The Vanguard SPARK Series offers workshops at no cost for nonprofit leaders in the Tulsa, OK area. Session are monthly through September 2024. Vanguard CONNECT provides networking events throughout the year with local nonprofits, funders and consultants. RSVPs are required for SPARK and CONNECT. See the links below for more information and to register.
Vanguard is just one of the innovative ways the Community Health Equity Catalyst Strategy (CHECS) program of Ascension St. John is working to improve local health outcomes.
Through CHECS the Ascension St. John Foundation and other partners seek to improve health and well-being in the City of Tulsa, OK. CHECS funding is intended to add to our community's ability to make an impact on health outcomes.
The work is guided by data showing significant health disparities between residents of local zip codes and population groups. Recognizing that a variety of factors shape and influence health, CHECS addresses health care, social and environmental drivers of health.
Guided by the values of equity, collaboration, humility, and accountability, our mission is to improve health outcomes and increase health equity in the City of Tulsa. Our vision is that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Social Drivers of Health Guiding CHECS
Economic Stability and Mobility
Employment, financial literacy, income, and wealth
Education
Educational attainment and career training and development
Healthcare Access and Quality
Access to quality care and knowledge about local health resources
Food Security
Access to healthy food, plus information about healthy eating and nutrition
Neighborhood and Physical Environment
Neighborhood vitality and safety, including healthy and affordable housing
Mental Health and Well-Being
Social and emotional wellness, including positive relationships with family, friends, and neighbors
The CHECS Strategies
CHECS uses three strategies to improve health and well-being in Tulsa
The application will open from June 17 - July 15, 2024. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, June 5th.
Seed Grants: $50,000 - $250,000 to pilot innovative projects and programs that are evidence-informed and aim to improve health outcomes.
Catalyst Grants: $50,000 - $350,000 to catalyze existing programs that can demonstrate a readiness and need to expand their impact. Programs should have historical data that showcase improvements in participant outcomes.
Invitation Only
(No solicitations accepted)
Community Transformation Grants: $250,000+ over multiple years for projects that transform communities or systems in a permanent and sustainable way. Could include collaborative projects operated by multiple organizations.
Capital Campaigns: For projects that benefit a neighborhood or community.
Grant Guidelines
Beacon grant applicants should be able to describe how the funding will allow them to do something they otherwise would not be able to do. In certain cases Beacon grants can replace expired grant funding for successful programs, but are otherwise not intended to maintain current operations. CHECS does not support galas, benefits, fundraising activities, conferences, symposia, or costs associated with indirect rates or administration fees for projects submitted by universities.
As a Ministry of the Catholic Church, CHECS does not promote or condone practices that are contrary to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, including contraceptive practices, direct abortions, and some reproductive technologies.
Past Beacon Grantees
Local programs and partners are key to achieving the Community Health Equity Catalyst Strategy vision of ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible
