About the

HCPH Capacity Strengthening Grant Program

Understanding the pivotal role that Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) play in enhancing wellbeing, HCPH is committed to forging impactful partnerships and supporting CBOs in addressing the non-medical determinants of health (NMDOH) and advancing optimal health for all Harris County residents. The "Capacity Strengthening Program” (CSP) supports the development of healthy and sustainable CBOs specifically those serving communities that have been underrepresented or poorly served. This unique partnership model expands the reach of services and equips CBOs to enhance their capabilities in serving the diverse needs of our county's residents.

Each cohort of the Capacity Strengthening Grant Program will include approximately ten community-based organizations for a period of 16 months. The program provides selected organizations with funding up to $100,000 throughout the cohort and delivers customized Technical Assistance to meet the unique needs of the participating organizations. Cohort members build and implement a customized organizational capacity-strengthening plan and participate in monthly training, workshops, and peer learning opportunities to increase organizational capacity to serve their target population.

For all inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Current Status

The Capacity Strengthening Program is now accepting applications for its second cohort.

We invite eligible organizations to review the Request for Applications (RFA) and apply by the July 2nd, 2025, deadline.

All materials and submission details are available below.

Capacity Strengthening Program Request for Applications (RFA)


Application Package

The application form must be completed in one sitting/session. You will not be able to save progress. You may download a copy of the full application package to review the questions and draft responses before submitting the application.

Application Form

Once you have completed the application using the Application Package, please add your responses and upload all required attachments to the Application form and submit your application.

Application Form Walkthrough

The program proudly partners with the inaugural cohort of community-based organizations.

Cohort #1 Members:

AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE WELLNESS AGENCY

The African American Male Wellness Agency is dedicated to advancing equity, community health, and economic stability in urban and underrepresented communities. In particular, AAMWA aims to increase the life expectancy of African American men through initiatives focused on physical and mental health, financial wellness, and fatherhood. AAMWA raises awareness about preventable health diseases, provides financial wellness services to enhance the economic well-being of African American men and their families, and fosters safe discussions on mental health, substance misuse, and addiction.

BRIDGEYEAR

BridgeYear connects underserved youth to careers and educational pathways that provide economic stability and independence, driving positive change that extends beyond individual success and contributes to a more equitable society. BridgeYear focuses on underserved youth from low-income communities, working to ensure they graduate high school with a path to gainful employment and are aware of the myriad of successful careers that don’t require a college degree.

CAN DO HOUSTON

CAN DO Houston is dedicated to promoting health equity by addressing systemic barriers to good health in under-resourced communities. Through ongoing engagement with residents and collaboration with diverse partners, CAN DO Houston develops tailored, community-driven solutions that focus on active living, healthy eating, and civic engagement. Their initiatives aim to transform the physical environment and local policies, empowering residents to make lasting changes both in their homes and across their neighborhoods to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

CENTER FOR CIVIC AND PUBLIC POLICY IMPROVEMENT

The Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement (CCPPI) is committed to advancing policies that promote human, civic, social, and economic justice. CCPPI works to inform citizens about their civic rights and responsibilities, connect diverse communities and disciplines to address pressing challenges, and empower individuals to lead change to create measurable impacts in areas like affordable housing, healthcare, education, safety and criminal justice.

CHRIST CLINIC

Christ Clinic provides high-quality primary care and mental health counseling to uninsured and underinsured individuals and their families. Founded as an outreach ministry of Memorial Lutheran Church in Katy, Christ Clinic serves those in need with love, compassion, dignity, and respect through a team of caring staff and volunteers.

ECHOS HOUSTON

Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS) provides access to health and social service resources for individuals who face barriers to healthcare, stable housing, and nutritious food. ECHOS helps families meet their basic needs while promoting self-sufficiency and financial stability through its housing stability, benefits application assistance, and food security programs. ECHOS also offers on-site healthcare services provided by partners such as Texas Children’s Mobile Clinic.

GUSTAVIA PEARLS WOMEN'S OUTREACH

Gustavia Pearls Women’s Outreach empowers survivors of domestic violence and their children to rebuild their lives and achieve safety, self-reliance, and freedom from violence. The organization provides specific tools, including safety planning to create secure environments, mental wellness services for emotional healing, access to healthcare resources, and goal-setting workshops to implement personal and professional growth. By addressing the unique needs of each survivor, Gustavia Pearls equips them with the skills and support needed to restore confidence, overcome challenges, and build a brighter future.

INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH AT THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER

The Institute for Spirituality and Health is an independent, interfaith nonprofit dedicated to exploring the connection between spirituality and health as being central to overall well-being. Through its four Centers of Excellence, the Institute offers programs focused on education for healthcare professionals, enhancing mental health, supporting spiritual care at the end of life, and linking faith with public health, all aimed at enhancing well-being in the community.

TEXAS FEDERATION OF THE PEOPLE

The Texas Federation of the People Foundation helps individuals facing legal challenges re-establish their lives through work and healing, focusing on the reentry and career redevelopment for successful reintegration into society. With comprehensive services such as mental health support, education, job readiness, financial literacy, and family reunification, the Foundation aims to reduce recidivism and foster lasting success.

THE ARC

The Arc of Harris County enriches the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The organization’s focus is to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all phases of life. The Arc supports family cohesion, provides educational advocacy services, community outreach and resources, and inclusive life-enhancing activities.

Program Inputs:

To support eligible grantees, HCPH will offer the following resources for this effort:

  • Funding up to $100,000 per organization*
  • Technical Assistance for ongoing capacity-strengthening support
  • Connections to learning opportunities, educational sessions, and peer networking opportunities

*Funding is contingent on acceptance and full participation in the cohort, including developing and implementing a personalized organizational capacity-strengthening plan.

Program Outcomes:

Participating community-based organizations will improve the following:

  • Organizational policies and practices to help improve services and increase impact
  • Operating systems to meet contract requirements
  • Working relationships with Harris County departments
  • Sustainability planning

Eligibility

Eligible CBOs must be based in Harris County, conduct their proposed work in Harris County, and should:

  • be categorized as 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or fiscally sponsored.
  • have programs and/or services that address social determinants of health (SDOH) and advance health equity.
  • Preferably have fewer than 25 paid employees and limited infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Harris County Public Health Capacity Strengthening Program (CSP)?

Each cohort of the CSP follows a cohort of approximately ten community-based organizations for a period of 16 months. The program provides selected organizations with funding up to $100,000 throughout the cohort and delivers customized Technical Assistance to meet the unique needs of the participating organizations. Cohort members build and implement a customized organizational capacity-building plan and participate in monthly training, workshops, and peer learning opportunities to increase organizational capacity for all cohort members.

2. What is Capacity Strengthening?

Capacity Strengthening is equitable access to resources and supports, such as Technical Assistance and subject matter experts, staffing and personnel, executive coaching, board and leadership development, technology, fundraising, and advocacy tools. Capacity Strengthening opportunities ensure that organizations are sustainable and can provide efficient, effective, and equitable services.

3. What is Technical Assistance?

Technical Assistance is individualized training and support to develop staff skills, strengthen programs and operations, and implement capacity development plans.

4. Who is Eligible to Apply for the Capacity Strengthening Program?

Organizations that are:

  • based in Harris County and conduct their work in Harris County
  • 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored
  • currently addressing non-medical determinants of health and advance optimal health for all through their programs and services

HCPH will prioritize applications from organizations with less than 25 paid employees and limited organizational infrastructure.

5. What is the amount of funding available?

Participating organizations will be eligible to receive up to $100,000, released in four disbursements of $25,000. The first $25,000 will be awarded at the beginning of the program once each organization has a signed and executed a contract with Harris County confirming their participation in the CSP.

The organization will be eligible to receive up to $75,000 over the remainder of the program upon successfully completing required activities, including developing and implementing a custom capacity strengthening plan, participating in cohort learning opportunities, engaging with their assigned capacity strengthening coach, and completing program evaluation activities.

6. Who from my organization should participate in the capacity-strengthening process?

CEOs, Executive leaders, and the Board of Directors are encouraged to participate.

7. How long does the Capacity Strengthening Program last?

Each Harris County Capacity Strengthening Program cohort lasts approximately 16 months.

8. Who to contact if I have questions related to the program or application?

You may direct questions to [email protected].

9. Where should I apply?

The application window for the second cohort is now open. We invite eligible organizations to review the Request for Applications (RFA) and apply by the deadline through the Application Form.

10. What is the application review and selection process?

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. HCPH will make awards to applicants who demonstrate the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of this RFA.

11. If selected, how many hours per month am I expected to engage in the Capacity Strengthening Program?

Participating organizations should expect 15-20 hours per month to engage in Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance-related activities.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Can someone who supports two different organization submit applications for both organizations separately, or would it be one application?
If the two organizations each have their own individual 501(c)(3) status, they are considered separate applicants. Therefore, an individual may submit separate applications on behalf of each eligible organization.
2. Is HCPH more inclined to work with organizations in unincorporated Harris County or just Harris County in general?
The Capacity Strengthening Program serves Harris County as a whole. There is no distinction or preference between organizations that operate in unincorporated areas of Harris County vs. in the City of Houston for this grant.
3. If an organization filed at the beginning of the year for 501(c)(3) status and should get a certificate soon, as a new 501c3 are they able to apply for this program?
To be eligible for the Capacity Strengthening Program, an organization must have current 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization at the time of application. Organizations with a pending IRS application may apply if they can provide documentation showing their submission. This can include a screenshot or confirmation of the IRS submission that clearly shows the organization’s name, date of submission, and status as “pending.” However, full 501(c)(3) status must be confirmed prior to receiving an award recommendation.
4. If our mailing address is out of Harris County, but our office and services provided are in Harris County, are we still eligible?
Yes. If the organization provides services within Harris County and serves Harris County communities and residents, the organization is eligible to apply, even if the mailing address is located outside the county.
5. Requesting clarification on eligibility for organizations based just outside Harris County but serving underserved rural populations and veterans in Southeast Texas.
To be eligible, organizations must provide services to communities and residents in Harris County. This includes organizations whose office or mailing address is outside of Harris County.
6. Are new nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for the Capacity Strengthening Program?
Yes. Newly established non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the Capacity Strengthening Program if they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Request for Applications (RFA). While organizational experiences and capacity strengthening readiness are considered during the evaluation process, new organizations are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate a clear commitment to strengthening their capacity and serving Harris County communities.
7. If an organization has had a contract with Harris County in the past, does that prevent them from applying?
No. Previous contracts with Harris County do not affect an organization’s eligibility or chances of being selected for the Capacity Strengthening Program. All qualified organizations are encouraged to apply.
8. If any organization has more than 25 paid staff members but they were to break it down to a department or a clinic location for the Capacity Strengthening Program, would they still need to include the total staff in the application?
Yes. If the department or clinic is owned, managed, or operated by a larger parent organization, the total number of paid staff across the entire organization should be reported.
9. If an organization has a very large staff, are the chances slim to none or should they still apply?
Organizations of all sizes are welcome to apply; however, the Capacity Strengthening Program is designed to support smaller, emerging organizations in building and sustaining their capacity. While having fewer than 25 paid employees is not a requirement for eligibility, Harris County Public Health will prioritize applications from organizations with fewer than 25 paid staff and limited organizational infrastructure.
10. If an organization is very small, has no paid employees, and is comprised of volunteers only, is that a detraction towards their application?
While applicants are asked to include staffing information in their application, staffing is not a scored component of the evaluation criteria and organizations will not be penalized for having no paid employees. However, it is important that organizations have sufficient personnel to fully participate in Capacity Strengthening Program activities and meet program requirements. This includes attending cohort sessions, collaborating with technical assistance coaches, and developing and implementing a capacity strengthening plan to access the full $100,000 in available funding. Organization leadership is expected to dedicate approximately 15–20 hours per month to capacity strengthening activities, with most convenings occurring during normal business hours.
11. We are an initiative that falls under a larger organization. However, the organization does not provide us with any funding. Could we be a good candidate for this grant?

Yes, initiatives that operate under a larger organization may be eligible to apply, but only if they can demonstrate either independent 501(c)(3) status or a valid fiscal sponsorship through the following:

  • IRS Determination Letter: The sponsoring organization should have a valid IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter proving its tax-exempt status. The IRS determination letter is essential to demonstrate the legitimacy of the fiscal sponsorship arrangement.
  • Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement or Sponsorship Letter: In addition to the IRS Determination Letter, the organization must provide either:
  • Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement: A formal written agreement between the sponsoring organization and the sponsored organization is typically the foundation of the fiscal sponsorship relationship. This document outlines the terms, responsibilities, and conditions of the sponsorship.
  • Sponsorship Letter: The sponsoring organization may provide a letter confirming the fiscal sponsorship relationship. This letter should detail the start and end dates of the sponsorship, the purpose of the sponsorship, and any other relevant information.
12. Is it a requirement for organizations to provide some form of education to the community, such as health education, financial literacy, or secondary training to be considered a good fit for the Capacity Strengthening Program?
No. The Capacity Strengthening Program does not require organizations to provide education or outreach. We recognize that organizations offer a wide range of services tailored to their communities and unique missions. The application seeks to understand the nature of your organization’s work and how it supports the community, without requiring a specific type of education or service.