Mini-Grant Funding to Address Tobacco Health Inequities through Partnerships

The Cortland County Health Department is requesting proposals for mini-grant funding to address tobacco health inequities through community partnerships, with proposals due August 13, 2026 and a question deadline of August 6, 2026. Eligibility is limited to community-based organizations (nonprofits) serving Cortland, Tompkins, and/or Chenango Counties.

Recipients will lead community engagement initiatives focused on one or more of four priority areas: smoke-free multi-unit housing, tobacco product waste in the environment, retail environment tobacco sales and marketing, and tobacco-free outdoor spaces. All proposed work must address health disparities related to tobacco use and exposure within the three-county service area. Activities must occur between October 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027, with a final report due May 15, 2027. All funds must be spent by April 30, 2027, though additional funding may be available after that date.

The total funding available is $35,000 to be allocated among up to three recipients. Access to Independence, Cortland County was previously awarded a substantially similar contract within the past five years and is therefore ineligible.

Evaluation criteria, weighted as follows, 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 and cost sustainability plan (25%), and evaluation and reporting plan (10%). Applicants must submit proposals using the provided template with itemized budgets and detailed cost explanations; maintain a fully executed tobacco-free policy; provide proof of insurance naming Cortland County as additional insured; submit evidence of business registration and authorization and references; and include certifications for drug-free workplace compliance, non-collusive bidding, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. Subaward funding is contingent upon New York State Department of Health award of funds to Cortland County. Sealed proposals (one original and one electronic copy) must be submitted to the Office of the County Administrator, 60 Central Avenue, Suite 316, Cortland, NY 13045 by 2:30 p.m. on August 13, 2026. Public bid opening occurs at 2:30 p.m. that day in Room 316; anticipated decision date is September 24, 2026.