Desert Healthcare District's funding support exceeds $100 million; learn how to apply for health & wellness grants

Each year the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation awards millions of dollars in grants and other funds to nonprofit organizations that serve Coachella Valley residents.

Past award recipients include a variety of health and wellness programs and services, ranging from food banks and children's eyecare to vaccination campaigns and mobile medical clinics. Grants also have supported building capacity and other efforts to help improve an organization's effectiveness.

One thing these vastly different awardees have in common is that their work aligns with the District & Foundation's mission to optimize health at all stages of life for all District residents. The District's geographic boundaries encompass the entire valley, from Desert Edge to North Shore.

"The grants program is one of the significant ways the Healthcare District advances community wellness in the Coachella Valley," said CEO Chris Christensen. "It is a privilege for our Board and staff to partner with so many dedicated and deserving organizations in support of their work, and it's one we don't take lightly."

Learn more about our grants program and how to apply.

The District & Foundation is funded through a small percentage of western Coachella Valley property taxes -- less than 1 percent which totals between $10 million and $11 million a year. It also receives lease revenue from properties it owns, including Las Palmas medical complex in Palm Springs. Donations are another source of funding.

These resources have allowed the District & Foundation to award more than $100 million since 1997. As of June 30, 2024, it has provided $100,467,564 in grants and other funds throughout the community.

More about the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation

The Desert Healthcare District is a local government agency formed in 1948. Its mission is to achieve optimal health at all stages of life for all District residents. The District includes more than 400,000 residents and encompasses the entire Coachella Valley. The District and Desert Healthcare Foundation, together, are one of the largest funders in the valley. These funds are used to assist residents — especially the underserved — in accessing vitally needed resources, such as primary and behavioral healthcare. Learn more.