Below are the criteria used to determine if the applicant organization is eligible to receive funding.

• Be recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c)3 organization or tax-exempt organization.
• Provide services to a community in at least one of MHM’s 74 service counties.
• Have a 501(c)3 or tax-exempt status for a year or have a fiscal sponsor whose status has been in place at least one year.
• The grant application or organization must address one or more of MHM’s digital equity funding opportunity areas.

MHM uses an online platform for application and reporting submissions. Respondent teams should designate one member to submit on behalf of the group. The steps for submitting a response are detailed below

INITIAL LINK: https://us.grantrequest.com/application.aspx?sid=1143&fid=35336

• IMPORTANT: Once you have started the form and saved it, DO NOT use the initial link again. The initial link creates a new form each time it is used. It is important you use the second link below to get back to the existing form.

SAVED FORM:  https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1143/?SA=AM

• Use this link to get back to a saved form. Once logged in to your account, select the form in progress using the drop-down menu.

NOTE FOR ALL: Once you use the initial link and have access to the form, do not use the link again. Each time you click on the initial link, the system will create a completely new form and save it on your online account

Should you have technical difficulties, contact us at CommInvestments@mhm.org.

MHM will only accept one grant application per organization unless the applicant organization is serving as a fiscal sponsor for another organization, in addition to applying for its own organizational needs. If the applicant’s grant application crosses multiple funding opportunities submit one application that addresses all needs.

In general, MHM will not fund any amount over 20% of an organization’s overall budget. Refer to  funding opportunity for maximum awards.

The application will be open from June 21, 2023 – July 26, 2023. No applications will be accepted after July 26 at 11:59 p.m.

• Audit fees
• Endowments
• Fundraising events
• Grants or scholarships to individuals
• Financial deficits or debt reduction
• Insurance including general liability, professional liability, etc.
• Land
• Legal fees
• Lobbying on behalf of political candidates

Organizations selected for a grant award will be notified in October 2023.

Organizations not selected for funding will receive a declination notice in October 2023.

Yes, an organization will be considered for funding based on MHM’s eligibility requirements and alignment with funding priorities for a later grant cycle.

Grantees will be expected to submit online mid-year and year-end reports on the progress of their grants. In addition to formal reports, Grantees will have at least one in-person or virtual site visit with MHM program staff. There will also be optional partner convenings and trainings to provide opportunities for learning across the region.

Based on annual grant award amount, MHM will disburse funds as outlined below:

Grants of $150,000 or less:

• Total award disbursed at beginning of grant period. If grant funds are allocated for device distribution, partner will work with MHM staff to determine disbursement schedule.
• Provide a budget to actual with mid-year and year-end report.
• At the conclusion of the grant, any unspent funds will be returned to MHM. At MHM’s discretion it may allow grantee to retain all or a portion of unspent funds to further their mission.

MHM grants of more than $150,000 are not fully disbursed upon execution of the award.

Grants over $150,000:

• Grantee may be disbursed half of grant at the beginning of the grant period. If grant funds are allocated for device distribution, partner will work with MHM staff to determine disbursement schedule.
• If progressing toward goals, the remaining grant funds will be disbursed after mid-year report has been submitted. Lack of progress on goals, may delay disbursement. Grantee will work with Program Officer to determine next steps on disbursement when necessary.
• Provide a budget to actual with mid-year and year-end report.
• At the conclusion of the grant, any unspent funds will be returned to MHM. At MHM’s discretion it may allow grantee to retain all or a portion of unspent funds to further their mission.

Financial Audits: All grants are subject to audits.

Approximately up to $5 million will be allocated to the Digital Equity RFP.

As a fiscal sponsor, a portion of the requested grant monies is allowable for sponsor responsibilities. If you are applying with a fiscal sponsor, contact MHM when applying for guidance on budget submission for allowable fiscal sponsor fees.

Contact MHM’s Community Investments staff at CommInvestments@mhm.org.

Yes, contact MHM’s Community Investments staff at CommInvestments@mhm.org and include Digital Equity RFP in the subject line. Allow up to 3 business days for a response. Emails that do not include Digital Equity RFP in the subject line may cause delay in staff response time.

You may find a map of MHM’s service area on the website by clicking here.

A list of example Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each opportunity is listed under the Scope of Services. Respondents will be asked to specify the KPIs for their programs, which will be used to track the progress of their grants.

Third-party consultant costs are an eligible grant expense. Equipment costs are an eligible grant expense.

MHM will not fund:

• Audit fees
• Endowments
• Fundraising events
• Grants or scholarships to individuals
• Financial deficits or debt reduction
• Insurance including general liability, professional liability, etc.
• Land
• Legal fees
• Lobbying on behalf of political candidates

You may serve your clients only. It is not required to open services to all residents in your area but an application that expands services to additional residents may be stronger than one that only proposes extending an existing program.

Upskilling staff is always a great idea. You are also able to hire and/or train new Digital Connectors because MHM currently has a limited number of Digital Equity staff.

Digital Connectors are trusted guides in the community who can communicate with and assist residents who are looking for resources and skills to use the internet to achieve their goals. These Digital Connectors also have awareness of and orientation to MHM’s core care, wellness, and health competencies and its constituency. Digital Connector services will support the goals of the RFP in ways that include but are not limited to:

1. Accessing Devices. A Digital Connector may conduct outreach and awareness to increase use of computer centers. They may also promote device public benefit adoption.
2. Developing Digital Skills. A Digital Connector may act as a Digital Navigator and provide individualized or small group training on digital skills. They may also host focus groups to understand the digital skills gaps within their community.
3. Adopting Public Benefits. A Digital Connector may create public benefit adoption materials tailored to barriers faced by local residents. They may also promote public benefit adoption through local outreach efforts including events, home visits, and partnerships with community institutions. 

1. Funding Opportunity 1) Device Access
   • Maximum Grant Amount for Device Access: $3,000,000 (over 3 years)
   • Grant term: Grants will begin January 1, 2024.
2. Funding Opportunity 2) Digital Skills
   • Maximum Grant Amount for Digital Skills: $500,000 (over 3 years)
   • Grant term: Grants will begin January 1, 2024.
3. Funding Opportunity 3) Public Benefit Adoption
   • Maximum Grant Amount for Public Benefit Adoption: $500,000 (over 3 years)
   • Grant term: Grants will begin January 1, 2024.

1. Approximately up to $5 million will be allocated over three years. The number of awards is dependent on the quality and quantity of RFP responses.
2. In general, MHM will not fund any amount over 20% of an organization’s overall budget. Refer to funding opportunity for maximum awards.

The maximum grant amount is $3M for the device access funding opportunity, $500K for the digital skills opportunity, and $500K for the public benefit adoption. If a respondent applies for the maximum amount for all 3 funding opportunities, then yes in total that would be $4M.

Only one application is needed if you apply for more than one funding opportunity. You would indicate in the narrative and the budget workbook which funding opportunities you’re applying to and will complete two separate budgets based on the opportunity. You have 4 pages per funding opportunity.

Organizations should submit one application and indicate which target areas it will be serving in that application.

The application submission cutoff is July 26 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

RFP invites responses from both:

• Organizations that already provide digital support services and device distribution programs; and
• Organizations that provide other services in their communities and are interested in expanding their capacity to provide digital equity support.

Yes, a recording of the webinar is available on the website. Click here to view the recording.

A person who lives within MHM’s service area.

Yes, you may apply to one or more of the funding opportunities. If you have any questions, you can contact your grant officer.

You must provide services to a community in at least one of MHM’s 74 service counties to be eligible for this grant.

Any activity that meets the goal to increase device access, digital skills and public subsidy adoption in MHM’s service region is eligible to apply.

Organizations selected for a grant award will have the opportunity to participate in a Digital Connectors orientation that will be facilitated by MHM and its partners. More information on this orientation will be made available upon reward.

Devices proposed by respondents for distribution should be determined by the goals of the proposed program, the specific needs of residents, or other relevant factors (e.g. cost per device). Thus, diabetes self-monitoring devices would be an allowable cost.

Yes, such work should be included in the application. MHM encourages all respondents to include information on partnerships in the “Partnership Strategy” section of the proposal, particularly partnerships that will be key in the successful delivery of your proposed services.

MHM does not have a specific preference on the types of devices provided to residents nor the types of operating systems. Rather, devices proposed by respondents for distribution should be determined by the goals of the proposed program, the specific needs of residents, or other relevant factors (e.g. cost per device). Such needs and other factors should be described and justified in the respondent’s application. Devices provided to the community can be new or refurbished but should have up-to-date operating systems and modern specifications.

Devices provided to the community can be new or refurbished but should have up-to-date operating systems and modern specifications. Technical support to use the devices would ideally be a component of proposed device distribution plans.

MHM does not have a specific preference on the types of devices provided to residents nor the types of operating systems. Rather, specifications of devices proposed by respondents for distribution should be determined by the goals of the proposed program, the specific needs of residents, or other relevant factors (e.g. cost per device). Such needs and other factors should be described and justified in the respondent’s application. Devices provided to the community can be new or refurbished but should have up-to-date operating systems and modern specifications.Technical support to use the devices would ideally be a component of proposed device distribution plans.

There is no set expectation on the number of devices. The funding request for a certain quantity of devices should be based on a respondent’s programmatic needs.

Funding Opportunity 1. Device Access can be used to source hotspots, as well as to cover programmatic costs related to hotspot delivery, adoption, & support. Respondents interested in delivering hotspots should include any and all relevant costs in their funding request. Hotspots will not be provided directly by MHM.

The budget line items should be based on an respondent’s programmatic needs. MHM does not have a specific expectation on the number of devices vs. hotspots.

The number or residents served through the Device Access Funding Opportunity or any other Funding Opportunity should be based on the respondent’s programmatic needs. MHM does not have a specific expectation or goal regarding the number of residents an organization should propose to serve. The overarching goal is to increase quality device access for as many MHM target area residents as possible given the available funding.

MHM would not allow for purchasing of the vehicle but could allow for the leasing of a vehicle for a specified period of time or allowance per mile based on IRS rates.

There are no limitations to the partnerships needed to carry out programmatic activites.

Staffing details such as these should be based on a respondent’s programmatic needs. MHM does not have a specific expectation regarding whether Digital Connectors should be full-time or internship positions.

These organizations have not been identified. If a respondent has specific organizations in mind that they expect to deliver training to, they should name such organizations in their applicaition. MHM may hold an optional partner convening for organizations awarded through this RFP process so that grantees can understand each other’s programs and possibly identify opportunities for partnership.

MHM allows for mileage reimbursement for program staff based on IRS rates. Phone stipends are also allowable costs for program staff.

MHM encourages respondents to utilize and upskill existing staff to support the proposed services for any Funding Opportunity.

This is an application-only process. Applications are due July 26. A letter of interest is not necessary nor will they be accepted.

Yes, hiring of IT staff and Digital Connectors may come out of the Device Access Funding Opportunity.

Program expenses such as software for tracking are eligible and should be included in the budget workbook.