HHS Offers ‘Micro Grants’ to Community-Based Health Groups

HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson on July 16 announced that the agency plans to award "hundreds of 'micro grants' to community organizations for activities that support the goals of Healthy People 2010," the agency's national health and prevention agenda. HHS, having earmarked $500,000 to $700,000 for the grants, will launch the new grant program under a two-year pilot project, which will be overseen by HHS' Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The pilot grants, worth up to $2,010 each, will be distributed to local, not-for-profit groups -- including faith-based organizations -- in various geographic areas. Those groups receiving grants will be allowed to use the funds for such programs as anti-smoking campaigns, substance abuse forums "or other specific projects designed to promote prevention and improve health locally." According to HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Health Arthur Lawrence, "The application will be easy to complete, so local groups can tap the money quickly and then focus immediately on health prevention projects," adding, "We anticipate that much of the process will be handled electronically." HHS will select several not-for-profit organizations in each geographic area in the pilot to "recruit, review and award grant applications." If successful, the program will be expanded nationwide (HHS release, 7/16).