Community Innovations has a three-pronged goal: to enhance the Network’s understanding of how best to support local organizations’ cross-sector reports; to connect local organizations to other peer organizations and the larger national dialogue, resources, and tools; and to embed capacity within organizations to undertake health strategies and engage with healthcare.

When we closed the RFP in April, we had received over 80 proposals. We were inspired and encouraged to see so many incredible organizations doing important work to address the social determinants of health and advance equity. Each proposal was carefully reviewed against an evaluation rubric that was based on the Principles for Building Health and Prosperous Communities, and finalists were reviewed by members of the Advisory Committee (list included below). After a rigorous evaluation process and with much deliberation, we awarded five proposals, in part to ensure adequate resources to awardees to carry out the work. This was certainly not an easy decision, there were many excellent proposals. We are eager to figure out future opportunities to continue work with more community development corporations committed to improving health and well being.