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Request for Proposals
2026 Health Hub Seed Grants
The VCU Health Hub at 25th, part of VCU’s Division of Community Engagement, serves as a central space for community partnerships, interdisciplinary learning, and community-driven programs that support the well-being of Richmond’s East End.
In alignment with the Division of Community Engagement and VCU’s strategic plan (QUEST 2028), the VCU Health Hub at 25th Seed Grants Initiative provides funding for community-based organizations located in—or with a history of working in—the East End to develop or expand programs that address community-identified needs.
Seed Grants are intended to help organizations try new ideas, strengthen existing work, and lay the groundwork for programs with long-term potential beyond the initial funding period.
[See 2026 Full RFP Details]
Funding Overview
- Award amount: Up to 10 grants of $2,000 each
- Grant period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
- Application deadline: April 13, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
- Apply: https://forms.gle/HbSbSK19FBRvRAYi8
2026 Priority Areas
Proposals must align with at least one of the priority areas below:
1) Housing Stability & Neighborhood Belonging
Programs supporting East End residents facing housing instability, displacement, rising costs, and neighborhood change. Examples may include tenant education, eviction prevention, homeowner support, housing navigation, or efforts that strengthen connection to neighbors and local resources during times of transition.
2) Community Well-Being
Programs that strengthen everyday health and well-being in the East End. Examples may include violence prevention, reentry support, harm reduction, conflict mediation, neighborhood support networks, or work that addresses stress, trauma, and instability before they become crises.
3) Creative Expression, Connection & Healing
Programs that use arts, storytelling, and creative practice as pathways to healing, connection, and well-being. Examples may include visual and performing arts, community storytelling, intergenerational projects, public art, or creative wellness initiatives that center resident voice and celebrate local identity.
Partnership Expectation
A key objective of this funding is to build and strengthen relationships between funded organizations and the VCU Health Hub at 25th.
Proposals must include clear, specific examples of partnership with the Health Hub, such as:
- Co-creating programs or events with the Health Hub
- Using the Hub as a site for outreach, learning, or connection
- Coordinating referrals, warm handoffs, or navigation
- Collaborating on communications or community engagement
Strong proposals will clearly explain who is involved, how decisions are shared, and how the partnership will operate in practice. Proposed partnerships will be reviewed for feasibility and impact and may require revisions or adjustments.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you have an idea and want to talk through fit, eligibility, or partnership possibilities, we encourage you to attend an upcoming informational session:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| March 17, 2026 | Informational Zoom Session @ 12PM (general info session) |
| March 18, 2026 | Informational Zoom Session @ 4PM (general info session) |
| March 25, 2026 | Informational Zoom Session @ 9AM (general info session) |
| March 26, 2026 | Grant Writing Workshop @ 1PM |
Apply
Apply here: https://forms.gle/HbSbSK19FBRvRAYi8
Deadline: April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Questions?
Sarah McCall
Operations Manager, VCU Health Hub at 25th
vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu