County Health Council Collaborative Action for Rural Engagement (CARE) Grants

Summary

The Tennessee Department of Health will award approximately 8–12 reimbursement grants totaling $2,000,000 to support County Health Councils in implementing collaborative, sustainable, community-driven strategies identified through County Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans. Projects should address rural health priorities, reduce disparities, improve access to health resources, and create lasting Policy, Systems, and Environmental change. Funding tiers include Tier 1 up to $75,000, Tier 2 up to $250,000, and Tier 3 up to $500,000.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include rural County Health Councils with 501(c)(3) status or rural County Health Councils applying in partnership with an eligible fiscal agent/sponsor. Amendment #1 Q&A clarifies that a fiscal sponsor may be a nonprofit organization, governmental agency, or other partner willing to accept and manage grant funds on behalf of the County Health Council; the amended eligibility text also states that a fiscal agent must have 501(c)(3) status, so applicants should confirm requirements in the Competitive Requirements/RFA materials. The fiscal sponsor serves as the applicant and contracting entity and is responsible for grant administration, financial management, reporting, and compliance. Individuals are not eligible. Each rural County Health Council may participate in only one CARE Grant application, and each fiscal sponsor may serve as fiscal sponsor for only one CARE Grant application. Applications must demonstrate alignment with the Council’s CHA/CHIP priorities. Proposed services must be provided within one of Tennessee’s 89 eligible rural counties, excluding Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Sullivan; entities located in excluded counties may apply if proposed services are provided within an eligible rural county.

Requirements Checklist