Health Empowerment Zones
Health Empowerment Zones Grant
Oklahoma Complete Health is launching Health Empowerment Zones (HEZ) in Adair and McCurtain Counties. The zones create opportunities to make everyone healthier. We believe local communities are best equipped to know their unique needs and build solutions to address health inequities. Health Empowerment Zone grants will fund projects to improve health outcomes. Funding will support the zones in Adair and McCurtain Counties.
Each project must last for at least 18 months. Projects cannot last longer than three years. Each zone can apply for a one-time grant of $75,000.
Key Dates
August 1, 2025: Release Date
August 29, 2025: Application Date Closes
September 26, 2025: Selected Applicants are Notified
November 1, 2025: Project Begins
Qualified Organizations will:
- Spend grant money in time frame
- Use evidence-based practices
- Foster broad and sustained engagement of underserved populations
- Support Oklahoma Complete Health priorities
The types of entities that may submit proposals include:
- Organizations with 501 (c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- County, City/Township, or Special District Governments
- Local Public Health Departments
- Native American tribal governments
Grants are paid on a reimbursement basis. Organizations must show program work and manage funds for up to six months.
Q&A
This grant aims to support ways to improve access to maternal and infant health services, behavioral health services in rural communities, chronic disease management, and the implementation of Health Empowerment Zones to drive community-based solutions in Adair and McCurtain counties.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local health departments, city and county governments, tribal nations, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations that service communities in Adair and McCurtain counties.
Each county will have up to $75,000 available to fund projects with the grant’s focus areas. Funded projects must be at least 18 months and may not exceed three years. Applicants should propose a timeline and budget to reflect the scope and goals of the project within the timeframe.
Yes. If your organization wants to apply for funding in both McCurtain and Adair counties, you must submit one for each county. Each proposal should clearly outline the goals, strategies, and budget specific to that location.
For specific questions regarding Oklahoma Complete Health Health Empowerment Zone grants, please fill out this FORM.
How to Apply
The application period opens on August 1, 2025.
Background and Objectives: Provide an overview of your organization, including its mission, vision, history, and significant achievements/milestones. Detail your objectives related to expanding access to maternal and infant health services, addressing behavioral health, improving chronic disease prevention and management, reducing rural health disparities, and implementing Health Empowerment Zones to support community-based interventions through a rural health lens
Project Description: Outline the specific projects or programs that require funding. If a community health needs assessment (CHNA) has been conducted within the past three years, summarize the relevant findings that support the identified needs, particularly around the aforementioned outcomes), scope of work, activities, interventions, and strategies you will implement to reach the objectives. Explain how the project aligns with evidence-based practices and addresses the unique needs of the population of focus.
Population of focus: Describe the demographic characteristics and geographic location of the population of focus (for instance, pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and their families, etc.) for your interventions. Considering the impact on the population of focus and the broader community, describe plans to impact both stakeholders.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Highlight any existing partnerships or collaborations with healthcare providers, community organizations, foundations, health plans, state/government entities, or other stakeholders that enhance your organization's capacity to implement the proposed intervention effectively.
Budget: Provide a detailed budget for the proposed project, including all anticipated expenses related to program implementation, personnel, materials, and evaluation. Indicate the funding amount requested from Oklahoma Complete Health and how your organization will utilize it. Health Empowerment Zone Grants will fund the creation of a health empowerment zone. Projects must be for a minimum of at least 18 months and may not exceed 3 years in duration. Funding for this project is limited to a one-time grant of $75,000.
Evaluation and Monitoring: Please explain how you will determine the impact and effectiveness of your interventions and how you will measure the success of this project. Include specific evaluation criteria used to quantify health outcomes. Describe your plan for ongoing monitoring and reporting of project progress.
Sustainability and Scalability: Discuss the sustainability of your intervention beyond the funding period. Outline any plans for securing additional funding, integrating the intervention into existing healthcare systems, or scaling it up to reach a broader population.
Submission Guidelines: Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Smartsheet form linked here.
- Proposals will only be accepted via the Smartsheet form.
- Submissions must be on time to qualify for consideration.
- For questions or clarifications, please submit questions via this form and check our website for responses.
We look forward to receiving your proposal and learning more about how your organization works to improve infant and maternal health in our community.
Thank you for being so dedicated to this important cause.