New funding opportunity invites innovative ideas from first-time applicants and community-led initiatives

Carlisle, PA — The Partnership for Better Health is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 Community Voices Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-driven solutions that advance health equity across the region. The grant round officially opened on April 23, 2026, and applications will be accepted through May 31, 2026.

The Community Voices Grant offers up to $10,000 per project for a one-year period. The initiative is specifically designed to welcome new leaders, grassroots efforts, and first-time applicants, as well as existing organizations that have not previously received funding from the Partnership for Better Health.

Guided by a diverse committee of 12 individuals with lived experience—including survivors of domestic violence, re-entry adults, youth with foster care experience, and members of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities—the grant prioritizes projects that reflect authentic community needs and lived realities.

“Health equity starts with listening,” said Shane Falwell, Community Voices Grant committee chair and staff at Tomorrow’s Neighbors, a local re-entry focused nonprofit.

“Our committee represents voices that are too often left out of funding decisions, and we’re proud to create opportunities for new leaders—especially those from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and historically marginalized communities—to bring forward bold, innovative ideas,” said Rodney Derrickson, a committee member who leads Prisoners’ Lives Matter, Pennsylvania Campaign.

The grant also aims to reduce barriers for first-time applicants and elevate emerging community leaders. “The people closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions,” said Yasaman Fahim, who is part of the Afghani community in PA and a mother of three.  “Our community is helping each other already but now we have a chance to formalize the programs and receive funding for our work.”

“We know that great ideas don’t always come from organizations with long funding histories,” said Taslim Tagore, Director of Health Equity at the Partnership for Better Health.  She added, “this grant is intentionally designed to open doors for first-time applicants and grassroots leaders doing powerful work in their communities.”

To support prospective applicants, the Partnership will host two virtual Grant Application Workshops where participants can learn more about the process and connect directly with committee members:

• May 4, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM (Zoom)
• May 11, 2026 | 4:30 – 6:00 PM (Zoom)

Applicants are encouraged to attend a session to ask questions and gain insights before submitting their proposals. Grant awards will be announced on July 2, 2026.

Interested applicants can visit the Partnership for Better Health website or access the online grant portal to learn more and apply.