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Sierra Health Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.0M

Sierra Health Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4.0 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Annual cycle with September announcements
  • Grant Range: Not specified
  • Geographic Focus: 26 counties in Northern California and San Joaquin Valley

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1984 and tax-exempt since 1986, Sierra Health Foundation is a $58.7 million health conversion foundation dedicated to reducing health disparities in Northern California. With annual charitable disbursements of approximately $4 million, the foundation focuses on promoting health, racial equity, and racial justice in partnership with communities, organizations, and leaders across a 26-county region. The foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024, marking four decades of community-driven investment and changemaking. Under the leadership of President and CEO Chet P. Hewitt, the foundation has evolved to address both immediate community needs and long-term systemic health inequities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Responsive Grants Program: Annual competitive grants (amount varies) - Applications announced annually with awards in September
  • Emergency Response Funds: Crisis-specific funding as needs arise
  • Food4All Initiative: $350,000 emergency food aid program
  • Match for Meals: Up to $300,000 matching donations for food banks through January 2026
  • Health Leadership Program: Leadership development program (currently on hold)
  • Sponsorship Requests: Event and program sponsorships

Priority Areas

  • Health equity and reducing health disparities
  • Racial equity and racial justice
  • Food security and accessibility
  • Healthcare services access
  • Youth programs and development
  • Mental health support and services
  • Crisis intervention and emergency response
  • Community resources and capacity building

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly listed; projects must align with health equity goals and serve the 26-county region

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Chet P. Hewitt

Board of Directors:

  • David W. Gordon - Superintendent, Sacramento County Office of Education
  • Jose Hermocillo - Managing Partner, Integrated Communications Strategies, LLC
  • Nancy P. Lee - Attorney, Nancy P. Lee, PC; Consultant, Compostela Consulting LLC
  • Debra McKenzie - Director of Administration, Central California Legal Services
  • Robert Petersen - Certified Public Accountant
  • Dr. Claire Pomeroy - President, Lasker Foundation
  • Shamus Roller - Executive Director, National Housing Law Project

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Responsive Grants Program applications are announced annually. Organizations should monitor the foundation's website for application announcements and submit proposals demonstrating community-driven approaches to improving health and reducing inequities. Contact rgp@sierrahealth.org for specific application requirements and guidelines.

Decision Timeline

  • Applications announced: Varies by year
  • Award announcements: September
  • Notification methods: Not specified

Success Rates

In 2024, 54 organizations received Responsive Grants Program awards across various counties. Total number of applications not disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified; unsuccessful applicants should contact the foundation for guidance

Application Success Factors

Based on recent funding patterns and foundation priorities:

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with reducing health disparities in Northern California
  • Show community-driven approach with local partnership and engagement
  • Address identified funding gaps in your community
  • Focus on populations experiencing health inequities
  • Present measurable outcomes for improving health access
  • Emphasize racial equity components in your program design
  • Include crisis response or emergency preparedness elements where relevant

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Sierra Health Foundation has awarded approximately $8.3 million through the Responsive Grants Program since 2008
  • Geographic focus is critical - projects must serve one or more of the 26 Northern California counties
  • Strong emphasis on addressing both immediate needs (emergency food, crisis response) and systemic issues (racial equity, health disparities)
  • Foundation responds quickly to community crises with special funds and initiatives
  • Partnership and collaboration are core values - demonstrate strong community connections
  • Consider timing applications around the annual cycle with September award announcements
  • Foundation celebrates 40 years of grantmaking experience, indicating stable, long-term funding partner

References

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