he Health Trust, in accordance with our mission to make Silicon Valley the
healthiest area in the country, annually awards upwards of $3 million in grants to organizations in our region that share our steadfast goals and our commitment to building a healthy and vibrant community.  The Health Trust also maintains a co-funding partnership with the Council of Aging to gain additional support for projects and programs that benefit older adults.  All grant requests submitted under each of our grant programs must be aligned with our Wellness Initiatives.

Good Samaritan Grants
Good Samaritan Grants provide short-term funding for grassroots or volunteer-based health, prevention, and wellness activities. Grant requests may not exceed $25,000 and generally provide seed or one-time funding for pilot or demonstration projects or special initiatives that will be completed within a year. Grants are awarded twice annually during the Fall and Spring cycles.  The deadline to submit a Letter of Inquiry for the Spring 2008 Good Samaritan Grants Cycle is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2008.

Health Partnership Grants
Health Partnership Grants are made to non-profit organizations and public agencies for medical services delivered by hospitals or by community based organizations in conjunction with a hospital sponsor designated by The Health Trust. These grants foster long-term improvements in community health and wellness that are innovative, cost-effective, and offer benefits that will continue beyond the grant period. Applicants may request multi-year funding and there is no specified minimum or maximum grant amount. Applicants will generally receive a response to their Letter of Inquiry within a two-month timeframe.

"Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?" Mini-Grants
In spring of 2008, PBS aired a seven-part documentary series entitled:  "Unnatural Causes:  Is Inequality Making Us Sick?"  This series reveals the striking health disparities among socio-economic and ethnic groups in America. As a follow up to the documentary and in efforts to bring awareness of the health inequalities that exist in America, The Health Trust is sponsoring mini-grants of up to $1,500 for community groups, faith-based organizations, schools, and neighborhood associations to hold their own screenings and ignite conversations surrounding this issue.  The grants can be used for expenses associated with showing the documentary including renting facility space, the cost of materials or supplies, translation services, speakers, food/refreshments, and other general administrative costs (limited to 10% of total grant).  Organizations awarded a grant will receive a free copy of the DVD series.  The grant application can be found below and must be received at The Health Trust by Friday, May 9, 2008.  For any questions, contact Angie Briones, The Health Trust Program Officer, at 408.879.8431, or via email at AngieB@healthtrust.org.  

Grant Application

"Unnatural Causes:  Is Inequality Making Us Sick?"
Website:  www.unnaturalcauses.org

Eligibility

• Applicants must be nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations
• Services must directly benefit residents of Santa Clara County and/or Northern San Benito County
• Projects must be consistent with the Wellness Initiatives of the Health Trust

The Health Trust does not fund:

• Annual appeals or membership drives
• Capital campaigns, construction, or renovation of facilities
• Equipment purchases (unless determined to be an integral part of an eligible activity)
• Debt retirement or deficit reduction
• Grants to Individuals