Paths to Black Health Grant RFP Questions and Answers
Return to the Paths to Black Health Grant Request for Proposals webpage.
The final set of answers to questions will be posted on Jan. 18, 2024. To ensure all applicants have access to the same information, questions submitted after Jan. 12, 2024, will neither be answered nor posted to the website.
Topics:
- Eligible applicants
- Eligible populations
- Eligible projects
- Funding and project dates
- General information
- Project narratives
- Work plan
- Project requirements and deliverables
- Grant agreement
- Budget
Eligible applicants
Question: I have a question for the Q and A. Our organization is a community clinic that was founded specifically to serve the African American population and we provide culturally specific care for African American patients, including designing specific programs with the community. 48% of our patients are African Americans, which is the largest cultural group we serve. Since our founding, we expanded our mission to provide culturally tailored care to anyone who comes through our doors. Based on the eligibility guidelines in the RFP, would we be eligible to apply? We meet the definition of community-based organizations in the RFP.
Answer: Yes, programs that are part of a community-based clinic that intentionally serve U.S.-born African Americans are eligible to apply (RFP page 6).
Question: I am looking to submit an application to the Paths to Black Health Grant and I was wondering if I am eligible as an organization that is fiscally sponsored. And if so, do I submit the application under my sponsor or my own entity?
Answer: If your organization will complete the work, then enter your data as the lead organization in Section A on the application. Likewise, enter the fiscal agent information below that on the application , Section A. Then complete all the questions, budget, and workplan as the lead organization.
Question: Our 501 c 3 nonprofit organization is the lead on our proposed project. A higher education institution is also a partner on the project. Would this disqualify our proposal? Can representatives of public entities, advocacy groups, participate? Can the institution and entities be named partners in the proposal without disqualifying our proposal? Does it help if they are involved but not compensated? Can they contribute their own resources? Can county governments be involved without compensation? Is compensation the reason these institutions are ineligible?
Answer: No, the proposal would not be disqualified. Yes, a multisector approach of collaboration is permissible (RFP Page 5). The institution and entities can be named as partners without disqualification. The lead organization must determine the best allocation of funds to serve the project for reviewers to take into consideration. Although matching funds are not required, yes, partners may leverage other resources, including their own resources. Yes, county governments may be involved without compensation. The determination of the ineligible list was based on a number of factors, not necessarily just compensation.
Question: Our organization is a holistic mental health and wellness practice that centers on Black wellness. However, the RFP states that for-profit organizations are not eligible. While we are a for-profit organization, we are a social enterprise that centers on Black wellness unapologetically and I believe that this grant could be a nice opportunity for us to expand our work. Are we still able to apply as a cultural wellness organization?
Answer: For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply (RFP Page 6).
Question: Our organization would like to know if we are eligible to apply for the Paths to Black Health Grant as a for-profit business with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor?
Answer: No, for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply (RFP Page 6).
Question: Our organization is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community-based health care system, which is comprised of a hospital, community clinics, a research institute, and specialty care clinics. We have several programs that are tailored to serving African American individuals. Would programs within our health system be eligible to apply for the Paths to Black Health Grant?
Answer: Yes, programs that are part of nonprofit health care entities that intentionally serve U.S.-born African Americans are eligible to apply (RFP Page 6).
Question: We are a podcast network and promotions company that celebrates Black culture in Minnesota. I saw the information about the Paths to Black Health Grant and wanted to know if for-profit companies can apply?
Answer: No, for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply (RFP Page 6).
Question: When you say state or federal recognition, does this mean 501c3 status?
Answer: A 501c3 status is one form of such recognition. Applicants must have state or federal recognition as a formal organization or entity, such as a Federal Employer Identification Number or 501c3 status. Organizations or entities that do not have state or federal recognition may apply with a fiscal agent (RFP Page 7).
Question: Can an organization be considered eligible if it has state recognition as a 317A under Minnesota statutes (Dec. 12, 2023)?
Answer: Yes, organizations that are registered as a Minnesota nonprofit organizations are eligible if they fit the eligibility descriptions under section 1.4 of the RFP (Pages 6-7).
Question: To clarify, if we have an EIN and are federally recognized but do not have 501c3 status, do we need a fiscal sponsor?
Answer: Organizations are not required to have 501c3 status; there are many types of nonprofit organizations, so applicants may have a type of tax-exempt status other than 501c3. Organizations are required to be a public or private nonprofit organization that is culturally specific and/or intentionally designed to serve U.S.-born African Americans and fit the eligibility criteria described in section 1.4 of the RFP (Pages 6-7). If an organization fits this description and has either state or federal recognition as a public or private nonprofit, then it does not need a fiscal agent.
Question: If our project lead organization is a new foundation, and the foundation is led by someone who is not African American but the foundation serves the African American community, and our partners are African American, are we eligible to apply?
Answer: Yes, if the organization is a public or private nonprofit organization that is culturally specific and/or intentionally designed to serve U.S.-born African Americans and it fits the eligibility criteria described in section 1.4 of the RFP (Pages 6-7), it is eligible to apply.
Question: Can vendors with existing MDH contracts apply for this funding opportunity?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can you clarify how MDH defines U.S.-born African American culturally specific organizations for the purpose of this RFP? For large organizations that serve all communities of color but have embedded programs that are led by and exclusively serve the U.S.-born African American community, would these programs be eligible to apply?
Answer: For the purposes of this RFP, a U.S.-born African American culturally specific organization and/or an organization intentionally designed to serve U.S.-born African Americans is defined as an entity dedicated to enhancing the African American community's social health, well-being, and/or overall functioning. For example, the organization’s mission and/or vision are specifically designed around the U.S.-born African American community; the organization’s programs are designed specifically with the U.S.-born African American community in mind; and/or the organizations staff, leadership, board, and/or community served is primarily made up of U.S.-born African Americans (RFP Page 6). Organizations that have specific programs that fit this definition may be eligible to apply.
Question: I acknowledge that this grant is not for individuals, so I am wondering if a new organization can apply for this grant?
Answer: Yes, a new organization may apply for this grant. If the new organization does not yet have state or federal recognition as a formal organization or entity, it may apply with a fiscal agent.
Eligible populations
Question: Can you clarify the specific population this grant intends to serve (Black American, African heritage)?
Answer: Minnesota Statutes, section 144.0756, subdivision 4 establishes that “Proposals shall focus on addressing health equity issues specific to United States-born African American communities; addressing the health impact of historical trauma; reducing health disparities experienced by United States-born African American communities; and incorporating a multisector approach to addressing identified disparities.”
Throughout the RFP documents, Black(s) or African American(s) specifically references the U.S.-born African American population for whom studies indicate that health has been impacted as the result of historical trauma. This trauma includes post-traumatic slave syndrome (PTSS) and epigenetic inheritance (RFP Page 4).
Question: Can you please tell me of the working definition of U.S.-born African American communities? I have many Black immigrant parents now with children born in the U.S. 1) Are these children part of the target population for this proposal? 2) If so, how can the minor U.S.-born children and their non-U.S.-born parents be taken into consideration?
Answer: Minnesota Statutes, section 144.0756, subdivision 4 establishes that “Proposals shall focus on addressing health equity issues specific to United States-born African American communities; addressing the health impact of historical trauma; reducing health disparities experienced by United States-born African American communities; and incorporating a multisector approach to addressing identified disparities.”
Throughout the RFP documents, Black(s) or African American(s) specifically references the U.S.-born African American population for whom studies indicate that health has been impacted as the result of historical trauma. This trauma includes post-traumatic slave syndrome (PTSS) and epigenetic inheritance. Applicants may focus on any population that fits this description as stated in statute and the RFP.
Eligible projects
Question: Can projects also include/involve some CBPR elements?
Answer: Yes, the project can include community-based participatory research (CBPR) elements.
Question: I understand from Page 8 of the RFP that the “goal of the PBH grant is to aid organizations in planning and developing programs targeted at improving African American health outcomes.” Does this mean funding must be used for planning and development of "new" programs, or can funding be used to sustain or expand existing programs designed to improve African American health outcomes?
Answer: Funding is not limited to new programs.
Funding and project dates
Question: The RFP states that this is for a four-year project but lists the project period as May 1, 2024-June 30, 2027. Would it run through June 20, 2028?
Answer: No. The estimated grant start date is May 6, 2024, or when the agreement is fully executed by all parties, whichever is later. The projected end date is June 30, 2027. The grant period will be up to four fiscal years* contingent on satisfactory grantee performance and funding availability.
*Note: While the full grant period is approximately May 6, 2024, to June 2027, it is considered a four-year grant due to the state’s fiscal year parameters. The state fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30, so this grant period spans four fiscal years. Funding is provided on an annual basis so your budget estimate should reference the first two fiscal years (May 6, 2024, to June 2025). Any unspent funding for “Year 1” (May 2024 to June 2024) will carry over to Year 2 (RFP Page 6).
Question: Are applicants allowed to calculate a total funding amount that is true to cost as opposed to multiplying the first two fiscal years by two, as instructed in the application form?
Answer: Because the legislature has provided funding for these grants on an annual basis, the funding amount per fiscal year must remain the same for each awarded grantee. However, any unspent funding from fiscal year one will carry over to fiscal year two.
General information
Question: If two organizations are interested in applying collaboratively, does one of the organizations need to be the lead applicant and the other is the subcontractor? Or something else? We appreciate any guidance you might have.
Answer: Organizations may apply on their own or as part of a multi-organization collaboration with one organization identified as the lead (RFP page7).
Question: Who do I need to contact to get the Minnesota Tax ID number?
Answer: Contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Question: Will the RFP session be online after Dec. 12, 2023?
Answer: Yes. The recorded information session will be posted to the website as soon as it is made fully accessible.
Question: Regarding application status related to 501c3, is anyone at MDH providing one-on-one coaching through the application process for folks that might not be a 501c3?
Answer: To ensure no applicant has an undue advantage, our staff cannot meet with any applicants individually to support their application process. Please note, however, that applicants are not required to have 501c3 status to apply.
Project narratives
Question: The RFP states that the purpose of the grant is to identify disparities impacting African American health arising from cumulative and historical discrimination and disadvantages in multiple systems. These may include, but are not limited to, housing, education, employment, gun violence, incarceration, environmental factors, and healthcare discrimination. If our premise is that the cumulative impact of these and other disadvantages results in a breakdown of the unifying spirit that allows other ethnicities to galvanize and create a social fabric that allows advancement to the equity table, does a response designed to mitigate the cumulative breakdown by prompting and modeling the cohesiveness that allows a community spirit to qualify as a response theme?
Answer: Proposals may focus on addressing health inequities specific to U.S.-born African American communities; addressing the health impact of historical trauma and structural discrimination in U.S.-born African American communities; reducing health disparities experienced by U.S.-born African American communities; and/or incorporating a multisector approach to addressing identified disparities in U.S.- born African American communities (RFP page 5).
Projects can focus on individual-level change or direct service activities, or they can focus on larger systemic issues that affect health and well-being in U.S.-born African American communities. Applicants will be asked in their application to identify a primary (and optional secondary) systemic issue that their project will address (RFP page 9).
Question: If our first year involves community engagement around a systematic issue and research that will lead the work of years two to four, how would you like us to discuss what we will do in years two to four?
Answer: Your project narrative in the application form should provide a high-level description of your entire four-year project (approximately May 2024 to June 2027). If the first part of the grant period will focus on community engagement and planning to inform the work of the rest of the grant, your application may focus on those initial activities, with a rough outline of the type of work you may pursue in the following years based on community input. Grantees will have opportunities to revise their work plans as needed, in consultation and with approval from their grant manager (RFP Page 23). Please note that funding is provided on a fiscal year basis, so reference to "Year 1" means May 2024 to June 2024. "Year 2" references July 2024 to June 2025. Your work plan and budget estimate should describe plans for the first two fiscal years (May 2024 to June 2025) only. Any unspent funding for fiscal year one will carry over to fiscal year two.
Work plan
Question: Is it possible for us to gain access to a full work plan sample?
Answer: The work plan example provided on the PBH RFP website may be helpful in conceptualizing how the different components of the work plan work together. Please note that your project may vary significantly from the sample work plan depending on the objectives and activities you have identified. Most applicants will have more activities than are shown in the sample work plan (RFP Page 23).
Question: In the work plan template, the instructions are to plan year one for the budget and work plan. However, in the online application, the instructions refer to the budget and plan being for years one and two. Will you please clarify? I am unsure if year one is sufficient or if I need to include year two. And if so, would it be preferred if the budget PDFs are separate for each year or combined?
Answer: Both the work plan and the budget submitted as part of the application should include plans for fiscal years one and two (grant start date through June 30, 2025). While this is only about a 14-month period, it is considered a two-year work plan and budget due to the state’s fiscal year parameters. Your spending estimates for fiscal year one (May–June 2024) and fiscal year two (July 2024 to June 2025) should be combined into a single budget, as any unspent funding from fiscal year one will carry over to fiscal year two.
Question: In the application form and work plan template, should we choose as many as possible of the related unjust systems listed?
Answer: Only choose items that will be specifically and intentionally addressed by your proposed project and the objectives and outcomes detailed in your work plan.
Project requirements and deliverables
Question: For activities that are geared towards addressing social determinants of health (e.g., income), must outcomes be directly connected to a health outcome or can they be a social determinants of health outcome (e.g., participants increase income, economic, housing stability, etc.)?
Answer: Outcomes may relate to a social determinant of health. For the purposes of this RFP, the term "health" is broad to include not only physical and mental health but all social determinants of health (RFP Pages 9-10).
Grant agreement
Question: The sample grant agreement has wording on intellectual ownership and intellectual property rights. It indicates that "grantee will grant MDH a perpetual, irrevocable, no-fee license and right to reproduce, modify, distribute, perform, make, have made, and otherwise use the materials for any and all purposes, in all forms and manners that MDH, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate." Is this negotiable?
Answer: MDH is willing to consider proposed changes to agreement language. If selected to receive an award, the applicant may propose changes to MDH upon receiving the award notice.
Budget
Question: You are requesting the first two fiscal years to be included in the budget, and the RFP indicates that it is a four-year grant period. Does this mean the grant might be automatically renewed/extended, or there is an opportunity to apply to renew this grant?
Answer: The grant period will be up to four years contingent on satisfactory grantee performance and funding availability. If chosen as a grantee, your organization will be asked to submit a revised budget covering the final two years of the grant period.
Question: Are gift cards used as incentives for youth participants in a program an eligible expense, or are they considered cash?
Answer: Incentives are an allowable expense and may be provided in the form of a gift card or other means, which must be tracked. It's important to note that a gift card is different from cash, and incentives must not be in cash form.