Access to Excellent Care for Sickle Cell Patients (ACCEL)
FAQs
What is ACCEL?
After tireless work, Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation were notified in August 2022 that they had become the recipient of state funding. In October 2021, Cayenne Wellness Center also created the CA SCD CBO Collaborative, bringing together grassroots organizations dedicated to working on behalf of and being the voice of the sickle cell community in their region. Through collaboration, we also desire to support capacity-building programs that address significant gaps for adults and children living with sickle cell disease (SCD).
The ACCEL Program’s funding is intended to provide funding for novel access-to-care programs and accelerate the development of sustainable programs that have the potential to deliver what’s needed for people living with SCD. California-based nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organizations that are part of the Collaborative that serve people living with SCD and their families are eligible to apply. Grant awards are only for 12 months.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- You must be a California-based nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to SCD and exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Proof of tax-exempt status will be required.
- Have the organizational capacity to manage the proposed project’s timeline and deliverables.
- Collaborations between two or more entities are permitted but not required.
- Only one grant proposal application per organization will be considered.
Can past grantees re-apply?
Yes, organizations awarded grants in prior years may reapply.
When are proposals due?
Applications are due 11:59 pm Pacific Time on April 24, 2024. Applications received after the deadline will not be evaluated.
How long is the funding term?
The funding period is 12 months from the award date (May 1, 2024 – April 31, 2025).
How many awards will be given?
Up to 6 proposals will be funded this year.
Can proposals support existing programs?
Yes, proposals may expand upon existing projects/programs/events.
Which topic areas or categories will be considered for funding?
- Suggested access-to-care programs may include, but are not limited to:
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs):
• Improving the transition from pediatric to adult care
• Educational initiatives that empower SCD patients and enable them to navigate the healthcare system
• Educational programs that target Healthcare Provider education around the impact of race and healthcare disparities
• Community outreach models using community health workers to facilitate patient access to care directly.
How many proposals can my organization submit?
Only one grant proposal application per organization will be considered.
How are proposals submitted?
Completed proposals and required documentation should be submitted through Cayenne Wellness Center’s funding request system portal as instructed in the application.
What is included in the submission packet?
Applications must be in English with USD currency. To submit a proposal, complete and submit the ACCEL grant proposal application form online. A list of required documentation is included below. Please visit to access the 2024 grant application form here.
- Detailed scope of work, including quarterly milestones
- Detailed line item budget that includes the following:
a. Minimal but essential permanent equipment directly relevant to the ACCEL grant
b. Supplies (broken down by subcategory, e.g., postage, print, or training materials) c. Indirect costs
d. Other expenses relevant to the conduct of the grant’s goals/intended outcomes - W-9 form (signed/dated not more than one year ago). Your signature and the date should be no earlier than 1.1.2024.
- IRS tax determination letter of 501(c)(3) status. Your IRS tax determination letter must be included even if you have previously received a grant.
What are the funding restrictions?
The following are outside the purview of this funding opportunity:
- Capital campaigns, building construction, employee benefits, or fundraising (does not preclude seeking funds from other sponsors)
- Projects or activities aimed solely at transportation to/from healthcare services
- Medical and scientific research (e.g., Investigator Sponsored Trials)
- CME education and training
- Entertainment expenses, including lavish meals and alcohol
- Activities hosted at lavish facilities such as a spa or resort
- Funding market research or analysis to build a business plan
- While salaries exclusive of benefits for Community Health Outreach Workers or Care Navigators are permitted, direct physician or other health care provider salaries/ compensation are outside the purview of this program.
- Projects/Programs/Events that occur outside of California.
Is there a required budget template?
Yes. You can download the budget template from the website. Budgets must be detailed (see the question above for information regarding what should be included in your budget).
Can supplemental information or materials be included in an application?
While not required, supplemental information may be included in a proposal submission (e.g., letter(s) of support). All supplemental materials must be submitted as appendices and be in PDF format. Remember, if you choose to submit via PDF, it must be in one PDF, not multiple PDFs.
What are the evaluation criteria?
- Responses to questions or requirements identified in the application will form the basis of evaluation. The final decision and award(s) granted by Cayenne Wellness Center will be subject to the following key decision criteria for each application:
- SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, & timely) goals & objectives
- Strength of proposal and team responsible for completing work
- Highest potential impact on SCD patient care
- Degree of innovation of the approach
- Ability to execute the plan
- Evaluation methods and sustainability plan
- Budget
Who is on the review committee?
Proposals will be reviewed by a panel comprised of a Cayenne Wellness Center Board member, a Cayenne Wellness Center personnel, and an external stakeholder with expertise in the issues affecting people with SCD.
Are there other required steps if a grant is awarded?
All proposals awarded to a grantee must sign a grant award letter agreeing to the terms upon which such grant has been provided. Cayenne Wellness Center has no obligations to a grant requestor until the parties have signed an award letter.
Are there any reporting requirements for grantees?
Grantees must submit regular progress reports during the funding period documenting milestone(s) achieved and funds used to date. Two reports are due: a mid-year performance report and a final grant year performance report. Monthly financial expenditure reports are to be submitted by the 15th.
Upon receipt and review of the mid-year report, the next installment of funding will be issued if milestones are met. A final report documenting project outcomes and use of funds is due 30 days after the termination date of the grant.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Inquiries concerning this funding opportunity are encouraged. Please contact Sonya Ross at sonya.ross.cayennewellness@gmail.com.
For technical assistance, please download this form to complete it, and then email it to Venita.
** The form is fillable, but you have to click on the answer section to be able to type on the form.**
