Florida Department of Health (FL DOH) - Grant Opportunity

Opportunity ID: 028-florida-doh Funder Type: State Government Agency Status: Active - Multiple Programs Last Updated: 2026-02-13 Research Completed By: grant-funder-researcher agent

Executive Summary

The Florida Department of Health (FL DOH) represents a critical state-level funding source for FIU HWCOM with proven track record. FL DOH previously awarded FIU a $750,000 grant for the THRIVE platform development, demonstrating strong alignment with FIU's digital health and community wellness initiatives. FL DOH administers over $20 million annually in health-related grants across multiple program areas including cancer research, Alzheimer's disease, emergency medical services, and importantly, health care screening and innovation programs that align well with FIU's NeighborhoodHELP model.

Prior Relationship

Aspect	Details
Previous Award	FIU THRIVE DOH Grant - $750,000 for platform development
Relationship Strength	STRONG - Established grantee with successful project delivery
Key Contact	State of Florida Department of Health Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management

Key Opportunity Indicators

Proven funder to FIU HWCOM with substantial prior award ($750K)
Multiple active grant programs relevant to community health and innovation
Recurring annual cycles with predictable timelines
Strong alignment with FIU's health technology and community screening initiatives
Geographic restriction favorable (Florida-based institutions required)

Strategic Opportunities for FIU

High-Priority Programs

1. Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program

Alignment: EXCELLENT for NeighborhoodHELP Award Range: Varies (competitive) Status: Active (RFA 25-001 focused on Autism screening awarded; future cycles expected)

Why This Fits:

Funds no-cost health care screenings for the public
Mobile health clinic programs explicitly supported
FIU's NeighborhoodHELP mobile units are perfect delivery mechanism
Covers diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, vision, dental - all NHELP services
Nonprofit entities with geographic expansion plans encouraged

FIU Competitive Advantages:

Established mobile health infrastructure
Academic medical center credibility
Data collection and evaluation capacity
Community partnerships in South Florida

2. Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program

Alignment: STRONG for THRIVE expansion Type: Low-interest loans (not grants) Purpose: Innovative health care solutions improving quality and delivery

Why This Fits:

FIU THRIVE already has DOH funding precedent
Loan structure may suit platform scaling better than grant constraints
Innovation focus matches FIU's digital health capabilities

3. Biomedical Research Advisory Council (BRAC) Grants

Alignment: MODERATE - Research-focused Programs:

Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Program
James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program
Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program
Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative

Application Timing (FY 2025-2026):

Letters of Intent: February 26, 2026 (PASSED)
Full Applications: March 23, 2026

Why Consider:

If FIU has research projects addressing these disease areas
Community-based participatory research angles possible
Implementation science linking research to community delivery

4. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Grants

Alignment: LOW - County-focused Note: Primarily for county government EMS systems, not FQHC-like entities

Funder Intelligence

Organization Overview

Field	Value
Organization Name	Florida Department of Health (FL DOH)
Organization Type	State Government Agency
Geographic Focus	Florida statewide
Annual Grantmaking	$20+ million across multiple programs
Website	https://www.floridahealth.gov
Grant Portal	https://www.floridahealth.gov/funding-grants/

Mission & Strategic Priorities

Mission: Protecting, promoting, and improving the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Current Priorities (2026):

Cancer Prevention and Treatment - Multiple cancer research and innovation programs
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia - Research and care management advances
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Health - Biomedical research programs
Health Care Access for Underserved - Screening programs, safety net support
Health Care Innovation - Technology and delivery model improvements
Emergency Medical Services - Prehospital care capacity building

Florida Context: Florida has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country with nearly 2.7 million residents lacking health coverage. DOH programs directly address this gap.

Target Populations

Uninsured and economically disadvantaged Floridians
Patients with chronic diseases (diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension)
Children and families needing developmental screenings
Rural and underserved communities
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Cancer patients seeking innovative treatments

Grant Programs Detail

State Funds Pass-Through Programs

FL DOH also administers state-appropriated funds to intermediary organizations:

FAFCC (Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics): $9.5M annually + $500K dental/behavioral health
Various county health departments: Federal and state pass-through funding

Application Characteristics

Typical Requirements:

Florida-based nonprofit organizations or institutions
Detailed workplan with measurable objectives
Budget with narrative justification
Logic model demonstrating theory of change
Data collection and reporting capacity
Partnership letters (for community programs)
Quarterly progress reporting

Common Submission Platform:

Online application portals specific to each program
Salesforce-based systems for some programs
PDF attachments for proposals and budgets

Review Criteria (General)

Based on Cinotti Grant Program rubric:

Mission alignment with program goals
Organizational capacity and track record
Quality of workplan and measurable outcomes
Reasonableness and justification of budget
Community impact potential
Sustainability beyond grant period
Data collection and evaluation plan

Strategic Recommendations for FIU

Immediate Actions (Next 30 Days)

Reconnect with Prior Program Officer - Leverage THRIVE grant relationship
- Introduce any PI/staff changes since $750K award
- Inquire about upcoming Cinotti Grant cycle timing (likely summer 2026)
- Discuss FIU's expansion of NeighborhoodHELP services
Monitor Cinotti Grant Program - Set alert for next RFA
- RFA 25-001 (Autism) already awarded (Notice of Intent to Award: Jan 2026)
- Future RFAs expected for other screening areas
- Typical cycle: Early July NOFA, Mid-July application, Early August due
Explore Innovation Loan Program - For THRIVE scaling
- Assess whether low-interest loan better than grant for platform expansion
- Lower compliance burden than federal grants
- May allow revenue-generating sustainability model

Medium-Term Strategy (3-6 Months)

Develop Cinotti-Ready Screening Proposal
- Focus on diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular screening via mobile units
- Emphasize expansion to new South Florida communities
- Build logic model with specific patient outcome metrics
- Prepare partnership letters from community sites
Position for Next Biomedical Research Cycle (FY 2026-27)
- If FIU has Alzheimer's or cancer research with community implementation
- Submission typically late 2026 for FY27 awards
Document THRIVE Platform Outcomes
- Prepare case study of DOH $750K investment impact
- Quantify users, health outcomes, cost savings
- Use for future applications and relationship building

Relationship Cultivation

Key Contacts to Build:

Cinotti Grant Program: CinottiGrantProgram@FLHealth.gov | 850-245-4009
Biomedical Research Programs: Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management
Innovation Program: https://innovation.floridahealth.gov/

Engagement Opportunities:

Pre-application webinars (FL DOH hosts for most programs)
Technical assistance office hours
Site visits if requested (showcase NeighborhoodHELP mobile operations)

Competitive Landscape

Who Else Applies

Cinotti Screening Grants:

Free and charitable clinics across Florida
County health departments
Community health centers
Faith-based health ministries
Mobile health providers

FIU Differentiators:

Academic medical center research capacity
Advanced data systems and evaluation expertise
Mobile health fleet already operational
Medical student/resident involvement (training mission)
Multi-county reach in underserved South Florida

Research Grants:

University-based research centers
Specialty hospitals (e.g., Moffitt Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic FL)
Research institutes
Highly competitive - track record and preliminary data essential

Risk Assessment

Strengths

Prior successful grant relationship ($750K THRIVE)
Perfect mission alignment with health access and innovation
Florida-based institution (geographic requirement met)
Mobile health infrastructure matches screening program needs

Challenges

Competition from established free clinics with stronger "charity care" branding
FQHC/HWCOM hybrid model may not fit traditional "free clinic" categories
Research programs highly competitive and disease-specific
Limited relationship beyond THRIVE grant program area

Mitigation Strategies

Frame FIU as "academic safety net" serving uninsured South Floridians
Emphasize mobile clinic expansion (explicitly encouraged in Cinotti)
Leverage prior DOH grant as proof of stewardship
Partner with community organizations for stronger grassroots connections

Financial Analysis

Award Ranges by Program Type

Program	Typical Award	Duration	Source
Cinotti Health Screening	Varies (competitive)	1 year (July-June)	State appropriation
BRAC Research Grants	Varies by program	2-3 years typical	State appropriation
Innovation Loans	Up to $500K (loan)	Repayment terms vary	Revolving loan fund
EMS County Grants	Varies	1 year	State appropriation

Total Available Funding (Approximate Annual)

Cancer Research Programs: $10M+ (multiple programs)
Alzheimer's Research: $2M+
Cinotti Screening: Varies by RFA
Biomedical Research (King Program): $5M+
EMS Grants: $3M+ (county-focused)

Application Workflow

Typical Timeline (Cinotti Grant Example)

Milestone	Timing	Notes
NOFA Published	Early July	Notice of Funding Availability
Application Portal Opens	Mid-July	Salesforce-based
Pre-Application Webinar	Late July/Early Aug	Highly recommended
Application Due	Early August	Electronic submission
Review Period	August - September	Scoring rubric applied
Award Notifications	Mid-September	Email to awardees
Grant Period Begins	July 1 (following year)	12-month period of support
Quarterly Reports	Jan, Apr, Jul	Narrative + expenditure docs
Annual Valuation Report	July (end of period)	Patient services data

Required Documents (Typical)

Organizational:

501(c)(3) determination letter
Current organizational budget
Board of Directors list
Organizational chart

Programmatic:

Application cover page
Project narrative (page limits vary)
Workplan with SMART objectives
Logic model
Budget summary and narrative
Partnership/support letters

Post-Award:

Signed grant agreement
Insurance certificates
W-9 form
Direct deposit/Bill.com setup

Scoring & Evaluation

Cinotti Grant Scoring Rubric (Example)

Application Phase: Competitive review against scoring criteria

Reporting Phase: Each quarterly report scored (30 points x 3 = 90 points)

Plus Annual Valuation Report (10 points)
Total: 100 points for full grant cycle
Aggregate score guides next cycle funding decisions

Key Insight: Strong reporting performance during current grant increases likelihood of renewal/future awards. This is relationship-building, not transactional.

Decision Factors

Funder Alignment Score: 4.2/5.0 (HIGH PRIORITY)

Dimension	Score	Weight	Rationale
Funder Alignment	4.5	30%	Prior DOH grantee; perfect mission match for health access/innovation
Capability Match	4.0	25%	Strong for screening/innovation; moderate for disease-specific research
Success Probability	4.0	20%	Prior relationship helps; competitive but well-positioned
Strategic Value	4.5	15%	State funding diversification; supports core NHELP mission
Resource Efficiency	3.5	10%	Moderate effort; state reporting requirements lighter than federal

Recommendation: PURSUE ACTIVELY

Rationale:

Prior successful relationship de-risks application
Cinotti Screening program near-perfect fit for NeighborhoodHELP expansion
Annual cycles provide recurring opportunity
State funding strengthens non-federal portfolio
Geographic restriction is advantage, not barrier

Best Path Forward: Target Cinotti Health Screening Grant for Summer 2026 cycle with diabetes/hypertension/cardiovascular screening proposal via mobile health units.

Resources & Documentation

Official FL DOH Grant Resources

Main Grants Page: https://www.floridahealth.gov/funding-grants/ (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)
Funding Opportunity Announcements: https://www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/research/funding-opportunity-announcements/ (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)
Grant Opportunities & Awards: https://www.floridahealth.gov/about/administrative-functions/purchasing/grant-funding-opportunities/ (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)

Program-Specific Pages

Cinotti Health Screening Grant: https://www.floridahealth.gov/funding-grants/cinotti-grant-program/ (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)
- Contact: CinottiGrantProgram@FLHealth.gov | 850-245-4009
- Application Portal: https://cinottigrantprogram.floridahealth.gov/
Health Care Innovation Loans: https://www.floridahealth.gov/funding-grants/health-care-innovation-loans/ (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)
BRAC Biomedical Research: Multiple programs under Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management
- FY 2025-26 Funding Opportunity: https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BRAC-LLB-FY25-26-FOA-FINAL-2.5.26.pdf (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)

Reference Documents & Forms

Cinotti Grant RFA 25-001 (Autism Focus):

RFA Document: https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RFA25-001CinottiGrantProgramAutism.pdf
Logic Model Template: https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AppendixB_LogicModel.pdf
Workplan Template: https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Attachment2-WorkplanTemplate.xlsx
Budget Templates: Available as Attachments 3 & 4 on program page
Reporting Rubric: https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FAFCC_State_Funds_Grant_Reporting_Rubric.pdf

External Sources

Florida Department of Health Overview: https://www.floridahealth.gov (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)
CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG): https://www.cdc.gov/infrastructure-phig/about/index.html (Retrieved: 2026-02-13)
- Note: FL DOH is PHIG recipient; potential pass-through opportunities

Next Steps & Action Items

For Grant Navigator Review

Confirm FIU's THRIVE grant contact person is still engaged with FL DOH
Verify current NeighborhoodHELP screening services align with Cinotti eligible areas
Assess whether Innovation Loan Program suits THRIVE scaling strategy
Determine if any FIU faculty have Alzheimer's/cancer research suitable for BRAC programs

For Pre-Application Preparation

Join Cinotti Grant Program mailing list to receive next RFA announcement
Download and review all Cinotti RFA 25-001 materials as template for future applications
Draft preliminary logic model for diabetes/hypertension screening expansion
Identify 3-5 new communities/sites for mobile health unit deployment
Gather baseline data on current NeighborhoodHELP screening volumes and outcomes

For Relationship Building

Schedule introductory call with Cinotti Grant Program staff (via email/phone)
Attend next pre-application webinar (when announced for future RFA)
Prepare one-page summary of FIU THRIVE DOH grant outcomes
Identify potential community partners for letters of support

Appendix: Federal vs. State Funding Context

Why FL DOH Matters for FIU Strategy:

Diversification: Reduces dependence on federal HRSA/SAMHSA cycles
Speed: State grants often faster review and award than federal
Flexibility: Less restrictive than federal grants on allowable activities
Relationship: State funders more accessible for technical assistance and course correction
Mission Alignment: FL DOH understands Florida's unique health landscape
Precedent: Prior DOH award creates institutional memory and credibility

Complementary to Federal Strategy: FL DOH grants can provide bridge funding, pilot project support, or expansion beyond federal grant scopes.

Contact Information

Primary Funder Contacts

General FL DOH Grants Inquiries:

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1701

Cinotti Grant Program:

Email: CinottiGrantProgram@FLHealth.gov
Phone: 850-245-4009
Portal: https://cinottigrantprogram.floridahealth.gov/

Biomedical Research Programs:

Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management
Contact via FOA documents (program-specific)

FIU Internal Contacts (To Be Determined)

Primary PI for THRIVE DOH Grant: [TO BE CONFIRMED]
NeighborhoodHELP Program Director: [TO BE CONFIRMED]
Office of Research & Economic Development: [TO BE CONFIRMED]
Grants & Contracts Pre-Award: [TO BE CONFIRMED]

Document Prepared By: grant-funder-researcher agent Date: 2026-02-13 Sources: All URLs and data retrieved 2026-02-13 unless otherwise noted Status: Ready for grant pursuit strategy discussion

Florida DOH Thrive Platform Grants