About the

HCPH Capacity Strengthening Grant Program

The HCPH Capacity Strengthening Program (CSP) supports the development of healthy and sustainable community-based organizations. This unique partnership model equips local organizations with resources to enhance their capacity to address the needs of Harris County community members.

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

Efforts to finalize Cohort 2 of the CSP continue. Updates will be posted here as the process moves forward. We appreciate your patience as we continue this work.

The application period is now closed. All future cohorts are contingent on funding availability.

Last updated: January 27 th, 2026

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:

  • Align resources and actions across all levels to maximize operations and organizational growth
  • Utilize tools to enhance efficiency, reach, and decision-making to amplify mission impact
  • Build new external relationships and leverage existing partnerships
  • Emphasize fiscal health, compliance, and long-term sustainability
  • Cultivate leadership, foster professional growth, and shape cultural dynamics to elevate team performance and deepen stakeholder satisfaction

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 non-medical drivers of health.
  • Preferably have fewer than 25 paid employees and limited infrastructure.