Capacity Strengthening Initiative

MDH recognizes that community-based organizations (CBOs) are important partners in helping Minnesotans who face health challenges. Advancing Health Equity through Capacity Building and Resource Allocation (Minnesota statutes, chapter 144.9821) was adopted by the legislature in 2023 to empower and strengthen the capacity of CBOs. Through this legislation, MDH created the Capacity Strengthening Initiative to help CBOs be better equipped and prepared for success in procuring grants and contracts at the department and addressing inequities.

The initiative focuses on helping CBOs and faith-based groups that serve people of color, American Indians, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities. It provides training and resources to these organizations.

This webpage has information and resources on applying for grants and contracts from MDH. Check this page often for updates about the Capacity Strengthening Initiative.

For Capacity Strengthening Grantees

Capacity Strengthening Grantee Portal - one stop shop for grantee guidelines, templates, and more. 

RFP

2023 Capacity Strengthening Initiative RFP

The basics

• Vendor ID Registration
• Getting Nonprofit Status

Grant resources

• MDH Grant Opportunities
• True Program Costs: Program Budget and Allocation Template and Resource
• Transforming Business Models Primer Video - Propel Nonprofits
• Annual Requirements for Nonprofit Organizations in Minnesota - Propel Nonprofits
• Planning for Evaluation [EXPIRED LINK]
• Finding state grant opportunities [EXPIRED LINK]
• Minnesota Office of Grant Management
• Wilder Foundation Research Topics
• Applicant flowchart:

1. Ensure you have acquired the following:
   • 501(c)(3) status: useful in applying for State funding.
   • Vendor ID registration (required).
   • UEI/SAMS registration.
   • MDHR registration (if applicable).
2. Identifying opportunities:
   • MDH Open Opportunities
   • MDH Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division
3. Evaluate and ask questions:
   • What is the opportunity for?
   • Who is the opportunity for?
   • Does the opportunity align with your mission?
   • Is the timeline reasonable?
   • Reach out to ask clarify questions.
4. Consider internal capacity:
   • Do I have enough staffing to do the work?
   • Will I have to recruit staff to do the work?
   • Is it good timing for me to pursue this opportunity?
   • Do I need approval from my board or leadership?
5. Pay attention to submission checklist:
   • Gather materials for the application and budget.
   • Seek letters of support, if needed.
   • Form a small team to discuss the programming and proposal.
6. Begin drafting your proposal:
   • Choose a lead writer to write the application.
   • Work with your program team to plan the proposed work.
   • Use a platform that allows simultaneous review and editing (if needed).
   • Ensure the proposal meets all the requirements in the request for proposal (RFP).
   • Ensure the proposal responds to the RFP purpose or goal.
7. Review scoring guidelines:
   • Ask internal and external reviewers to score your proposal using the RFP scoring rubrics.
   • Reread the RFP questions and your responses.
   • Run spellcheck and grammar check.
   • Make sure your proposal follows character or word counts (if any).
8. Ensure timely submission:
   • Review the submission checklist.
   • Obtain necessary signatures.
   • Only use the templates provided.
   • Submit your proposal at least a day early before the deadline.