R.A.R.E. Grant Guidelines for 2025

The R.A.R.E. Support Fund is pleased to announce this year's grant for providers dedicated to closing the gap between mental and physical health. Please carefully review the following guidelines to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and comply with the application process.

Funding Details

One (1) Grant in the amount of $2,000

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be approved Providers within the R.A.R.E. Support Network, there is no cost for approval, but must submit all required documents. 

Geographic Restriction: Grants are available exclusively to providers in Harris County or Montgomery County, Texas.

How to Apply

Become an Approved Provider:

Apply to join the R.A.R.E. Support Network by completing a brief application.

Submit Your Grant Application:

All grant applications must be submitted within the designated application period.  R.A.R.E. Grant Funds application are accepted January 13th to March 13th and the winner is announced on July 13th, 2025.

Applications submitted outside the open period will not be considered. You may apply and submit your grant application simultaneously.

Review Process:

The Working with Hope Board of Directors will evaluate all eligible applications and select recipient(s) based on program merit.

Merit-Based Grant Award Rules

Evaluation Criteria

Bridging the Gap Between Mental and Physical Health (30 points)

How does your practice bridge the gap between mental and physical health? Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their practice integrates mental and physical health services in daily operations. Evaluation Factors: Specific examples of operational strategies. Evidence of measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced mental health stigma, improved patient health metrics). Alignment with integrated healthcare models.

Empowering Patients to Manage Chronic Illness (30 points)

How does your practice empower patients with invisible chronic illnesses? Applicants should detail the services provided to empower patients in managing chronic illnesses effectively. Evaluation Factors: Description of educational programs, tools, or technologies aimed at chronic illness management. Patient engagement and empowerment strategies. Success metrics (e.g., patient adherence rates, improved quality of life).

Return on Investment for Patients (40 points)

Applicants must identify one key service they provide and justify why it offers the best ROI for patients. Evaluation Factors:

(15 points) What are the financial impacts of treatment for your patients?

(15 points) How does treatment improve patient's quality of life?

(10 points) How many patients will you provide services to with this grant?

Submission Guidelines

Responses to each question must include: A clear and concise narrative (maximum 500 words per section). Provide supporting data or examples where applicable. References to existing research or frameworks that support your approach.

Scoring and Selection Process

Total Points Available: 100 Applications will be scored by the Board of Directors based on the above criteria. Tiebreaker: In cases of tied scores, a draw will be conducted to determine the award.

Additional Notes

Applicants are encouraged to provide innovative and evidence-based solutions.

Requesting and Reporting Requirements

Eligible Patients:

Any individual with chronic invisible illnesses tied to trauma (e.g., Traumatic Brain Injury, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking).

A chronic invisible illness refers to a long-term health condition that significantly impacts an individual’s daily life but is not immediately apparent to others. These conditions often have no visible signs, such as a cast, wheelchair, or scars, making them "invisible." When tied to trauma, these illnesses often have both physical and psychological components, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Patients receiving funds or discounts must register with The R.A.R.E. Support Network to get their Member ID Number.

Reporting

At the Time of Service

Providers must submit an electronic report immediately upon delivering a service funded or discounted through the R.A.R.E. Fund. Reports include: Date and time of service Code ID of Service RSN Member ID Number (non-personally identifiable number of your patient), Providers Statement, Cost of Service (to the Public) Amount Patient Paid Discount Given Grant funds Requested

End-of-Month Reporting

A consolidated electronic report is required at the close of each month. This report ensures comprehensive documentation of all services rendered within the reporting period. The month-end report should include: List of services provided during the month Total cost of services provided Total payment from patients Total discounts provided Total grant funds requested Total grant funds received Total grant funds approved Total grant funds available Contact Information

For questions about the grant guidelines or the application process, please contact us at hope@workingwithhope.com.

Together, we can bridge the gap between mental and physical health and bring hope to those who have lost hope for a cure.

Guidelines for Providers: Qualifying Patients for Grant Funds

To qualify a patient for the R.A.R.E. Fund, providers need to confirm that the individual:

1. Has a Chronic Invisible Illness

   • A long-term condition that impacts daily life but may not have visible signs (e.g., Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, chronic pain, autoimmune disorders).

2. Illness is Tied to Trauma

   • The condition must be linked to past trauma such as:
     • Domestic Violence
     • Sexual Assault
     • Human Trafficking
     • Traumatic accidents

3. Needs Services You Provide

   • The services must directly address the patient's condition and support them in the management of their illness.

How to Qualify a Patient

• Provider Statement: Confirmation the patient meets the criteria and that they need the services covered by the R.A.R.E. Fund at time of service.
• No extensive documentation or additional approvals are required.