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Hillman Emergent Innovation (HEI) Grant Program – US

Deadline: 18-Feb-25

The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation is seeking applications for the Hillman Emergent Innovation (HEI) Grant Program to accelerate the development of bold, nursing-driven interventions that improve the health and healthcare of marginalized populations.

These populations include Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), the economically disadvantaged, LGBTQ+ people, people experiencing homelessness, rural populations, immigrant and refugee populations and other groups that encounter obstacles to accessing quality healthcare services.

Priorities
  • The HEI program seeks proposals for innovative, early stage nursing-driven interventions that:
    • Challenge conventional strategies for delivering and improving care to marginalized populations in the United States
    • Demonstrate potential as a best-in-class intervention
    • Narrow gaps in health equity
    • Show potential for scalability
  • Additional priority consideration will be given to proposals that include one or more of the following:
    • Build trust and credibility in programs or systems of care
    • Engagement of patients, families, caregivers, and/or community organizations
    • Inter-professional or multidisciplinary collaboration
    • Strong institutional and community partnerships
    • Provision of care in non-hospital settings
Funding Information
  • This program will award a $50,000 grant each to up to five (5) organizations. Project duration is 12–18 months, with a start date of January 1, 2026. Grant payment will be made in full by December 31, 2025.
Ineligible Proposals
  • The Foundation will not consider:
    • White papers, literature reviews, or support for publishing
    • Basic science or research
    • Capital projects or improvements
    • Training programs
    • Development of stand-alone technology including medical devices and mobile apps not integral to the overall design of the program
    • Projects outside the United States and its territories
Deliverables
  • The project leaders funded under this effort will be expected to provide the deliverables listed below:
    • Provision of one (1) written report to demonstrate project progress and success. This report will capture a clear assessment of the impact of the project and identify social, cultural and other barriers to expanded implementation.
    • Availability for periodic updates, including conversations via teleconference and (in special circumstances) informal site visits.
    • Dissemination of knowledge through publications in peer-reviewed literature, etc.
    • Participation in a brief evaluation survey up to two years after submission of the final report to assess the ongoing impact of the grant.
Who is eligible?
  • U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that are not classified as private foundations (proof of qualifying non-profit status, such as a tax-exempt determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service, is required)
  • International organizations that are the equivalent of U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations that are submitting a project that focuses on serving marginalized populations within the United States
  • Government entities
  • Faith-based organizations that welcome and serve all members of the community regardless of religious belief
Who is not eligible?
  • Individuals
  • Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status
Evaluation Criteria
  • Health impact on marginalized populations: Does the project have the potential to significantly impact the health of marginalized populations? Does the proposal clearly explain possible pathways to impact, including how it will improve health and the provision of care?
  • Innovation: Does the proposal present creative or disruptive solutions that leapfrog conventional approaches to addressing significant health and healthcare problems? Does the proposed intervention have the potential to emerge as a best-in-class approach and influence the field at large?
  • Nursing-driven: Is the proposed intervention rooted in nursing’s strengths and holistic approach to care? Does the proposal clearly explain why a nursing approach is especially well-suited to address the defined health/healthcare problem?
  • Scalability/Sustainability: Can the innovation and delivery mechanisms be replicated in other systems and/or communities? Does the proposal reflect any consideration of potential pathways to sustainability?
  • Evidence/execution plan: Are the proposed concept and approach based on sound analysis? Are feasible activities and reasonable measurable outcomes set out for the timeline of the grant?
  • Health equity: Does the project have the potential to significantly impact health equity within the target population? Does the proposal clearly explain the metrics and approach to improving health equity?
  • Inclusion: Does the team include diverse perspectives? Are members of the target community meaningfully included in the design, implementation and evaluation of the project?
  • Institutional/community support: How do host and partner organizations bring demonstrable support and commitment to the proposed project?
  • Leadership: Do the leaders and key team members demonstrate the commitment, skills, and rapport necessary to successfully pilot emerging work?

For more information, visit The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation.