COVID-19 Health Equity and Immunization Funding Opportunity RFA #40624

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment strongly encourages all applicants to email  the Resource Specialist team at cdphe_dcphr_health_equity_community_grants@state.co.us prior to applying. Resource Specialists can provide technical assistance. Learn more about the technical assistance process. 

Learn more about organizations we have or are currently funding. This document is  updated as we add more grantees.

A request for applications (RFA) is used to award grants to promote specific program goals. An organization (in this case, CDPHE) announces that grant funding is available, and eligible organizations may apply for it. Funding under RFA #40624 specifically supports the following goals:

• Expand existing and/or develop new mitigation and prevention resources and services to reduce COVID-19 related disparities among disproportionately affected populations. 
• Build, leverage, and expand support for COVID-19 prevention.
• Advance health equity and address social determinants of health as they relate to COVID-19 health disparities.
• Increase COVID-19 vaccination capacity across the jurisdiction, including among high-risk and underserved populations.
• Ensure high-quality and safe administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
• Ensure equitable distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
• Increase vaccine confidence through education, outreach, and partnerships.
• Develop and implement community engagement strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
• Support high vaccination uptake in Tribal nations.

There are four program areas to support the funding goals. Applicants may apply to more than one program area. Refer to RFA #40624 for more information and detailed instructions. There are no set award amounts or maximums. Submit a funding request that is appropriate for your agency needs. 

Organizations that may apply for funding must meet one of the following criteria:

Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to:

• Non profit organizations, in good standing with the IRS and the State of Colorado

• Community-based and grassroots-based organizations

• Federally recognized Native American Tribes in Colorado, or a nonprofit organization providing services to eligible Tribes on a reservation or federally recognized Tribal land with a letter of support from the applicable Tribal council

• Community health centers/rural health centers/safety net clinics/federally qualified health centers

• Congregate settings: Senior and assisted living housing, prisons/jails, shelters, etc.

• Healthcare organizations

• Governmental agencies

• Faith-based organizations

• Education institutions: K-12 schools for programming (research is not eligible)

• Public agencies: City councils, city and county departments, and Local Public Health Agencies (LPHAs)

  • (Note: Agencies that have already received funding from CDPHE or CDC for the same work cannot apply. LPHAs that are interested in receiving funds under this program must demonstrate that other COVID-19 relief funds they have access to do not cover the proposed activities.)

• Organizations that have fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3)

*Any organization contracting with CDPHE must be registered with SAM.gov

Organizations or groups that currently work in and have strong relationships in the communities for which funds are requested will be prioritized and:

• Minority and historically underserved communities of color;

• People with low-socioeconomic status;

• Older adults;

• Lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, or questioning individuals;

• Transgender, non-binary, and other gender nonconforming individuals;

• People with disabilities;

• Members of immigrant and refugee communities;

• People experiencing homelessness;

• Community-based, grassroots-based organizations and groups;

• Rural and/or geographically isolated areas;

• Culturally and linguistically responsive programs, services, and/or events;

• Organizations that engage the target community to inform the programs, services, and/or events that will be provided and/or engaged in leadership roles in the organization.

Important dates

• Health Equity and Immunization Fund RFA #40624 | Español
• Frequently asked questions | Full Q&A

Attachments (required forms and templates) 

1. Attachment A: CDPHE RFA Cover Sheet and Signature Page | Español
2. Attachment B:Program Application Questions | Español
3. Attachment C: Work Plan/Outline of Activities | Español
4. Attachment D: Project Budget and Narrative | Español
5. Attachment E: Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire | Español (Make a copy if you wish to use the worksheet by going into the top left sheet menu -  File > make a copy or File > Download)

Exhibits (Resources) 

1. Exhibit A: Summary of Funding Mechanisms | Español
2. Exhibit B: Allowable/Unallowable Expense Guidelines for the CDC Grant Programs | Español
3. Exhibit C: Contract Template | Español
4. Exhibit D: Purchase Order Terms and Conditions | Español
5. Exhibit E: Financial Risk Assessment FAQs | Español

• View responses to inquiries (Q&A)
• Summary of Grant Categories
• Allowable and Unallowable Expenses
• Invoice documentation checklist
• Incentive guidelines
• Direct deposit authorization form
• Supporting documentation guidelines
  • Supporting documentation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGBsPd-h3Tc

Equity Specialists provide technical assistance during the application process and post-award. If you would like help with your application, please contact us at cdphe_dcphr_health_equity_community_grants@state.co.us 

For all inquiries about this grant program, including to get connected to an Equity Resource Specialist, please email cdphe_dcphr_health_equity_community_grants@state.co.us