Equity and Innovation Grant Application

Background

The Equity and Innovation Grants (EIG), formerly Hearts Grants, embodies impactful philanthropy through dynamic partnerships. Since 2004, this program has blossomed into a “high leverage” force. By fortifying partnerships between ZSFG and the SFGHF, it has not only distributed over $13.5 million, but also catalyzed trailblazing initiatives at ZSFG that improve the health and well-being of all San Franciscans.

In its growth, this grant program has become a pivotal nexus, fostering collaboration that extends far beyond its initial scope. The flexible funding and support provided over the years continue to evolve, addressing the diverse needs of patients and providers at ZSFG.

2025 Priorities

The EIG priorities invest in the people and projects at the center of ZSFG’s foundational tenets of bringing innovation and compassion to all who walk through its doors. With a deeper understanding of the patients and each other, the Foundation, alongside subject matter experts at ZSFG, fosters new ways of tackling the city’s toughest health challenges.

Care for All: Equity and Inclusion

Nurturing cross-sector community partnerships in order to strengthen the community’s safety net and supporting the hospital with integration of social determinants of health into its clinical care. Aim to apply the lens of equity to purposefully address those most impacted by structural inequities and meet them where they are.

Prior grantee examples include:

A Latino grief support equity initiative created new grief and loss support services for the hospital’s Spanish-speaking community. This first-of-its kind program developed and expanded spiritual care services for Spanish-speaking patients through targeted outreach, group support, and 1:1 counseling.
The team-based social medicine group expanded holistic care to patients with complex social and medical needs throughout ZSFG.

Transforming Health Care: Innovation and Leadership

Investing in the hospital’s efforts to test, innovate, and incubate new and transformative models of care with an emphasis on whole-person care, team-based approaches, and continuous quality improvements in care.

Prior grantee examples include:

A mental health program decreased the number of return ZSFG clients and maximized clients’ success in the community by engaging them through vocational training, coping skills, and transitional mental health groups.
Coordination of quality care created a comprehensive plan with quality, financial, and productivity outcome measures, saving years of costly trial-by-error program development.

Grantmaking Goals:

Promote Health Equity: Ensure that all members of the community have access to high-quality healthcare services and resources, regardless of their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, or other demographic factors.

Foster Innovation: Support innovative approaches and projects that address public health challenges and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes and delivery systems.

Build Community Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships within ZSFG, and between departments for multidisciplinary solutions and implement effective solutions.

Equity and Innovation 2021 Grantee - Improving Care for Patients with Substance Use Disorders

HOW TO APPLY:

2025 Grant Request For Proposals (RFP) is no longer accepting new applications.

Important Dates:

September 3, 2025 – Applicants notified of grant awards
October 2025 – Equity & Innovation Grants award reception
November 2025 – New grantee orientation
March 1, 2026 – Grant period begins
February 28, 2028 – Grant period ends
March 31, 2028 – Grant recipients submit final evaluation reports

* All dates subject to change

Restrictions:

The EIG program will not consider requests for:

New personnel / salaries

New professional services / contracts

Basic scientific and/or clinical research

Additional restrictions may be in effect and shared in the informational webinar. Please join the webinar for more details. Questions can also be sent to grants@sfghf.org in advance of submission to clarify any restrictions.

Grant Selection Criteria:

Aligns with ZSFG True North
Alignment with Goals and Objectives: Projects must directly promote health equity, foster innovation, and build community partnerships as outlined in the fund’s priorities.
Impact on Health Equity: Preference will be given to initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and resources for all members of the community, particularly those in underserved areas.
Innovation Impact: Assess the potential impact of the proposed innovation on patient care, operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall healthcare outcomes. Consider whether the innovation addresses a critical need or challenge within the hospital setting.
Feasibility and Sustainability: Evaluate the feasibility of implementing the innovation within the hospital’s infrastructure, resources, and regulatory requirements. Consider the scalability and long-term sustainability of the innovation beyond the grant period.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Assess how much the proposed innovation promotes collaboration within the hospital community, including interdisciplinary teams, external stakeholders, and community organizations.
Patient Centered: Consider the extent to which the innovation prioritizes patient-centered care, including patient satisfaction, engagement, safety, and health outcomes.
Innovation and Creativity: Evaluate the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated in the proposal, including the uniqueness of the approach, and novel solutions to existing healthcare challenges. Innovation defined as introducing new ideas, methods, technologies, or approaches to improve patient care, enhance operational efficiency, and address healthcare challenges
Evidence-Based Practice: Assess the extent to which the proposed innovation is grounded in evidence-based practice, scientific research, and best practices in healthcare delivery.
Scalability and Replicability: Consider the potential for scaling the innovation to other departments or healthcare settings within the hospital, as well as its replicability in other healthcare institutions.
Resource Utilization: Assess the efficient use of resources, including budgetary considerations, resource allocation, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed innovation.
Risk Management and Mitigation: Identify potential risks associated with the implementation of the innovation and evaluate the strategies proposed to mitigate these risks effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to this document for the most up-to-date answers to frequently asked questions.

FAQs

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