Applications will be accepted through April 1 for $585,000 in grants designed to help organizations address health care work force shortages in Western Colorado.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation launched the work force development fund to help women, people of color and those with low incomes pursue careers in health care and behavioral health.

Funds are available for scholarships for health care- and behavioral health-related degrees and certifications, paid internships and intern living expenses and capital requests. Awards are expected to range from $20,000 to $50,000.

The grants are available to nonprofit, government or public entities that deliver services in and have staff living in 22 Western Slope counties.

Applicants are required to schedule pre-application calls with foundation staff. 

Organizations based in Mesa County, as well as Delta, Grand, Jackson, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, should schedule with Stephanie Self using the link at

https://calendly.com/stephanie-rmhf/pre_app_mtg.

Organizations based in other West Slope counties should schedule with Julie Hinkson using the link at https://calendly.com/julie-rmhf/pre_app_mtg. 

Information also is available by calling (970) 644-8188 or visiting the website at https://rmhealth.org/grant-making/funding-opportunities.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation was established in 2017 when UnitedHealth Group purchased Rocky Mountain Health Plans and set aside $38 million to promote the health and well-being of people in 22 Western Slope counties.

In 2021, the foundation announced plans to contribute a total of $30 million to fund a variety of efforts across Western Colorado and the remainder of the state. The donation followed a $50 million payout from a lawsuit against the federal government seeking unpaid funds from an Affordable Care Act program.