Announcing health equity pilot project awardees

CHOICE is proud to announce the selection of 23 pilot projects following its Health Equity Pilot Project Request for Proposals (RFP) earlier this year. This effort represents a total investment of approximately $1 million and supports small and large-scale community-driven solutions to promote health equity across the region. 

The selected projects include: 

• 16 small projects (under $10,000 each) 

• 7 large projects (over $10,000 each) 

These pilot projects represent a bold step forward in advancing health equity by supporting organizations and community leaders who are driving meaningful change. They align with key strategies from CHOICE’s 2025 Health Equity Improvement Plan: 

• Bridging gaps in care: Connecting formal healthcare systems with informal community support networks. 

• Centering belonging and mutual understanding: Fostering inclusion and human connection across sectors. 

• Collective action through community-led solutions: Elevating grassroots efforts that improve health outcomes. 

Alongside this investment in community-led health equity projects, CHOICE continues to convene its current Health Equity Cohort — a group of 20 regional organizations regularly meeting to share insights, identify barriers, and build capacity for advancing regional wellbeing. The pilot projects will serve as real-time case studies and learning opportunities for the Cohort, helping inform future strategies and investment decisions. This interconnected approach ensures continuous learning, peer support, and strategic refinement across CHOICE’s health equity initiatives. 

The launch of these pilot projects marks a pivotal step in CHOICE’s commitment to building a healthier, more equitable region where everyone thrives and everyone belongs. 

Funded Organizations:  

Large projects: 

• CIELO (Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia) 

• SELF (Support for Early Learning and Families) 

• Touched by One, Touched by All 

• Faith Lutheran Church 

• Crossroads Housing 

• Skokomish Indian Tribe 

• Equity Institute 

Small projects: 

• Purpose Dignity Action 

• South Sound Food System Network 

• Our Ark 

• Valley View Health Center (Lewis County Community Health Services) 

• City of Olympia Fire Department 

• Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County 

• Washington United Migrant 

• The Olympia Free Clinic 

• Lewis County Pediatrics and Family Medicine PLLC 

• Shelton Family Center dba The Youth Connection 

• The Liberation Collective, LLC 

• The Child Care Action Council of Thurston County 

• Olympia TBI Support 

• Media Island International / WCLM 

• The Confederated Lower Chinook Tribes and Bands 

• Youth and Family Link  

For more details about these projects, please visit our regional health equity efforts page.