2026 Healthier Communities Rapid Response Grant Fund Application

Meeting evolving needs 

This fund supports Kent County organizations with emerging needs and unanticipated time-sensitive opportunities.  

1. We define an emerging need as a need that has recently arisen, was not anticipated, and must be addressed immediately (within 30-60 days) to avoid a major disruption to current operations. 
2. We define a time‑sensitive opportunity as one that has recently emerged and requires immediate action (within 30–60 days) or it will no longer be viable. The opportunity must expand capacity to launch or scale a new service or non-profit project that addresses a critical community gap created by an unanticipated community condition or event. 

To be awarded the application must clearly show that the emerging need/time-sensitive opportunity: 

• Must be addressed within 30-60 days 
• Could not have been anticipated due to: 
  • A natural or other disaster (blizzard, fire, flood, burst pipes, etc.) 
  • An unexpected loss or pause of funding 
  • Compliance changes  
  • A community condition or event that changes the way your organization needs to operate 
  • Internal operational changes to systems or processes that result in a pause or reduction in work activities 

Award Amount 

Organizations can apply for awards up to $20,000.  Beginning in February 2026, $330,000 is available and will be awarded until funds are exhausted. 

Grant funds must be spent within 6 months of receipt.  

Eligibility 

• 501(c)3 organization or a non-profit project with a fiscal sponsor, or government agencies within Kent County

• Must primarily serve clients in Kent County and be open to providing services in underserved and/or rural areas within the county.  

• Applicants cannot receive funds more than once in a fiscal calendar year; however, organizations may re-apply during each cycle if not awarded. 

• Meeting criteria does not guarantee funding

 

What We Fund 

Funds can be utilized to respond to a timely and urgent need that could not be anticipated, as indicated by the organization.  These funds are non-discretionary and can be used to support program implementation, staff salaries, consultant fees, materials, facilities, and other costs. 

We do NOT fund: 

• Staff searches 
• Non-urgent expansion to current programs 

Timeline 

The grant application will open on the 1st business day of each month until the funds are exhausted, beginning in February 2026.  Applications will be due on the 7th business day of the month, per the schedule below*.  Grant decisions will be made within the month, and funds will be distributed the following month. 
 

Month	Application Opens	Application Due (5 PM)	Award Notification	Funds Disbursed
February	Feb 2, 2026	Feb 10, 2026	Feb 20, 2026	March 2026
March	Mar 2, 2026	Mar 10, 2026	Mar 20, 2026	April 2026
April	Apr 1, 2026	Apr 9, 2026	Apr 20, 2026	May 2026
May	May 1, 2026	May 11, 2026	May 22, 2026	June 2026
June	Jun 1, 2026	Jun 9, 2026	Jun 19, 2026	July 2026
Pause	Pause	Pause	Pause	Pause
August	Aug 3, 2026	Aug 11, 2026	Aug 21, 2026	September 2026
September	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 9, 2026	Sep 18, 2026	October 2026
October	Oct 1, 2026	Oct 9, 2026	Oct 20, 2026	November 2026
November	Nov 2, 2026	Nov 10, 2026	Nov 20, 2026	December 2026