Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session and to check out the grant timeline, FAQs, and other information about the Health Equity Grants.

Health Equity Grants Open June 4 - 20, 2025

RSVPs are required for the information session on Tuesday, June 3, 2025:
10:00AM In-Person or
2:00PM Virtual

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. 

Our Values

  • Equity
  • Collaboration
  • Humility
  • Accountability

Ascension St. John Mission, Vision and Values

Strengthening 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.

Health Equity Initiative Strategies

To improve health and well-being in Tulsa, OK

Medical Access Programs (MAP)

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:

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.

Health Equity Grant Funding

Applicants are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session.

The process to be considered for funding starts by completing an Inquiry form, similar to a Letter of Inquiry, which will be available online 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.

Information Session

The Health Equity Grant Information Sessions will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025

RSVPs are required. Join us at:
10:00am IN-PERSON or
2:00pm VIRTUALLY

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

Past Grantees

Formerly known as MAP or Beacon Grants
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