Request for Proposals: Improving Child and Family Health Through Smart Moves for Kids
This funding opportunity supports implementation of Smart Moves for Kids, an evidence-based, family-centered program that combines nutrition education, physical activity, behavior change, and caregiver participation. The program aims to improve child and family health and expand access to diabetes prevention services in Minnesota communities experiencing a disproportionate burden of diabetes and barriers to prevention services.
Key dates
- Oct. 16, 2026: Request for Proposals Released
- Oct. 21, 2026: Informational webinar accommodation requests due
- Oct. 30, 2026: Informational webinar session 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
- Nov. 20, 2026: Last day to submit RFP Questions
- Dec. 4, 2026: Proposals due
- January 2027: Award applicants
- March 30, 2027, or when grant is fully executed: Grant begins
- June 30, 2028: Grant ends
Funding amount
- Total funding available: Up to $70,000
- Anticipated number of awards: 2
- Maximum award: $35,000 per grantee for the full grant period
- Estimated minimum award: $30,000
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofit community-based and social service organizations
- Tribal governments and Tribal organizations
- Local governments and local public health agencies
- Public or nonprofit schools, school districts, and educational organizations
- Public or nonprofit institutions of higher education, including Extension programs
- Nonprofit healthcare organizations, clinics, and health systems
- Federally Qualified Health Centers and other nonprofit or public community health centers
- Faith-based nonprofit organizations
- Other public or nonprofit entities with established relationships with the children and families they propose to serve
Priority communities and geography
MDH intends to award one grant to an eligible organization proposing to serve U.S.-born Black or African American children and families through Smart Moves for Kids. Applicants must demonstrate established relationships with this community and the capacity to recruit, engage, and support eligible children and their caregivers. MDH anticipates awarding a second grant to an eligible organization proposing to serve another priority community which may include:
- U.S-born Black or African American communities
- American Indian communities
- Hmong or other Asian immigrant communities
- Hispanic or Latino communities
- African immigrant communities
- Children and families enrolled in Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program)
- Children living with disabilities and their families
- Children living in Greater Minnesota
- Another Minnesota community experiencing a disproportionate burden of type 2. diabetes or barriers to accessing diabetes prevention programming
Please note: For this application, the term community is inclusive and may refer to a geographic, cultural, racial, ethnic, disability or other population whose members share relevant experiences, identities, circumstances, or relationships.
How to apply
Review the RFP, including attachments and submission requirements. Applications must be submitted by email to: health.diabetes@state.mn.us.
All applications must be received by MDH no later than 4:30 p.m. (CT), Dec. 4, 2026.
Application materials
Questions and answers
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. CST on Nov. 20, 2026, by email to health.diabetes@state.mn.us. Answers will be posted to this page.
