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Rural Strategy provides opportunities for funding, networking, and capacity-building for rural organizations in Greater Cincinnati
CINCINNATI (February 17, 2026) Interact for Health is proud to open applications for its Rural Investments for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to rural communities in the Greater Cincinnati Region. Investments in 2026 will include two rounds of the Rural Changemaker Grant, rolling event sponsorship opportunities, and networking opportunities at Rural Community Connection events in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Fourteen out of 20 counties in Interact for Health’s service area are considered rural:
Indiana: Dearborn, Franklin, Ripley, Switzerland, OhioOhio: Clermont, Brown, Adams, Clinton, HighlandKentucky: Bracken, Gallatin, Grant, Pendleton
"For the past three years, our Rural Investment Strategy has allowed us to forge new partnerships, learn from rural leaders, and invest in creative, community-led solutions,” said Kate Schroder, President and CEO of Interact for Health. “Together, with our partners and community members, we’re fostering belonging and connection across Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.”
Interact for Health’s Rural Strategy is a four-pronged approach to community connection,investment, and organizational capacity building.
The Rural Changemaker Request for Proposals is now open for the first round of funding. There will be two rounds of funding in 2026, with at least three organizations awarded per round. The application deadlines for the first and second rounds are April 14 and September 8, respectively. Read the full RFP and learn more on our Open Funding page.
An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 25, from 2 – 3: 30 p.m. Register here. Read more about the organizations that were awarded Rural Changemaker Grants in 2024 and 2025 here.
Interact will host three Rural Community Connections events in 2026 to strengthen partnerships and to share updates on Interact for Health’s Rural Strategy. Interact for Health staff, members of the Rural Community Council, and prior Rural Changemaker Grant recipients will attend to share their experiences and answer questions. The Kentucky Rural Community Connection will be hosted on March 19 in Williamstown, KY. Ohio and Indiana dates will be announced soon. More information here.
Interact for Health’s Rural Community Council informs the Rural Investment Strategy and helps to review and to score grant applications for the Rural Changemaker Grant. Fifteen individuals who live and work in our rural counties serve on the council. Read more about Rural Council Members' experience on our blog.
Organizations are eligible to apply for event sponsorship for community events in rural areas. Sponsorships are a competitive process, and funding is limited. Check out our updated Event Sponsorship Page.
Through these renewed initiatives, Interact for Health continues to strengthen partnershipsand create pathways for healthier futures in our rural communities. To learn more aboutInteract for Health’s rural strategy and funding opportunities, visitwww.interactforhealth.org/rural-investment-strategy.
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About Interact for HealthInteract for Health partners to ensure that people in our region have a just opportunity tolive their healthiest lives, regardless of who they are or where they live. We advance healthjustice through grantmaking, collaboration, learning, convening, and engagement. Interactfor Health is an independent foundation that works in 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, andIndiana. More information is available at www.interactforhealth.org.
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