Community Benefit & Sponsorships

Deaconess Community Benefit Grants exist to improve local health outcomes, strengthen service systems, and support initiatives that are important to the vitality of our region. They are available to nonprofit organizations and public entities serving populations within the Deaconess Health System service area.

Eligibility: The Deaconess welcomes funding requests from non-profit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501 (c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and governmental agencies serving populations within the Deaconess Health System service area. Funding requests from non-profit organization that are not classified as a 501 (c)(3) public charity may be considered, provided the proposal is charitable and supports the community need and meets the other criteria describe on this page. In such case, the applicant organization will be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor.

• Fiscal Sponsors Organizations applying for a grant under the auspices of a verified 501 (c)(3) public charity acting as a fiscal sponsor are required to provide a written statement signed by the fiscal sponsor’s board president confirming agreement to receive grant monies (if awarded) and to oversee the proposed program/project.

Each applying non-profit organization must demonstrate equal opportunity through policy that does not allow discrimination of recipients of services, volunteers, or employees based on age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or any other status prohibited by law.

Deaconess prioritizes the Annual Impact Grant as the primary funding opportunity. Most organizations should apply here for annual or ongoing needs. To support equitable access, organizations typically receive one award per year. Quarterly Support Grants are designed for smaller, short-term projects.

Grant Cycles

1. Annual Impact Grants (applications open through February 28, 2026)

• Purpose: Ongoing, multi-month, or large-scale initiatives
• Process: Competitive annual review; detailed plan, measurable goals, sustainability strategy required
• Timeline: One application window per year; deadlines announced on our website

2. Quarterly Support Grants

• Purpose: Short-term, immediate-need projects or pilots that cannot wait for the annual cycle
• Process: Quarterly application windows; dates announced on our website
• Review: Evaluated after each window closes; requests that could be planned for the annual cycle may receive lower priority

Annual Impact Grants are reviewed during the annual cycle. Quarterly Support Grants are reviewed after each quarterly window. If selected, Deaconess will request any additional information, deliverables, and impact tracking.

Evaluation Criteria

• Applications are evaluated on alignment with mission and potential for measurable, sustainable impact.
• Strong proposals show:
  • Strategic alignment: Connection to Deaconess community health priorities and CHNA goals; defined social determinants addressed, target populations, and geography
  • Collaboration and community benefit: Complements, rather than duplicates, existing Deaconess services; promotes partnership and long-term benefit beyond the grant period
  • Focus areas: Priority for projects addressing housing instability; food or utility insecurity; domestic safety; transportation access; workforce development; economic development; education and training partnerships
  • Project design and accountability: Clear plan with outcomes and milestones; transparent, efficient budget; sustainability approach; commitment to interim and final reporting

As part of your application, you will be asked to submit financial statements for the organization’s last two years, such as a P&L Statement and Balance Sheet or similar, that reflects the financial health of your organization.

Reporting Procedures: The first report will be due one year after the grant is awarded. A final report will be required at two years when the project is completed. If the program is completed prior to the one- or two-year date, then please provide the final report upon completion.

Report Scope (Include the following):

• Brief summary of need
• Brief description of the specific program/project
• Based on the grant proposal submitted, identify the program goals and outcomes anticipated as a result of the program/project
  • Were the outcomes and goals met?
  • Were there additional benefits noted as a result of the program/project?
  • What barriers were identified as hindering the progress of completion of the program/project?
  • Finally, how did the Community Grant help the organization in meeting the outcomes and goals hoped for?

Additional Information

Requests outside the grant model, including event sponsorships or non-health projects, may be submitted through the same portal and will be evaluated at Deaconess’ discretion.

Questions: Jeffrey Walker, Deaconess Community Outreach Specialist jeffrey.walker@deaconess.com

Applications may be submitted through the form below