Interact for Health Awards over $350k in Final 2025 Rural Changemaker Awards

1Voice, Switz. Co. YMCA, and Mental Health American of NKY were among the recipients.

CINCINNATI – Interact for Health has announced seven organizations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana that will receive funding through the final round of the 2025 Rural Changemaker Grant, the signature grant opportunity of Interact for Health’s Rural Investment Strategy. 

"The Rural Changemaker Grant reflects our belief that every community deserves the vital conditions to thrive. Our partners are building connection and opportunity across our region," said Kate Schroder, President and CEO of Interact for Health. “These projects reflect the creativity and resilience of our rural community, creating healthier futures across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. We are proud to support their work.”

Among the recipients are:

1Voice, IN – $68,00 | Expansion of Rural Recovery Housing and Justice Involved Services 

• Strengthening and expanding recovery and reentry services for justice-involved individuals and the broader recovery community in Southeastern Indiana.

Switzerland County YMCA, IN – $31,807 | Safety Around Water Program

• Providing six weeks of free water safety lessons to second-grade students in rural areas of Switzerland and Ohio counties (Indiana), and Gallatin County (Kentucky).

Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio Inc. , KY & OH –$70,000 | Neighbors Supporting Neighbors: Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities

• Training 500 people in Mental Health First Aid across nine rural counties in Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio, focusing on teens (14-18), youth-serving adults, and the general adult population

With twelve grantees and a total awarded amount of over $660,000 across two funding rounds, the Rural Changemaker Grant was the signature grant opportunity for Interact for Health’s Rural Investment Strategy. Dedicated grant funding and rural community councils will be available again in 2026.