FAQ & Strategic Plan
View HSSA's Strategic Plan Here.
HSSA is evolving and has grown substantially over the years. It was time to update our strategies for accomplishing the mission and goals established for us in the Washington State RCW and Spokane County Resolutions that created HSSA. Learn more about what's coming in the next few years.
How is a grant approved?
Grants are reviewed following each bimonthly application deadline by our Grants Committee. The Grants Committee is made up of Board Members. The Grants Committee reviews, scores and discusses each application with each other. They make a recommendation to the full Board of Directors. The Board then discusses the application and makes the final decision as a group by vote. These discussions and votes are documented in the Board Meeting minutes.
What happens when one of your Board Trustees is an applicant or knows an applicant or has a conflict of interest?
When HSSA was formed the Board of Trustees developed a policy that ensures that our Board is in compliance with the Washington State Ethics in Public Service Act's provisions addressing conflicts of interest, compensation, employment after service, and activities compatible with public duties. It is still in use today.
If a Board Trustee identifies a conflict, they are to notify the Board of Directors, and complete a form recusing themself from discussion or voting on the application. The Policy identifies two types of conflicts of interest, an "interested party" or a person with a "beneficial interest", each has clear definitions too long to go into in our FAQ, along with procedures for how to proceed when a conflict is identified.
Can my business apply for a matching grant if we do not have a presence in Spokane County?
Yes, HSSA can approve an application contingent upon a move of all or part of your operations and staff to Spokane County. Our goals are to improve the bioscience economy in Spokane County and to create well-paying jobs. We will need to see evidence of your commitment to these principles and to improving Spokane County's health and healthcare system in your application.
How is HSSA funded?
HSSA's funds come entirely from Spokane County. We take our responsibilities as stewards of these funds very seriously.
What do you require of your grant recipients?
All HSSA Grant Award Agreements take the form of cost reimbursement contracting. No lump sum will be provided. Grant Recipients can request reimbursement for funds spent in service to their objectives and milestones as stated in the grant application, and in keeping with the budget submitted with your application.
Grant Recipients populate the provided Reimbursement Request Form with their budget and submit a detailed account of their expenses along with documentation of those expenses in the form of paystubs or payroll reports, invoices and receipts.
A semi-annual report on your progress is also a requirement. The form will be included in the Grant Award Agreement. Topics include progress toward milestones, staff added and salaries, economic impact, as well as publications, collaborations, patents and presentations.
We strongly recommend reviewing HSSA's Grant Award Agreement template prior to applying to assure that you understand the terms.
What are the application deadlines?
Matching Grant applications are open year round. They will be reviewed between the bimonthly deadlines on January 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, and November 1. The Grants Committee meets a month later to share their scores and discuss the applications. They finalize recommendations and present them to the full Board. A vote will take place at the first available meeting of the full Board of Trustees.
Access to Care Grant applications are available starting during the month of September. Applications are due by November 1, and are voted on at the Board of Trustees last meeting of the calendar year.
Can I get a letter of support from HSSA to bring to another grantor or investor?
The HSSA understands that having matching funding is a major attraction for outside investors and other grant-makers. As such, we will provide a letter for any company that meets or will meet the granting criteria stating that matching funds are available and will be issued upon successful completion of the investment by the qualified investor(s) or grantors. The company must fill out the HSSA Application which includes the following:
1. Human Capital and Infrastructure Matching Grant Application Line Item budget describing how the matching funds will be spent.
2. Narrative on how the matching funds will be used to expand upon the investor/grantor funds (no more than 1 page double spaced, 12pt font)
3. Narrative on how the company plans to commercialize their product (no more than 1 page double spaced, 12pt font)
4. Narrative on the short term and long term company goals. (no more than 1 page double spaced, 12pt font)
5. A 5 year plan for increasing their presence in Spokane County. (no more than 1 page double spaced, 12pt font)
The Grants Committee will review your materials at their next available meeting, and present a recommendation to the Board for a vote. If approved, the Executive Director will provide you with a letter of support.