Identifying Health Priorities in Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

PLEASE NOTE: The application deadline for this opportunity has passed.
Applications were due: November 6, 2023

Background
Over the last decade, North Carolina’s Asian American and Pacific Islander population has increased by 65 percent to more than 300,000 according to Census data from 2010 – 2020. This is a population that is uniquely diverse, with many languages and ethnicities as well as a broad range of lived experiences and social factors that contribute to the health outcomes of this growing segment that calls North Carolina home.

Despite their growth, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are not consistently represented in statewide efforts that are addressing drivers of health and health disparities, or in quantitative health and well-being data. Additionally, there is often an absence of qualitative information that lifts up the voices and experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander community members. While data gaps exist at the state level, national data sources suggest that disparities do exist in this community with regard to cancer, chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, health care and language access, and mental health.

Available Funding
This funding opportunity is designed to surface North Carolina-specific learnings about the health priorities of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and the kinds of strategies and systems changes that could be successful in promoting and improving the overall health and well-being of these communities. Two-year grants of up to $300,000 ($150,000 per year) will support up to two community-based organizations (and/or collaborative partnerships that have a community-based organization as the lead applicant) to undertake this work. With a significant focus on community engagement and generating both qualitative and quantitative information, this effort is expected to yield important insights that can inform local and statewide efforts that are addressing social drivers of health.

Eligibility

Organization Size

• There is no minimum organizational budget requirement. Organizations of all sizes are eligible to apply.

Organization Type

• Nonprofit organization that is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a).

- OR-

• Fiscally sponsored program – A group or project with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization acting as a fiscal sponsor. Please note that the fiscal sponsor is considered the grantee and is responsible for all legal aspects of the project including reporting and financial management.

- OR-

• Coalitions – Applications involving more than one group or organization are welcome; however, one organization will be the recipient of the grant and must be an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organization. Organizations and coalitions of any size are eligible to apply if the other eligibility criteria have been met.

Organization Characteristics

We seek to partner with organizations and/or collaboratives that share this vision and embody the following characteristics:

• Grounded in Community – Organizations that have strong connections to and within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and a demonstrated track record of effective partnerships and engagement with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, networks, and/or organizations.
• Community Trust – Organizations that are invested in cultivating authentic relationships with diverse groups of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities; prioritizing the groundwork that is needed to understand community health priorities.
• Collaborative – Organizations that can effectively work with a range of stakeholders including residents, organizations, subject matter experts, and others as relevant in the implementation of this initiative; organizations that have strong facilitation and community engagement skills as evidenced through work on similar projects.

Please note: Current and past Blue Cross NC Foundation grantees are welcome to apply.

Pre-Submission Inquiries
Organizations were invited to submit questions by October 16, 2023. The resulting Q&A is available to download.

Learn More and Apply

• Download the full funding opportunity