**Application deadline extended to May 31, 2024 at 11:59pm**
Background
The Statewide Health Strategies Grant (SHSG) represents a pioneering initiative committed to enhancing the health and well-being of all North Dakotans. The SHSG activates the ND State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), to address North Dakota's health priorities in a cohesive and strategic manner.
Funded by the North Dakota State Legislature, this grant program embodies a collective dedication to improving health outcomes across the state and empowers communities to identify and address local priorities.
The essence of this initiative is to leverage unique expertise, resources, and perspectives to foster equitable access to health care services, promote population health outcomes, and implement sustainable solutions that positively impact the well-being of individuals and populations throughout North Dakota.
By embracing collaborative action, the state is committed to sparking innovation, advancing evidence-based practices, and building partnerships that break down traditional barriers. Our ultimate goal is to create a healthier, more resilient state where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their best health – making North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity and review all attachments before applying.
The Q&A section of this page will be populated with questions received about the NOFO is intended to provide clarification for everyone. Questions about this opportunity can be submitted by email to phperformance@nd.gov.
Please review the Q&A section to see if your question has been answered before submitting a new question by email.
Quick Facts
- This is a competitive grant application process. The number of grants awarded will be dependent on the number of applications received and the availability of funding. Additionally, projects may be partially awarded.
- The total available funding as of April 2024 is $3 million. $1.5 million from the community health trust fund and $1.5 million in match funding, as outlined in HB 1004.
- The maximum award amount per project is limited to $400,000 ($200,000 state + $200,000 match).
- Grant awards must be used for projects in North Dakota that align with at least one of the priorities in the State Health Improvement Plan.
- Grant funding must be spent by June 30, 2025, with progress reports due quarterly and a final report due by July 15, 2025.
- Completed application packages must be submitted by email on or before May 31, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. CST.
Matching Guidelines
This grant program operates on a match-grant basis. Applicants are required to secure funds independently, which will then be matched by the Statewide Health Strategies Grant, subject to the approval and terms set forth herein. The following information is intended to give a quick look into the match requirements. Please read the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional details.
This grant requires a 1:1 match (100% of the requested amount must be matched), and 100% of the match must be financial. Match funds must be recorded and submitted for approval. Pledges for future donations will NOT be considered.
Example: $3,000 total project = $1,500 organizational/community cash match + $1,500 Statewide Health Strategies Grant.
Funding obtained or previously allocated by the state legislature for other purposes cannot be considered as part of the applicant's matching funds. Applicants must ensure that the matching funds are sourced independently of any state budget allocations to maintain the integrity and independence of the project's financing.
Applicants should understand that in-kind contributions, including cost-sharing, donated services, materials, or time, do NOT qualify for the match requirement.
Applicants are required to contribute their portion of the project funding upfront as part of the match requirement. This contribution is a prerequisite for receiving the grant funding and must be at least equivalent to the grant amount being requested.
Upon verification of the grantee's match contribution, the full grant amount will be issued. This streamlined process is designed to expedite the availability of funds, enabling grantees to commence or continue their project activities without delay.
Grantees are expected to adhere to the proposed budget and project plan as approved at the time of grant award.
Grantees are required to maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all expenditures. Regular reports that detail the use of the grant funds and matching contributions must be submitted according to the schedule established in the grant agreement. Grantees are accountable for the progress and outcomes of their projects. All grantees must submit quarterly progress reports and a comprehensive final report. These reports shall detail:
- The project outcomes achieved and the impact of the project.
- A summary of activities undertaken.
- A budget narrative that details how the grant funds were allocated, highlighting the project’s progress and milestones.
- Any challenges encountered and strategies implemented to overcome them.
The grant agreement will outline the schedule for submitting progress and final reports. Timely and accurate reporting is essential for evaluating the project's success and administering the grant program efficiently.
By submitting an application, the applicant acknowledges understanding and agreement to comply with ALL guidelines. The goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective use of funds to achieve meaningful and impactful project outcomes that address at least one of the four priorities of the SHIP.
Submission and Review Processes
Key Application Deadline and Submission Information
Please read the full Notice of Funding of Opportunity before applying.
Application Period | Completed application packages must be submitted on or before May 31, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. CST. Applications not received by the due date will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed. Additionally, applications deemed incomplete will not be further considered.
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Application Submission | Applications must be submitted by email to phperformance@nd.gov
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Application Questions | Submit questions to phperformance@nd.gov; questions and answers will be posted in a Q&A section on the website.
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Funding Period | The funding period for grant recipients will begin on August 1, 2024. Funds must be obligated by June 30, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions on or around June 21, 2024.
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An applicant must submit a signed application by email, that includes the following:
Step One: Grant Application Cover Letter
All grant application cover letters/applications (Attachment A) must be signed and dated by an authorized representative of the organization that is applying and must include the following components:
Step Two: Project Plan
Applicants may submit more than one project in a single application. However, each project must have its own Project Plan, which includes a project narrative, project work plan, and budget template and justification illustrating how the project will be successfully implemented. The Project Plan should include the Project Narrative, the Project Work Plan, the Project Budget and Budget Justification.
- The Project Narrative (Attachment B)
- The Project Work Plan (Attachment C)
- The Project Budget (Attachment D)
Please review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for additional information about the application requirements.
Application Review Information
A team from the ND HHS Public Health Division (PHD), composed of professionals with expertise in public health outreach, education, and systems thinking, will be responsible for reviewing grant applications. Their collective experience will ensure a thorough and insightful evaluation of each submission, focusing on innovative solutions to improve public health outcomes that align with at least one of the four priorities outlined in the SHIP. Applications will be evaluated using an evaluation tool (Attachment E).
Conflict of Interest
Personal financial gain and private benefit to North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services staff is prohibited. If an evaluator has a conflict of interest, they will not evaluate the grant applicant and shall recuse themselves from reviewing that particular grant application.
The evaluation team will review all applications using the Evaluation Tool (Attachment E).
After reviewing an application and completing an evaluation, the team will determine whether it should be fully, partially, or not awarded. PHD reserves the right not to grant or deny an application. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions on or around June 21, 2024.
- Applications that are fully awarded: The applicant will receive a notice of award, with the amount confirmed. Applicants will then enter into a Grant Agreement with PHD. The applicant shall acknowledge receipt of the award. PHD reserves the right to follow up on progress and request repayment of inappropriately used or unused funds.
- Applications that are partially awarded: The applicant will receive a notice of partial award, with the amount that is being awarded. PHD may request a meeting before the award. Applicants will then enter into a Grant Agreement with PHD. The applicant shall acknowledge receipt of the award. PHD reserves the right to follow up on progress and request repayment of inappropriately used or unused funds.
- Applications that are not awarded: If a submitted application is not selected for an award, the applicant will be notified.
Statewide Health Strategies FAQ
Funds may not be used for (1) inpatient services; (2) cash payments to intended recipients for health services; (3) purchase and improvement of land, construction or permanent improvement of buildings or purchase of major medical equipment.
Additional unallowable costs include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bad debt
- Contingencies or reserves
- Contributions or donations to others
- Entertainment costs
- Fines and penalties resulting from violations of, or failure to comply with Federal, State and local laws and regulations
- Food costs (other than per diem expenses)
- Fundraising
- Interest charges and late fees
- Lobbying or memberships in organizations substantially engaged in lobbying
No. See Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 8, additional unallowable costs includes fundraising.
Yes. Note: If rent and utilities are being used as general operating support for the proposed project and you’re using the budget template provided, you can put rent/utilities in the “Other” line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
The Statewide Health Strategies Grant (SHSG) will fund local and community-level projects designed to address one of the four priorities of the North Dakota State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).The scope of the project as outlined in the project narrative and budget will determine if the project meets one if the priorities of the SHIP. Projects should address a need or gap in the community that spark innovation, advance evidence-based practices, and/or build partnerships that break down traditional barriers (Notice of Funding Opportunity, pages 3-4 and 7-8).
Question #3 is asking how your project will address a need or gap in the community and to provide data when possible, to justify the need and/or gap. Question #4 is asking you to identify metrics, processes, outcome measures – then to describe how you will monitor, evaluate, and report on the metrics, processes or outcome measures. Data provided in #3 could be used again in #4.
Yes.
Paid media is an allowable expense. The specific paid media will be evaluated as part of the grant review process. If using the budget template provided, paid media can go in the “Other” line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
Incentives will not be allowed.
Administrative costs are allowable but are limited to 10 percent (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 8).
$200,000 is the maximum amount that can be requested. (Notice of Funding Opportunity page 4).
Match dollars must be available upfront and cannot be funds obtained or previously allocated by the state legislature. (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 5).
Salary and fringe benefits are allowable costs. If using the budget template provided, the first two lines provide space for personnel and fringe benefits. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
If using the budget template provided, you can put office furnishings and items such as printers, faxes, and computers in the “Supplies” line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification. Note: Anything over $5,000 needs to go in the “Equipment” line item.
If using the budget template, recruitment and marketing materials can be included under the "Other" line item. Be sure to include appropriate justification.
Applications with direct and impactful activities related to the health of North Dakotans will be prioritized.
For projects that are awarded, grantees must provide payment to the Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of the required match. Next, the grant from HHS will be provided to the grantee for the full amount, which includes the state portion plus the match. The expected timeline between receiving the match funds and disbursement of the full grant award will be less than 6 weeks.
Yes, more than one project may be submitted in a single application, but must have their own project plan including narrative, work plan, budget template and justification. (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 7).
For projects that are awarded, grantees must provide payment to the Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of the required match. Next, the grant from HHS will be provided to the grantee for the full amount, which includes the state portion plus the match. The expected timeline between receiving the match funds and disbursement of the full grant award will be less than 6 weeks.
In Question #3, gaps are identified. As much as possible, data will be included to highlight what the need is. In #5, applicants justify the need funds with an appropriate rationale. Please ensure the application includes both the gap/need and appropriate justification. Both #3 & #5 can be addressed together in the narrative, if appropriate.
Funds may not be used for purchase and improvement of land, construction or permanent improvement of buildings or purchase of major medical equipment.’ (Notice of Funding Opportunity, page 8).
Applicants should submit their application in a single email to phperformance@nd.gov. The files can be submitted as one pdf file or as individual files. It would be helpful if the file/s were named with the entity and/or project title.