2026 Healthier Communities Rapid Response Grant Fund Application

Meeting evolving needs 

This fund supports Kent County organizations with emerging needs. We define emerging need as a need that has: recently arisen, was not anticipated, and must be addressed immediately to avoid a major disruption to operations or to bolster an organization’s capacity to meet community needs.  

The fund will prioritize organizations who can show that immediate funding will maintain critical services or expand capacity for services that are new or in high demand. 

Examples of emerging needs may include:   

• Fixing a disruption to your ability to operate as normal, caused by external or internal (organizational) factors 

• Addressing a surge in community need that is beyond your capacity to serve

• Preparing or responding to an emergency response 

• Making up for changes in funding that seriously disrupt services or staffing 

• Exploring a new opportunity to meet a community need aligned with our Community Health Needs Assessment, not previously provided 

• Other 

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 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. 

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