building: The process of improving the ability of an organization, to effectively and efficiently carry out its mission through access to resources, training, and support. It includes staffing, leadership development, technology, fundraising, and advocacy tools.
Certification of Compliance with Federal Standards & Requirements: A document confirming an organization's adherence to federal standards and requirements, which may be necessary for grant eligibility.
Medical liability insurance – commonly called medical malpractice insurance – covers a health care provider for errors arising from the medical practice. Resource Management: The effective allocation and utilization of an organization's financial, human, and technological assets to achieve its mission.
Reproductive Health - Reproductive healthcare refers to a branch of healthcare that focuses on the well-being and medical needs related to the reproductive system and reproductive processes in both men and women. It includes physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or weakness.
RFA (Request for Application): A formal document that outlines the requirements and guidelines for applying for a grant or program.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that impact their health and well-being. Organizations addressing SDOH aim to improve health equity.
Social Vulnerability Index (SVI): A tool to identify socially vulnerable communities by assessing different measures of vulnerability in three different themes: socioeconomic, demographic, and housing/transportation.
Tax Form - The United States Internal Revenue Service uses forms for taxpayers and tax-exempt organizations to report financial information, such as to report income, calculate taxes to be paid to the federal government, and disclose other information as required by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). There are over 800 various forms and schedules. Other tax forms in the United States are filed with state and local governments.
Vulnerable Populations - include patients who are economically disadvantaged, racial and ethnic minorities, the uninsured, low-income children, the elderly, and other groups facing social or economic challenges in accessing healthcare resources and services.