Gold Coast Health Plan Opens Applications for $400,000 Grants

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) has officially launched the second year of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program, providing funding opportunities for community-driven initiatives. Applications for the grants, which can reach up to $400,000 each, opened on February 18, 2026, and will close on April 15, 2026. The aim is to assist Medi-Cal members in navigating the upcoming changes to coverage requirements.

Beginning this year, Medi-Cal members will encounter new eligibility criteria, which will extend further in the coming years. The RISE Grant Program is designed to equip providers and community-based organizations with resources to help members understand these changes. GCHP emphasizes the importance of timely re-enrollment to ensure that members maintain their healthcare coverage.

Dr. Felix Núñez, GCHP’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We want to help every one of our eligible members keep their coverage. Through this grant program, we are investing in the health care providers, nonprofits, and community groups that are best positioned to reach members early and help them navigate what’s coming.”

The RISE Grant is accessible to hospitals, health systems, and community organizations dedicated to supporting Medi-Cal members. Projects funded may include outreach efforts like text and phone reminders or community events aimed at assisting members with the re-enrollment process. Additionally, organizations may offer hands-on help with applications and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate navigation services.

Erik Cho, GCHP’s Chief Policy and Program Officer, highlighted the positive impact of last year’s grant recipients, noting, “The organizations we funded in the inaugural RISE program are already making a difference in how members access care.” He added that this second year of funding would build on that success, preparing the community for the changes set to affect coverage for thousands of residents in Ventura County.

The funding period for successful applicants will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with grant awards announced on June 1, 2026. To facilitate the application process, GCHP and its partner, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), will conduct two informational webinars detailing the funding opportunity and the application timeline.

GCHP serves approximately 230,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County, making it a vital resource for many families in the region. Since its establishment in 2011, the organization has focused on providing access to quality healthcare and improving health outcomes for its members, who represent a significant portion of the county’s population, including one in three residents and half of the children under five.

For more information on the grant program or to apply, visit the Gold Coast Health Plan website at www.goldcoasthealthplan.org/community/grants/provider-grants-program/.