Use of CBPR to distribute grant resources to catalyze community changes to reduce health disparities among Latinos

The Latino Health for All Coalition engages community and academic partners in creating community changes (i.e., new programs, policies, or practices) to reduce health disparities among Latinos in Kansas City. In 2009, community members created an action plan consisting of strategies for promoting healthy eating, active living, and access to health services. To support organizations in implementing these strategies, the Coalition distributes over $100,000 in mini-grants annually and provides technical assistance. The purpose of this study is to describe a CBPR approach to distribution of grant resources and related outcomes. Research partners and community partners collected data regarding process measures and short-term outcomes. In year 1, the mini-grant review process was designed by academic partners with input from community partners and approval of the Community Advisory Board (CAB). Ten grants were made to single-organization applicants for $10,000 each, which resulted in 10 environmental changes and 34 services provided. In year 2, the review process was modified by the CAB to offer more opportunities for Coalition members to influence the funded mini-grant projects. In years 2 and 3, 30 mini-grants were funded from $565 to $15,000. Only 20% were to single-organization applicants, while 80% were distributed to partnerships between organizations or community members resulting in 31 community changes (e.g., a new soccer field) and 121 services (e.g., ongoing nutrition classes). Mini-grants can be a tool for catalyzing environmental changes to promote healthy behaviors. Mini-grant distribution procedures designed to maximize community influence appear to improve collaboration and increase implementation of community changes.