The Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunities (HERO) Fund, established in 2021 and updated in 2024 with HB 329 (Act 607), provides health care training and training opportunities to meet the growing demand for employment in nursing and health-related fields. and seeks grant applications from educational programs and healthcare industry partners. Specialists and other high-demand health care providers.
The submission period for proposals for this round ends on January 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM Central Time.
Respond to local, regional, or state workforce demands for high-demand health professions Increase capacity and student enrollment for identified medical qualifications Increase program completion rates and/or exam/certification pass rates Students in employment Provide incentives to financially support (i.e., scholarships, tuition waivers, etc.) high-demand health care professionals at LA medical facilities or training programs with an emphasis on underserved areas. Leave LA Provide incentives for practicing in healthcare programs that support dual enrollment and pathway programs, such as high school career and technical programs Support healthcare organizations' strategies to increase career pathways, internships, and apprenticeship programs Increase awareness and interest in a wide range of health care careers and reduce barriers (including financial barriers) to accessing the health care programs necessary to pursue these careers.
Eligible grant recipients include the applicant entity and at least one partner. Proposals must include “health care programs,” which include educational institutions and training programs, and “health care partners,” which include health care providers, facilities, or health-related organizations licensed or operating in Louisiana. Local nonprofit organizations may also be considered as lead or partner entities. Training must benefit students and healthcare providers within the state of Louisiana.
The HERO program currently has approximately $15 million in funding available to eligible health programs or partners. Funding (monetary or in-kind donations) is required to match the grant from healthcare industry partners.
The duration of the grant for this application cannot exceed 27 months, beginning April 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027. There is no grant cap for this opportunity, but grant award amounts will be determined based on the impact on in-demand health care workers and the objectives outlined. On top of that.
Funding opportunities are limited and offered on a competitive basis. Therefore, not all applicants may receive funds. We reserve the right to award less than the amount requested. Funds may not be spent on the construction, maintenance, repair, or improvement of structures. Once funds are awarded, payment terms will be reimbursement of costs. Grant recipients will submit an invoice with an activity or expenditure report and appropriate supporting documentation for reimbursement.
Organizations must not combine multiple medical credentials in a single offer. Separate proposals must be submitted for each program funding a specific qualification. If a program for a given credential is expanded to additional geographic sites, but the program remains the same, you can submit a single proposal.
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by an impartial panel based on the quality of the proposal and the objectives identified above. The evaluation process also takes into account data provided by the Board of Directors and Workforce Commission.
The following schedule for funding submission, evaluation, and approval applies to the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
December 2, 2024 Publication of application January 13, 2025 Deadline for submission of questions January 31, 2025 Deadline for submission of application February 2025 Examination of application by evaluation committee March 2025 Applicant's Selection will be announced by email to applicants
Completed grant proposals can be emailed to HERO@la.gov with the subject line “HERO Proposal.”
Click here to download the application
Please email your questions to HERO@la.gov with the subject line “HERO Questions.”
