The Caring for Communities Fund was established in 2015 through a generous donation from Carole Crosby, JD and Larry Wickless, DO to recognize and support the work of osteopathic physicians making a difference in the lives of people struggling with a variety of healthcare and social issues.
Providing healthcare to disadvantaged communities and populations is critical to the success of healthcare in the United States. The lack of physicians and access to healthcare in these communities severely compromises disease prevention activities and often results in poor health status.
Award Amount
Grants ranging from $5,000 - $25,000 will be distributed to 2 - 4 qualified 501(c)(3) health centers per year for a maximum of three consecutive years, contingent upon the submission and satisfactory review of an annual report. Matching or additional, grants to show sustainability may be required.
Eligibility
A qualified 501(c)(3) health center with an Osteopathic physician directly and actively involved in the operation and evaluation of the program. The program or project must directly benefit patients, address a critical need, be able to measure impact, and align with one of the Foundation’s strategic initiatives of Community Impact.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Serving and treating a significant number of disadvantaged people and/or people in desperate need of healthcare
- Treating patients for at least one year
- Improving the quality of life and health for the patients being served
- Promoting osteopathic philosophy and principles when treating patients
- Using enhanced treatment modalities (exercise, diet, lifestyle, and pharmaceutical applications) to aid in managing disease
- Creating public awareness at either the local, regional or national level
- Demonstrating efforts to eliminate practices that can cause disparate treatment of disadvantaged people
RFP Requirements
- Completed online application form – self-nomination accepted
- Executive Summary
- Grant Amount Request
- Program Description
- Timeline and Implementation
- Matching Funds
- Evaluation
- Use of Grant Money and Budget
- Director's current CV/Resume
- One (1) letter of support of the health clinic/program
- Two (2) letters of recommendation/support from other organizations
Recognition
The recipients will be recognized in various AOF publications, on the website, and through social media outlets.
Review Process
Applications close Monday, September 20, 2021. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed. All winners will be notified in November and the first installment of grants will be issued prior to December 31, 2021, unless otherwise noted.
