Black Women’s Sexual Health Community Conversations Mini-Grant
Grant Overview
Montgomery County Sexual Health & Wellness Services is accepting mini-grant applications from organizations, networks, and other groups interested in hosting facilitated community conversations about Black Women’s sexual health in Montgomery County, Maryland. The inspiration for these mini-grants came from the Black Women’s Sexual Health (BWSH) Working Group, which was created to explore racial disparities in sexual health outcomes and guide activities to alleviate them. Data shows that among women, Black women in the United States, Maryland, and Montgomery County are disproportionately likely to contract HIV and may lack access to prevention tools and information. Information collected during these community conversations will be used to inform the BWSH working group’s strategy and roadmap. The total proposed budgeted amount for the mini-grants should not exceed $2,000, with awards likely to be between $1500 and $2000. Up to four (4) applicants will receive this amount. Experienced facilitators will be provided to support all community conversations. HIV testing will be provided to participants on-site as requested by applicants. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 15th at 5:00 pm EST.
Grant Details
What is the objective of the mini-grant?
The goal of these community conversations is to offer education and learn about the needs of Black Women when it comes to sexual health. The mini-grant recipient is responsible for applying for funds to host these community conversations in an informal collaborative space where participants feel comfortable having conversations about sexual health. The County will provide the funding and facilitators.
Who is the primary audience for the community conversations?
This mini-grant series seeks to encourage Black women in Montgomery County to gather and have comfortable conversations around sexual health and wellness topics.
When will the mini-grants be awarded?
The County envisions these community conversations occurring between November/December 2024 and February 2025. Applications will close on November 15th, 2024. Mini-grant recipients will be contacted soon after with the next steps.
How many applications will be selected?
In consultation with stakeholders, the Montgomery County Ending the HIV Program will select up to four (4) mini-grant applications, depending on the number of applicants and funding amounts requested.
When will applicants be notified?
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of November 2024.
What are the guidelines and restrictions for applying for these mini-grants?
Applicants or their networks must be based in Montgomery County
Applicants may be nonprofit organizations but may also be informal groups or networks. A 501c3 is not required.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are able to successfully host events tailored to Black Women in Montgomery County.
Applicants must outline their intended venue/space, number of anticipated participants, and a brief description of the intended community conversation participants in the mini-grant application.
Applicants must include a proposed budget in their application outlining the cost for the venue/space, catering, and other costs for each community conversation they plan to host.
Community conversations must consist of at least ten (10) participants.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying for a mini grant, we kindly request that you apply online a here. Application proposals should not exceed one typed page or 500 words (not including a budget spreadsheet)
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process, contact BWSH working group facilitators Kimmie Moore at Kimmie.Moore@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or 202-913-1827, or Samukile Takavingofa at Samukile.Takavingofa@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or 240-599-6947.