Calling all community health warriors in Cobb and Douglas Counties – it's time to step up and vie for a slice of public health funding. Cobb & Douglas Public Health announced they're now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Partnership Grants, and they're keen to disperse funds to initiatives ready to make a real difference in local health issues.

It's not just pocket change, either. With grant offerings of up to $25,000 per agency, those with matching funds can see their health-improving visions become reality. For projects costing $5,000 or less, applicants won't even need matching funds, a move likely to entice smaller, but equally pivotal, community initiatives. These grants target two key areas: Access to Health Services and Basic Needs, and Healthy Lifestyles, both identified by Cobb2020 and Live Healthy Douglas as critical for community health over the next few years.

But make no mistake, these grants aren't a simple handout. Successful applicants will need to work in concert with other organizations, and focus on policy development, system improvements, or environmental changes geared towards sustainable, long-term progress. It's a chance for agencies to lean in and create meaningful change that will resonate for years to come in their communities.

Interested parties have until May 23, 2024, to get their plans in order and submit an application. And for those scratching their heads over the specifics, there's backup – Jazmyn McCloud, Health Equity & Community Engagement Director for Cobb & Douglas Public Health, is the go-to for any and all queries. She can be reached, according to Cobb County's announcement, at [email protected] or 770-514-2407. If it's details on the grant application or partnership guidelines you're after, Cobb County has all the intelligence you need in their FY25_CHIP Partnership Grants Request for Proposals.