Community Engagement

Hometown Health Grant in Barron

We're pleased to offer the Hometown Health Grant as part of our investment in improving the health of the communities we serve, including the Barron, Wisconsin, area. We believe that health is more than the absence of illness. It includes an environment that supports the physical, emotional and social well-being of those who live, work and play there.

Studies show that many of the factors that have the greatest effect on health occur in the community. The grant works in partnership with community-based organizations and residents to translate their vision for healthy communities into visible, concrete changes and, ultimately, a healthier hometown.

The grant supports innovative efforts that align with our 2024 priorities to:

  • Improve mental health with an emphasis on strengthening community mental health services and suicide prevention, and supporting resiliency across the lifespan.
  • Prevent obesity and reduce chronic disease with a focus on nutrition, reducing food insecurity and increasing public access to physical activity.
  • Prevent alcohol misuse and substance abuse with an emphasis on youth.
  • Champion health equity, diversity and inclusion.
  • Support social determinants of health efforts, including transportation, food, housing, financial and personal safety needs.

Submit a Hometown Health grant request.

Grant applications open March 1, 2024. Community partners in the Northwest Wisconsin region service area are invited to apply through April 5, 2024. Review eligibility guidelines prior to submission.

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 must be used between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. Grant recipients are engaged for an entire year, and an outcomes report is required at the end of the funding cycle.

Funding requests should relate to the health issues identified on the application. A W-9 tax form is required with the application. If funded, recipients will be required to complete an acknowledgment letter within 15 days of receipt of funds.

Review the eligibility guidelines:

Applications must meet these application criteria:

  • Funding can be used to launch new projects and programs or improve existing programs.
  • Lead applicant must have tax-exempt status from the IRS.
  • The proposed program must be applied within Mayo Clinic Health System's Northwest Wisconsin region.

We are unable to support requests from or for:

  • For-profit organizations
  • Labor or fraternal groups
  • Organizations whose philosophy or mission is not in alignment or contradicts the mission of Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Political campaigns, candidates, parties or partisan activities
  • Religious organizations for support of theological functions
  • Youth and adult sports leagues
  • Replacing funds already allocated or available in funded grants
  • Sole benefit of an individual
  • Capital campaigns
  • Endowment funds
  • Entry fees or pledges
  • Fundraisers
  • Projects that are a duplication of an existing service
  • Reimbursement of expenditures already incurred
  • Assistance with travel expenses and registration fees
  • Vehicles, buildings, professional dues, incentives, memberships and construction projects

Email Community Engagement with questions about the Hometown Health Grant.