BLKHLTH CARES Public Narrative Minigrant

The BLKHLTH CARES Collective invites CARES alumni to apply for mini-grant funding to develop and implement short-term public narrative projects focused on racial health equity.

This funding opportunity is designed to help alumni translate their CARES advocacy learning into action. Selected teams will receive a $1,000 project stipend, structured technical assistance, and implementation support from BLKHLTH and designated TA coaches.

The goal of this opportunity is to support alumni-led projects that use storytelling, media, and community voice to raise awareness about health equity issues affecting Black and marginalized communities.

Applications due June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

Award amount

Selected teams will receive a $1,000 project stipend to support project implementation. BLKHLTH anticipates funding approximately 3–5 alumni-led projects.

applicant Eligibility

Applicants must be BLKHLTH CARES alumni. Projects can be led by individuals or teams of at least two alumni. Applicants must be available to participate in monthly check-ins with BLKHLTH and TA coaches during the project period.

Project focus

All proposed projects must be public narrative campaigns. For this opportunity, a public narrative campaign is a project that uses storytelling and the voices of those most directly impacted by an issue to shape how people understand health equity and why it matters.

Projects should focus on one or more priority health equity issues from the CARES advocacy agenda (Cohort 3) or your previous CARES advocacy planning project (Cohort 1 and Cohort 2). Projects should be designed to raise awareness, shift narratives, or help communities better understand the relationship between race, racism, and health.

Need more information?

Sign up to join the mini-grant office hours on Friday, May 29th at 3:30pm EST!

• Eligible activities

  Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Photovoice projects that use photography and storytelling to document community experiences related to a health equity issue.

  • Social media awareness campaigns using short-form videos, static graphics, written stories, or other digital content.

  • Storytelling projects that elevate the experiences of Black or BIPOC communities affected by health inequities.

  • Community-centered media projects, such as short interviews, digital zines, mini-documentaries, or audio stories.

  •  Public education campaigns that explain health equity issues in accessible, culturally relevant ways.

  • Creative awareness projects that use art, design, or narrative to help people understand a public health issue.

• Ineligible activities

  Mini-grant funds may not be used for:

  • Direct lobbying.

  • Grassroots lobbying.

  • Supporting or opposing candidates for public office.

  • Partisan political activity.

  • Attempts to influence specific legislation.

  • Voter persuasion or campaign activity.

  • General organizational fundraising.

  • Activities unrelated to the CARES advocacy agenda or racial health equity.

  Projects may educate the public about health equity issues, but they may not ask people to contact elected officials about specific legislation or advocate for the passage or defeat of specific bills.

• Support provided

  Selected project teams will receive:

  • A $1,000 project stipend.

  • Technical assistance from BLKHLTH and designated TA coaches.

  • Support with project design, messaging, implementation, and evaluation.

  • Monthly check-ins during the implementation period.

  • Feedback on public narrative strategy and project deliverables.

Required deliverables

Selected teams will be expected to complete the following deliverables for the project period July 2026 - October 2026:

Please reach out to huyen@blkhlth.com with any questions.