Formerly known as the Community Health Equity Catalyst Strategy (CHECS)
Ascension St. John Health Equity Initiative
The Ascension St. John Foundation and community partners seek to improve health and well-being in Tulsa. Recognizing that a variety of factors shape and influence health, the Ascension St. John Health Equity Initiative addresses health care, social and environmental drivers of health in our community.
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. OK. Our vision is that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
MAP supports services offered by local safety net health clinics and other providers
MAP Ecosystem
MAP support is invitation-only (no solicitations accepted)
Medical Access Programs ensure low-income and underserved populations have access to healthcare, dental and mental health services through:
Medical Vouchers
Dental Vouchers
Safety Net Coalition
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2
The Bedrock Initiative
The Bedrock Initiative is committed to supporting faith-based communities in fostering the overall health and well-being of their congregations, with a particular focus on improving heart health.
Applicants are encouraged to review the information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
The process to be considered for funding starts by completing an Inquiry form, similar to a Letter of Inquiry, that is open from June 4 - 20, 2025. Once each Inquiry is evaluated, a limited number will be invited to complete the full Application to be considered for Health Equity Grant funding.
Eligibility
Requirements to Apply
Only 501(c)(3) organization or tax-exempt government agencies in good standing with the IRS for at least two years may apply. Applicants must have organizational budgets of at least $500,000 for one or both of the last two years OR have received Health Equity Initiative funding (MAP, Beacon or Invitational grants) in 2025. Health Equity Grants are restricted for use in Tulsa, principally in the City of Tulsa. The Health Equity Initiative prioritizes regions with the lowest life expectancies and highest morbidity rates in the City of Tulsa. Requests of $100,000 or more are also given priority.
Health Equity Grant Guidelines
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 Health Equity grants can replace expired grant funding for successful programs, but are otherwise not intended to maintain current operations.
The Health Equity Initiative 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, the Health Equity Initiative 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.
Before applying we recommend reviewing the Health Equity Grant FAQs
Funding to local programs and partners is key to achieving the Ascension St. John Health Equity Initiative vision of ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible
