for Mini-Grant Funding to Address Tobacco Health Inequities Through Partnerships

Cortland County Health Department is requesting proposals for mini-grant funding to address tobacco health inequities through community partnerships under RFP 26-HLT-015, with proposals due October 22, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. Eligibility is restricted to community-based organizations serving Cortland, Tompkins, and/or Chenango Counties that maintain a 100% tobacco-free written policy.

The scope encompasses community engagement work on one or more of four initiatives: smoke-free multi-unit housing, tobacco product waste in the environment, retail environment tobacco sales and marketing, and tobacco-free outdoor areas. All proposed work must address health disparities related to tobacco use and exposure within the three specified counties. Recipients will be engaged to educate and mobilize communities around tobacco issues and create demand for policy change. Activities must occur between December 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027, with final reports due May 15, 2027.

Total funding available is $35,000 to be allocated among up to three recipients. Funding is contingent upon availability and award from the New York State Department of Health to Cortland County. Organizations may submit separate proposals for each initiative they wish to address.

Evaluation criteria are organizational history and relevant experience (10%), capacity to implement activities (10%), description and feasibility of proposed program (30%), relevance and potential health disparities impact (15%), budget value cost and sustainability plan (25%), and evaluation and reporting plan (10%). Applicants must submit itemized budgets with detailed cost explanations, references from at least three previous clients, proof of active New York State MWBE certification if applicable, and executed exhibits including non-collusive bidding certification, drug-free workplace policy, conflict of interest disclosure, and qualification questionnaire. Standard contract insurance includes comprehensive general liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, automobile coverage of $1 million combined single limit, workers' compensation, and professional liability insurance where applicable, with Cortland County named as additional insured.

Questions are due October 15, 2026. Award decisions are anticipated on or about November 19, 2026.