All of our funded campaigns must pursue policy through legislation, regulation, or executive order but not through voluntary or programmatic success. These are public policy goals; therefore, public policy interventions are necessary. If you are selected to submit a full application, you will receive further instructions defining what we have determined are the minimum standards for our policy goals.
Grant Opportunities
Voices for Healthy Kids funds coordinated tribal, state and local public policy issue advocacy campaigns with a focus on health equity.
Our current funding opportunities are listed below.
2024 Application Round
This timeline is for:
Short Form Application Timeline
Invited Applicants Timeline
Please note, we make every attempt to adhere to the posted timeline but is subject to change.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Alabama Specific Info Session
March 8 at 11:30 CT | Recording Here
Florida Specific Info Session
March 11 at 2:30 ET | Recording Here
AL | FL Applicants, if you can't attend the state specific session, please join an office hour.
Any questions can also be submitted directly to voicesforhealthykids@heart.org and we will respond within 1 business day.
Policy Campaign Opportunity
The Policy Campaign Grant Opportunity is designed to support strategic issue advocacy campaigns that advance equitable policies that make the places where kids and their families live, learn, and play healthier. Voices for Healthy Kids supports specific policy priorities – review the policies here.
Voices for Healthy Kids’ grants fund proposed campaigns that support and drive tribal, state and local policy change efforts that aim to dramatically improve the wellness of infants, toddlers, children and families experiencing the greatest health disparities including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and/or children in families with low-income.
Eligible organizations can apply for this funding:
Funding can be requested for $50,000 - $200,000
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
We are particularly interested in funding in tribal nations, cities and counties experiencing health and social disparities, and in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia, but applications from all states and Puerto Rico are welcome. 4-6 applications are expected to be funded for the 2024 round.
We do not award regional grants, multi-location funding, multi-issue areas, or support for technical assistance-based strategies. Grants will not be awarded for curriculum development or implementation, equipment, operations of physical activity, nutrition, or similar participant-based programs, capital expenditures, academic research or other non-advocacy purposes.
Application Information:
Who we fund: Voices for Healthy Kids is evolving to improve the flow of funding to communities facing the greatest inequities and to work with community leaders and organizations that are making strides for change. We are committed to increasing funding to organizations and campaigns that demonstrate capacity to address issues impacting Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Where we fund: Priority is given to communities experiencing the greatest inequities.
By trusting, supporting, and investing in the people and places experiencing the greatest inequities, we can remove barriers that stand in the way of healthy, thriving children and families everywhere.
While we learn a great deal through data, it is never the whole story. Each community has unique strengths and challenges that aren’t reflected by numbers, and we welcome applicants to share information related to their own challenges and their qualifications for addressing disparate outcomes.
Community Power Building: Priority will be given to campaigns that build power for community change and exhibit an understanding of institutional barriers and systemic racism that impact childhood wellness and foster equity.
Collaboration: Voices for Healthy Kids believes campaigns are most successful through collaboration between community organizations, advocacy groups, coalitions and others.
The Policy Campaign grant is a collaborative opportunity.
All applications are expected to be submitted as a joint proposals of two or more organizations, either as co-lead and/or subgrant.
Full instructions can be found on the grant application.
Two-step application process:
1. All interested, eligible applicants must submit a short form application.
Submitted short form applications will be screened for policy alignment. Aligned campaigns will be invited to a 20-minute call to discuss their campaigns further.
2. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application for consideration in a competitive review process.
Application Timeline:
Short form applications due March 25, 2024 at 5pm Pacific.
See full application timeline here.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions of the application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review the application questions and utilize these in preparing your application. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - all application submissions must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal.
Expectations if Funded
Voices for Healthy Kids is not a typical funder. We work closely with our grantees by providing robust consultation, technical assistance, and training to help you achieve your public policy goals. Voices for Healthy Kids monitors grantees’ efforts and careful stewardship of grant funds to assure accountability.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording Here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Policy Campaigns in Alabama and Florida
Voices for Healthy Kids’ grants fund proposed campaigns that support and drive tribal, state and local policy change efforts that aim to dramatically improve the wellness of infants, toddlers, children and families experiencing the greatest health disparities including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and/or children in families with low-income.
The Policy Campaign Grant Opportunity is designed to support strategic issue advocacy campaigns that advance equitable policies that make the places where kids and their families live, learn, and play healthier. Voices for Healthy Kids supports specific policy priorities – review the policies here. This policy campaign grant is focused on locations in Alabama and Florida.
State Campaign Applications in Alabama
Funding can be requested up to $150,000
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
Check out a short explainer on how eligible organizations in Alabama can apply for these grants:
Alabama Grant Opportunities Explainer Video
Alabama Specific Info Session
March 8 at 11:30 CT | Recording Here
If you can't attend the state specific session, please join an office hour. Any questions can also be submitted directly to voicesforhealthykids@heart.org and we will respond within 1 business day.
Local Campaigns in Florida:
Voices for Healthy Kids will accept applications for city, county, or tribal policy campaigns within:
Northwest: Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington Counties
Northeast: Clay, Flager, and St. Johns Counties
Central: Hillsborough and Polk Counties
Southwest: Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, and Lee Counties
Southeast: Dade County
Funding can be requested up to $100,000
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
Check out a short explainer on how eligible organizations in Florida can apply for these grants:
Florida Grant Opportunities Explainer Video
Florida Specific Info Session
March 11 at 2:30 ET | Register Here
If you can't attend the state specific session, please join an office hour. Any questions can also be submitted directly to voicesforhealthykids@heart.org and we will respond within 1 business day.
We do not award regional grants, multi-location funding, multi-issue areas, or support for technical assistance-based strategies. Grants will not be awarded for curriculum development or implementation, equipment, operations of physical activity, nutrition, or similar participant-based programs, capital expenditures, academic research or other non-advocacy purposes.
Application Information:
Who we fund: Voices for Healthy Kids is evolving to improve the flow of funding to communities facing the greatest inequities and to work with community leaders and organizations that are making strides for change. We are committed to increasing funding to organizations and campaigns that demonstrate capacity to address issues impacting Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Where we fund: Priority is given to communities experiencing the greatest inequities.
By trusting, supporting, and investing in the people and places experiencing the greatest inequities, we can remove barriers that stand in the way of healthy, thriving children and families everywhere.
While we learn a great deal through data, it is never the whole story. Each community has unique strengths and challenges that aren’t reflected by numbers, and we welcome applicants to share information related to their own challenges and their qualifications for addressing disparate outcomes.
Community Power Building: Priority will be given to campaigns that build power for community change and exhibit an understanding of institutional barriers and systemic racism that impact childhood wellness and foster equity.
Collaboration: Voices for Healthy Kids believes campaigns are most successful through collaboration between community organizations, advocacy groups, coalitions and others.
Joint proposals of two or more organizations, either as co-lead and/or subgrant are welcome but not required.
Full instructions can be found on the grant application.
Two-step application process:
1. All interested, eligible applicants must submit a short form application.
Submitted short form applications will be screened for policy alignment. Aligned campaigns will be invited to a 20-minute call to discuss their campaigns further.
2. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application for consideration in a competitive review process.
Application Timeline:
Short form applications due March 25, 2024 at 5pm Pacific.
See full application timeline here.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions of the application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review the application questions and utilize these in preparing your application. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - all application submissions must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal.
Policy Campaign in Alabama and Florida Short Form Application in Word
PC in AL and FL Co-Lead/Subgrant Application Section in Word
Expectations if Funded
Voices for Healthy Kids is not a typical funder. We work closely with our grantees by providing robust consultation, technical assistance, and training to help you achieve your public policy goals. Voices for Healthy Kids monitors grantees’ efforts and careful stewardship of grant funds to assure accountability.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording Here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Preemption
Voices for Healthy Kids funds campaigns that support efforts to protect health and well-being and build thriving, equitable communities by promoting and defending local government power.
What is preemption?
“Preemption” refers to the parameters that are established when a higher form of government dictates what a lower form of government can or cannot do. Historically, preemption was a neutral policy tool to help avoid conflicting regulations across levels of government. However, recently it has been used to strip local authority and silence constituent voices from making policies, regulations and ordinances that could protect communities and/or enhance equity and quality of life. This form of harmful preemption is what Voices for Healthy Kids is most concerned about stopping and/or reversing.
Voices for Healthy Kids’ grants fund proposed campaigns that support and drive tribal, state and local policy change efforts that aim to dramatically improve the wellness of infants, toddlers, children and families experiencing the greatest health disparities including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and/or children in families with low-income.
We do not award regional grants, multi-location funding, or support for technical assistance-based strategies. These grant opportunities are only for work on preemption—they cannot be coupled with work outside of preemption. Grants will not be awarded for curriculum development or implementation, equipment, supplies, operations of physical activity, nutrition, or similar participant-based programs, capital expenditures, academic research, projects or programs or other non-advocacy purposes.
Eligible organizations can apply for this funding:
Funding can be requested for:
Up to $50,000 for Cross-Issue Coalition Grants
Up to $75,000 for Proactive and Repeal Campaign Grants
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
Voices for Healthy Kids is currently funding campaigns in these states: AR, AZ, GA, IN, MO, OH, TN, TX, and WV. If you are a current grantee or interested in applying from one of these states, please contact Christine Compton to determine eligibility and application process. We anticipate awarding 2-4 preemption grants in the 2024 application round.
Application Information:
Who we fund: Voices for Healthy Kids is evolving to improve the flow of funding to communities facing the greatest inequities and to work with community leaders and organizations that are making strides for change. We are committed to increasing funding to organizations and campaigns that demonstrate capacity to address issues impacting Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Where we fund: Priority is given to communities experiencing the greatest inequities.
By trusting, supporting, and investing in the people and places experiencing the greatest inequities, we can remove barriers that stand in the way of healthy, thriving children and families everywhere.
While we learn a great deal through data, it is never the whole story. Each community has unique strengths and challenges that aren’t reflected by numbers, and we welcome applicants to share information related to their own challenges and their qualifications for addressing disparate outcomes.
Community Power Building: Priority will be given to campaigns that build power for community change and exhibit an understanding of institutional barriers and systemic racism that impact childhood wellness and foster equity.
Collaboration: Voices for Healthy Kids believes campaigns are most successful through collaboration between community organizations, advocacy groups, coalitions and others.
Joint proposals of two or more organizations, either as co-lead and/or subgrant are welcome but not required.
Full instructions can be found on the grant application.
Two-step application process:
1. All interested, eligible applicants must submit a short form application.
Submitted short form applications will be screened for policy alignment. Aligned campaigns will be invited to a 20-minute call to discuss their campaigns further.
2. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application for consideration in a competitive review process.
Application Timeline:
Short form applications due March 25, 2024 at 5pm Pacific.
See full application timeline here.
Expectations if Funded
Voices for Healthy Kids is not a typical funder. We work closely with our grantees by providing robust consultation, technical assistance, and training to help you achieve your public policy goals. Voices for Healthy Kids monitors grantees’ efforts and careful stewardship of grant funds to assure accountability.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording Here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Rapid Response Grant Opportunity
Rapid Response requests support critically timed needs of mature campaigns in push-for-passage mode (strategic time in final states of a policy passing) or to support a defensive campaign that would prevent a harmful policy from being passed. Funding is designed to support strategically targeted needs such as grassroots organizing, coalition building, polling, and media relations of campaigns as the campaign is in its final stages.
Funds may be requested up to $60,000 for a time period of weeks to a few months.
Rapid Response grants are open to campaigns not currently or previously funded by Voices for Healthy Kids for the requested policy lever.
Campaigns must have exhausted all other resources available and establish that critical resources are needed for a final push to passage during the end stage of a legislative or regulatory campaign or a defensive campaign.
Applicants must meet the organizational eligibility to apply.
Interested applicants need to contact voicesforhealthykids@heart.org to request a pre-screening call with a National Consultant. Please provide a brief description of the policy campaign, timeline and the issue area the campaign supports. Based on the pre-screening call, organizations may be invited to complete an application.
Finish Line Funding
Finish Line Funding supports short-term, critically timed requests during the final push-for-passage of policy. Voices for Healthy Kids provides the finish line funding opportunity to current grantees nearing the end of their grant or past grantees continuing their grant related work. Requests up to $50,000 with a duration of weeks to a few months will be considered. Applicants should discuss the need with their Policy Engagement Manager to determine eligibility and gain access to an application.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions of our current grant application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review and work in before copy and pasting your application responses in the online form. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - any application submission must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal, which requires organizations to register.
Policy Campaign Finish Line Funding Application Template (Coming Soon)
Policy Campaign Rapid Response Application Template
Policy Campaign Rapid Response Budget Template
All applications are submitted through the Voices for Healthy Kids online grant management system, and registration is required. Please follow these simple steps to register:
If you are a returning user to the system simply log into the Grant Management System. If you need to reset your password, please use "forgot my password," enter your email address, and submit. You will receive an email with a link to update your password.
If you are new to the Grant Management System, read the New to the Grants Management System instructions and click on "Create Account." You must register to access the application materials. If you do not receive an email to verify your account, check your junk folder. You must use the verification link in the email to gain access to the grant management system.
If you have any questions on the Voices for Healthy Kids Grant Opportunities, please contact Shannon Melluzzo, Manager, Advocacy Grants.
Policy Change Grants (Policy Campaign, Preemption, Rapid Response and Targeted Campaigns):
Applications must be specific to an individual campaign for public policy change in a tribe, state or local geographic area supporting one Voices for Healthy Kids policy priorities.
Organization Eligibility
To be eligible as a Lead, Co-Lead or Subgrant applicant organization, an organization must have tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) as a public charity or under section 501(c)(4); have a fiscal sponsor that is a section 501(c)(3) public charity or a section 501(c)(4) organization; or be a federally recognized Indian tribe or a subdivision of a tribe.
We are unable to fund private foundations, non-functionally integrated Type III supporting organizations, or government agencies (including public schools, state universities, etc.).
Grant requirements include the ability to conduct lobbying activities as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Section 501(c)(3) public charities are able to lobby; however, if your organization is restricted or prohibited from conducting lobbying activities by your leadership/board of directors, you are not eligible for this grant.
Consult your legal counsel for guidance on lobbying. In general, lobbying includes: communicating directly with legislators on specific legislation concerning your views on such legislation, or, communicating to the public on specific legislation concerning your views on legislation and asking them to take action.
Voices for Healthy Kids values authentic community engagement and equity-building strategies in all aspects of supported campaigns. Organizations would ideally be representative of the following populations: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Voices for Healthy Kids is currently funding the following organizations who are working to improve the health of children, families and communities through equitable policy change, with a specific focus on those experiencing systemic racism and historic oppression.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Children's Action Alliance, Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children, Arizona Early Childhood Education Association, Arizona Head Start Association, and Southern Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children - Arizona
New York Immigration Coalition, LSA Family Health Service, Fifth Avenue Committee, Inc., and Masa-Mex-Ed, Inc. - New York City
Parents Leading for Educational Equity and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT - Rhode Island
Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks
AHA Arkansas and Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention - Arkansas
ACCESS Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Arab American Heritage Council, African Bureau of Immigration and Social Affairs, and Michigan League for Public Policy - Michigan
Nebraska Appleseed, Heart Ministry Center, and RISE Academy (RISE) - Nebraska
PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center, Inc. – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Preemption
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families - Arkansas
Coalition for Tobacco-Free West Virginia
Every Texan (formerly Center for Public Policy Priorities)
Fuerte Arts Movement
Georgians for a Healthy Future
Indiana Coalition for Human Services
Missouri Workers Center
Ohio Mayors Alliance Foundation
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC)
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Children First PA (formerly PCCY), Maternity Care Coalition, and United Way of Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania
Southwest Women's Law Center and AHA New Mexico - New Mexico
Advocacy Impact Pilot
Charleston, SC
Charleston Hope
E3 Foundation (Educate, Empower, Elevate)
The Beloved Early Education and Care Collective (BEE)
YWCA Greater Charleston
East Baton Rouge, LA
The Walls Project
Center for Planning Excellence and the Power Coalition
BREADA
Three O'clock Project and Health Care Center in Schools, Inc.
Gulf Port, MS
CLIMB CDC
Magnolia Medical Foundation
Morning Star Baptist Church
Teen Health Mississippi
Tulsa, OK
HARRISON HOPE
Hunger Free Oklahoma, a fund of Tulsa Community Foundation
ImpactTulsa
Teach Not Punish Family Resource Center, Inc
Innovation, Equity and Exploration (IEE)
Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota
Clean Air Council
Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP
Voices for Healthy Kids does not typically fund multiple campaigns focused on the same issue within the same geographic area. We value collaboration and coordination. If there is an organization listed above that is funded in the issue area and location that interests you, please contact us to be connected to the campaign.
All of our funded campaigns must pursue policy through legislation, regulation, or executive order but not through voluntary or programmatic success. These are public policy goals; therefore, public policy interventions are necessary. If you are selected to submit a full application, you will receive further instructions defining what we have determined are the minimum standards for our policy goals.
We fund campaigns that aim to secure tribal, state, or local funding to increase access to affordable and quality childcare programs for children in low-income communities by providing better supports to childcare programs. The minimum annual appropriation must be $300,000, $500,000 or $1 million depending on the population of the state or locality based on 2020 U.S. Census and include at least one of the following priorities:
Secure funding for targeted outreach, recruitment, and retention of licensed early care and education (ECE) programs and pre-licensure technical assistance. Prioritize funding to build supply in rural areas, child-care deserts, areas with a high proportion of exempt providers, and family childcare homes.
Assist childcare facilities in securing funding for capital improvements which would help facilitate healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) standard implementation.
Increase subsidy reimbursement rates for child-care providers meeting HEPA standards through licensing.
We fund campaigns that aim to secure tribal or state funding to support Head Start/Early Head Start programs for currently eligible children and/or children from families above current income eligibility requirements. Minimum annual appropriation of $1 million, $3 million or $5 million depending on the population of the state based on the 2020 U.S. Census.
We do not fund policy campaigns that aim to create new state/local agencies, the creation of new citizen’s committees or ‘Children’s Cabinets.’ We also do not fund campaigns that aim to require only from-scratch cooking/non-packaged food or vegetarian/vegan only food in the childcare environment.
Voices for Healthy Kids funds campaigns that support state-level policies to ensure employees – public sector, private sector, or both – have access to paid family and medical leave programs that provide sufficient paid time off to manage significant personal or family life events and needs, such as managing a serious personal health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or bonding with a new child after birth, adoption, or placement in foster care.
Voices for Healthy Kids funds campaigns that support state policies to expand access to no-cost healthy school meals to the greatest extent possible (full universal meals, no-cost breakfast OR lunch, covering the cost or reduced-price meals, maximizing participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), etc.). States should prioritize expansion at the local level for school districts with the greatest need.
Voices for Healthy Kids funds community-centered campaigns that work with policy makers at the tribal, state, and local level to adopt excise taxes on sugary drinks to reduce consumption and raise revenue for communities that are most burdened by health inequity. Communities must be engaged as full partners in the decision to pursue a tax and with each of the tax policy process steps – tax design, adoption, implementation, and revenue allocation.
Voices for Healthy Kids funds state campaigns that support policies to maximize SNAP participation or expand benefits for eligible households. There are two options: (1) encourage eligible states to adopt broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) or (2) pursue policies to support SNAP access as detailed in the USDA SNAP State Options report or other innovative policies to expand benefits .
We do not fund project work, direct incentives to participants or farmers markets or any non-binding policy efforts.
Voices for Healthy Kids funds policy campaigns at the tribal, state and local level that increase participant access to eligible fruits and vegetables. We fund campaigns that seek to secure government funds for SNAP incentives and produce prescriptions programs. Funds can be used to establish or expand dollar-for-dollar match programs, purchase technology, support staffing and/or promote participation.
We do not fund non-binding policy or incremental change such as seeking of USDA waivers or other systems changes that are administrative only or otherwise not sustainable.
Voices for Healthy Kids funds campaigns that help enact policies at the state, local, or school-district level to increase access to drinking water in schools and communities. We fund campaigns at the state level that help enact policies that ensure all newly constructed schools and schools undergoing major renovations have water bottle filling stations. We also fund appropriations policy campaigns that support water bottle filling station installations, prioritizing Tier 1 and high-needs schools first. We are currently exploring opportunities to fund campaigns pursuing community water access.
Innovative policy approaches to impact the health equity and wellbeing of children prenatally-through-age-3 that are not currently listed in our defined policy issue areas. For example, policies to improve family income supports, nutrition security, birth justice, maternal health, or tax policy.
2024 Application Round
This timeline is for:
Short Form Application Timeline
Invited Applicants Timeline
Please note, we make every attempt to adhere to the posted timeline but is subject to change.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Alabama Specific Info Session
March 8 at 11:30 CT | Recording Here
Florida Specific Info Session
March 11 at 2:30 ET | Recording Here
AL | FL Applicants, if you can't attend the state specific session, please join an office hour.
Any questions can also be submitted directly to voicesforhealthykids@heart.org and we will respond within 1 business day.
Policy Campaign Opportunity
The Policy Campaign Grant Opportunity is designed to support strategic issue advocacy campaigns that advance equitable policies that make the places where kids and their families live, learn, and play healthier. Voices for Healthy Kids supports specific policy priorities – review the policies here.
Voices for Healthy Kids’ grants fund proposed campaigns that support and drive tribal, state and local policy change efforts that aim to dramatically improve the wellness of infants, toddlers, children and families experiencing the greatest health disparities including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and/or children in families with low-income.
Eligible organizations can apply for this funding:
Funding can be requested for $50,000 - $200,000
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
We are particularly interested in funding in tribal nations, cities and counties experiencing health and social disparities, and in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia, but applications from all states and Puerto Rico are welcome. 4-6 applications are expected to be funded for the 2024 round.
We do not award regional grants, multi-location funding, multi-issue areas, or support for technical assistance-based strategies. Grants will not be awarded for curriculum development or implementation, equipment, operations of physical activity, nutrition, or similar participant-based programs, capital expenditures, academic research or other non-advocacy purposes.
Application Information:
Who we fund: Voices for Healthy Kids is evolving to improve the flow of funding to communities facing the greatest inequities and to work with community leaders and organizations that are making strides for change. We are committed to increasing funding to organizations and campaigns that demonstrate capacity to address issues impacting Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Where we fund: Priority is given to communities experiencing the greatest inequities.
By trusting, supporting, and investing in the people and places experiencing the greatest inequities, we can remove barriers that stand in the way of healthy, thriving children and families everywhere.
While we learn a great deal through data, it is never the whole story. Each community has unique strengths and challenges that aren’t reflected by numbers, and we welcome applicants to share information related to their own challenges and their qualifications for addressing disparate outcomes.
Community Power Building: Priority will be given to campaigns that build power for community change and exhibit an understanding of institutional barriers and systemic racism that impact childhood wellness and foster equity.
Collaboration: Voices for Healthy Kids believes campaigns are most successful through collaboration between community organizations, advocacy groups, coalitions and others.
The Policy Campaign grant is a collaborative opportunity.
All applications are expected to be submitted as a joint proposals of two or more organizations, either as co-lead and/or subgrant.
Full instructions can be found on the grant application.
Two-step application process:
1. All interested, eligible applicants must submit a short form application.
Submitted short form applications will be screened for policy alignment. Aligned campaigns will be invited to a 20-minute call to discuss their campaigns further.
2. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application for consideration in a competitive review process.
Application Timeline:
Short form applications due March 25, 2024 at 5pm Pacific.
See full application timeline here.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions of the application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review the application questions and utilize these in preparing your application. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - all application submissions must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal.
Expectations if Funded
Voices for Healthy Kids is not a typical funder. We work closely with our grantees by providing robust consultation, technical assistance, and training to help you achieve your public policy goals. Voices for Healthy Kids monitors grantees’ efforts and careful stewardship of grant funds to assure accountability.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording Here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Policy Campaigns in Alabama and Florida
Voices for Healthy Kids’ grants fund proposed campaigns that support and drive tribal, state and local policy change efforts that aim to dramatically improve the wellness of infants, toddlers, children and families experiencing the greatest health disparities including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and/or children in families with low-income.
The Policy Campaign Grant Opportunity is designed to support strategic issue advocacy campaigns that advance equitable policies that make the places where kids and their families live, learn, and play healthier. Voices for Healthy Kids supports specific policy priorities – review the policies here. This policy campaign grant is focused on locations in Alabama and Florida.
State Campaign Applications in Alabama
Funding can be requested up to $150,000
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
Check out a short explainer on how eligible organizations in Alabama can apply for these grants:
Alabama Grant Opportunities Explainer Video
Alabama Specific Info Session
March 8 at 11:30 CT | Recording Here
If you can't attend the state specific session, please join an office hour. Any questions can also be submitted directly to voicesforhealthykids@heart.org and we will respond within 1 business day.
Local Campaigns in Florida:
Voices for Healthy Kids will accept applications for city, county, or tribal policy campaigns within:
Northwest: Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington Counties
Northeast: Clay, Flager, and St. Johns Counties
Central: Hillsborough and Polk Counties
Southwest: Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, and Lee Counties
Southeast: Dade County
Funding can be requested up to $100,000
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
Check out a short explainer on how eligible organizations in Florida can apply for these grants:
Florida Grant Opportunities Explainer Video
Florida Specific Info Session
March 11 at 2:30 ET | Register Here
If you can't attend the state specific session, please join an office hour. Any questions can also be submitted directly to voicesforhealthykids@heart.org and we will respond within 1 business day.
We do not award regional grants, multi-location funding, multi-issue areas, or support for technical assistance-based strategies. Grants will not be awarded for curriculum development or implementation, equipment, operations of physical activity, nutrition, or similar participant-based programs, capital expenditures, academic research or other non-advocacy purposes.
Application Information:
Who we fund: Voices for Healthy Kids is evolving to improve the flow of funding to communities facing the greatest inequities and to work with community leaders and organizations that are making strides for change. We are committed to increasing funding to organizations and campaigns that demonstrate capacity to address issues impacting Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Where we fund: Priority is given to communities experiencing the greatest inequities.
By trusting, supporting, and investing in the people and places experiencing the greatest inequities, we can remove barriers that stand in the way of healthy, thriving children and families everywhere.
While we learn a great deal through data, it is never the whole story. Each community has unique strengths and challenges that aren’t reflected by numbers, and we welcome applicants to share information related to their own challenges and their qualifications for addressing disparate outcomes.
Community Power Building: Priority will be given to campaigns that build power for community change and exhibit an understanding of institutional barriers and systemic racism that impact childhood wellness and foster equity.
Collaboration: Voices for Healthy Kids believes campaigns are most successful through collaboration between community organizations, advocacy groups, coalitions and others.
Joint proposals of two or more organizations, either as co-lead and/or subgrant are welcome but not required.
Full instructions can be found on the grant application.
Two-step application process:
1. All interested, eligible applicants must submit a short form application.
Submitted short form applications will be screened for policy alignment. Aligned campaigns will be invited to a 20-minute call to discuss their campaigns further.
2. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application for consideration in a competitive review process.
Application Timeline:
Short form applications due March 25, 2024 at 5pm Pacific.
See full application timeline here.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions of the application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review the application questions and utilize these in preparing your application. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - all application submissions must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal.
Policy Campaign in Alabama and Florida Short Form Application in Word
PC in AL and FL Co-Lead/Subgrant Application Section in Word
Expectations if Funded
Voices for Healthy Kids is not a typical funder. We work closely with our grantees by providing robust consultation, technical assistance, and training to help you achieve your public policy goals. Voices for Healthy Kids monitors grantees’ efforts and careful stewardship of grant funds to assure accountability.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording Here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Preemption
Voices for Healthy Kids funds campaigns that support efforts to protect health and well-being and build thriving, equitable communities by promoting and defending local government power.
What is preemption?
“Preemption” refers to the parameters that are established when a higher form of government dictates what a lower form of government can or cannot do. Historically, preemption was a neutral policy tool to help avoid conflicting regulations across levels of government. However, recently it has been used to strip local authority and silence constituent voices from making policies, regulations and ordinances that could protect communities and/or enhance equity and quality of life. This form of harmful preemption is what Voices for Healthy Kids is most concerned about stopping and/or reversing.
Voices for Healthy Kids’ grants fund proposed campaigns that support and drive tribal, state and local policy change efforts that aim to dramatically improve the wellness of infants, toddlers, children and families experiencing the greatest health disparities including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and/or children in families with low-income.
We do not award regional grants, multi-location funding, or support for technical assistance-based strategies. These grant opportunities are only for work on preemption—they cannot be coupled with work outside of preemption. Grants will not be awarded for curriculum development or implementation, equipment, supplies, operations of physical activity, nutrition, or similar participant-based programs, capital expenditures, academic research, projects or programs or other non-advocacy purposes.
Eligible organizations can apply for this funding:
Funding can be requested for:
Up to $50,000 for Cross-Issue Coalition Grants
Up to $75,000 for Proactive and Repeal Campaign Grants
Grant duration up to 18 months
Funding supports full campaign activities including lobbying and non-lobbying aspects
Voices for Healthy Kids is currently funding campaigns in these states: AR, AZ, GA, IN, MO, OH, TN, TX, and WV. If you are a current grantee or interested in applying from one of these states, please contact Christine Compton to determine eligibility and application process. We anticipate awarding 2-4 preemption grants in the 2024 application round.
Preemption Cross-Issue Coalition Grant
(up to $50,000)
Support cross-issue coalitions that will organize and coordinate efforts to work across a variety of specific issues all with the common threat of harmful preemption. For example, state laws limiting the ability of cities and counties to regulate, tax or otherwise enact laws stronger than state law related to building healthy, equitable communities – not specific to tobacco, nutrition, etc., but in a broader sense of opposing the silencing of community voice, local freedoms, protecting/enhancing equity, etc.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions the application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review the application questions and utilize these in preparing your application. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - all application submissions must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal.
Preemption Cross-Issue Full Application Template
Preemption Proactive Campaign Grant
(up to $75,000)
Oppose new legislation or policies limiting the ability of cities and counties to regulate, tax or otherwise enact laws stronger than state law related to building healthy, equitable communities. Rather than taking a reactionary approach, these proactive campaigns will expend funds by directing their tactics in preparation for and duration of their legislative session(s) known to have preemption threats instead of holding the funds until the threat is imminent.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions the application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review the application questions and utilize these in preparing your application. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - all application submissions must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal.
Preemption Proactive Campaign Short Form Application Template
Preemption Proactive Campaign Full Application Template
Preemption Repeal Campaign Grant
(up to $75,000)
Support the repeal of existing legislation or policies that limit the ability of cities and counties to regulate, tax or otherwise enact laws stronger than state law related to building healthy, equitable communities.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions the application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review the application questions and utilize these in preparing your application. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - all application submissions must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal.
Preemption Repeal Full Application Template
Application Information:
Who we fund: Voices for Healthy Kids is evolving to improve the flow of funding to communities facing the greatest inequities and to work with community leaders and organizations that are making strides for change. We are committed to increasing funding to organizations and campaigns that demonstrate capacity to address issues impacting Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Where we fund: Priority is given to communities experiencing the greatest inequities.
By trusting, supporting, and investing in the people and places experiencing the greatest inequities, we can remove barriers that stand in the way of healthy, thriving children and families everywhere.
While we learn a great deal through data, it is never the whole story. Each community has unique strengths and challenges that aren’t reflected by numbers, and we welcome applicants to share information related to their own challenges and their qualifications for addressing disparate outcomes.
Community Power Building: Priority will be given to campaigns that build power for community change and exhibit an understanding of institutional barriers and systemic racism that impact childhood wellness and foster equity.
Collaboration: Voices for Healthy Kids believes campaigns are most successful through collaboration between community organizations, advocacy groups, coalitions and others.
Joint proposals of two or more organizations, either as co-lead and/or subgrant are welcome but not required.
Full instructions can be found on the grant application.
Two-step application process:
1. All interested, eligible applicants must submit a short form application.
Submitted short form applications will be screened for policy alignment. Aligned campaigns will be invited to a 20-minute call to discuss their campaigns further.
2. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full application for consideration in a competitive review process.
Application Timeline:
Short form applications due March 25, 2024 at 5pm Pacific.
See full application timeline here.
Expectations if Funded
Voices for Healthy Kids is not a typical funder. We work closely with our grantees by providing robust consultation, technical assistance, and training to help you achieve your public policy goals. Voices for Healthy Kids monitors grantees’ efforts and careful stewardship of grant funds to assure accountability.
Register for our live office hours to ask questions about the grant opportunity and application!
Questions about the application, budget, or grant management system are welcome during the office hours. We encourage all applicants to review the grant application instructions before attending the office hours.
Office Hour 1
February 27 at 1pm PT/4pm ET | Recording Here
Office Hour 2
March 13 at 10am PT/1pm ET | Recording Here
Rapid Response Grant Opportunity
Rapid Response requests support critically timed needs of mature campaigns in push-for-passage mode (strategic time in final states of a policy passing) or to support a defensive campaign that would prevent a harmful policy from being passed. Funding is designed to support strategically targeted needs such as grassroots organizing, coalition building, polling, and media relations of campaigns as the campaign is in its final stages.
Funds may be requested up to $60,000 for a time period of weeks to a few months.
Rapid Response grants are open to campaigns not currently or previously funded by Voices for Healthy Kids for the requested policy lever.
Campaigns must have exhausted all other resources available and establish that critical resources are needed for a final push to passage during the end stage of a legislative or regulatory campaign or a defensive campaign.
Applicants must meet the organizational eligibility to apply.
Interested applicants need to contact voicesforhealthykids@heart.org to request a pre-screening call with a National Consultant. Please provide a brief description of the policy campaign, timeline and the issue area the campaign supports. Based on the pre-screening call, organizations may be invited to complete an application.
Finish Line Funding
Finish Line Funding supports short-term, critically timed requests during the final push-for-passage of policy. Voices for Healthy Kids provides the finish line funding opportunity to current grantees nearing the end of their grant or past grantees continuing their grant related work. Requests up to $50,000 with a duration of weeks to a few months will be considered. Applicants should discuss the need with their Policy Engagement Manager to determine eligibility and gain access to an application.
Application Templates
For applicant convenience, below is a list of Word (.doc) versions of our current grant application questions. Click on the links to download the template to review and work in before copy and pasting your application responses in the online form. These application templates are for draft work ONLY - any application submission must be on the application forms in our online grant management portal, which requires organizations to register.
Policy Campaign Finish Line Funding Application Template (Coming Soon)
Policy Campaign Rapid Response Application Template
Policy Campaign Rapid Response Budget Template
All applications are submitted through the Voices for Healthy Kids online grant management system, and registration is required. Please follow these simple steps to register:
If you are a returning user to the system simply log into the Grant Management System. If you need to reset your password, please use "forgot my password," enter your email address, and submit. You will receive an email with a link to update your password.
If you are new to the Grant Management System, read the New to the Grants Management System instructions and click on "Create Account." You must register to access the application materials. If you do not receive an email to verify your account, check your junk folder. You must use the verification link in the email to gain access to the grant management system.
If you have any questions on the Voices for Healthy Kids Grant Opportunities, please contact Shannon Melluzzo, Manager, Advocacy Grants.
Policy Change Grants (Policy Campaign, Preemption, Rapid Response and Targeted Campaigns):
Applications must be specific to an individual campaign for public policy change in a tribe, state or local geographic area supporting one Voices for Healthy Kids policy priorities.
Organization Eligibility
To be eligible as a Lead, Co-Lead or Subgrant applicant organization, an organization must have tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) as a public charity or under section 501(c)(4); have a fiscal sponsor that is a section 501(c)(3) public charity or a section 501(c)(4) organization; or be a federally recognized Indian tribe or a subdivision of a tribe.
We are unable to fund private foundations, non-functionally integrated Type III supporting organizations, or government agencies (including public schools, state universities, etc.).
Grant requirements include the ability to conduct lobbying activities as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Section 501(c)(3) public charities are able to lobby; however, if your organization is restricted or prohibited from conducting lobbying activities by your leadership/board of directors, you are not eligible for this grant.
Consult your legal counsel for guidance on lobbying. In general, lobbying includes: communicating directly with legislators on specific legislation concerning your views on such legislation, or, communicating to the public on specific legislation concerning your views on legislation and asking them to take action.
Voices for Healthy Kids values authentic community engagement and equity-building strategies in all aspects of supported campaigns. Organizations would ideally be representative of the following populations: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1st generation immigrants, persons with disabilities, and families with low income.
Voices for Healthy Kids is currently funding the following organizations who are working to improve the health of children, families and communities through equitable policy change, with a specific focus on those experiencing systemic racism and historic oppression.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Children's Action Alliance, Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children, Arizona Early Childhood Education Association, Arizona Head Start Association, and Southern Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children - Arizona
New York Immigration Coalition, LSA Family Health Service, Fifth Avenue Committee, Inc., and Masa-Mex-Ed, Inc. - New York City
Parents Leading for Educational Equity and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT - Rhode Island
Healthy, Accessible Food and Drinks
AHA Arkansas and Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention - Arkansas
ACCESS Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Arab American Heritage Council, African Bureau of Immigration and Social Affairs, and Michigan League for Public Policy - Michigan
Nebraska Appleseed, Heart Ministry Center, and RISE Academy (RISE) - Nebraska
PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center, Inc. – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Preemption
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families - Arkansas
Coalition for Tobacco-Free West Virginia
Every Texan (formerly Center for Public Policy Priorities)
Fuerte Arts Movement
Georgians for a Healthy Future
Indiana Coalition for Human Services
Missouri Workers Center
Ohio Mayors Alliance Foundation
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC)
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Children First PA (formerly PCCY), Maternity Care Coalition, and United Way of Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania
Southwest Women's Law Center and AHA New Mexico - New Mexico
Advocacy Impact Pilot
Charleston, SC
Charleston Hope
E3 Foundation (Educate, Empower, Elevate)
The Beloved Early Education and Care Collective (BEE)
YWCA Greater Charleston
East Baton Rouge, LA
The Walls Project
Center for Planning Excellence and the Power Coalition
BREADA
Three O'clock Project and Health Care Center in Schools, Inc.
Gulf Port, MS
CLIMB CDC
Magnolia Medical Foundation
Morning Star Baptist Church
Teen Health Mississippi
Tulsa, OK
HARRISON HOPE
Hunger Free Oklahoma, a fund of Tulsa Community Foundation
ImpactTulsa
Teach Not Punish Family Resource Center, Inc
Innovation, Equity and Exploration (IEE)
Foundation for a Healthy North Dakota
Clean Air Council
Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP
Voices for Healthy Kids does not typically fund multiple campaigns focused on the same issue within the same geographic area. We value collaboration and coordination. If there is an organization listed above that is funded in the issue area and location that interests you, please contact us to be connected to the campaign.