Carrot is proud to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in announcing the five winners of the Build UP Trust Challenge, each awarded $200,000 for their bold, community-driven strategies to strengthen trust in health care and increase participation in research. These winning teams represent innovative, scalable models that deeply reflect the voices, cultures, and priorities of the communities they serve.
Grand Prairie, TX
Black Heart Association
Vehicle for Change!
A mobile, community-rooted model expanding access to preventive care and health education by meeting residents where they are.
Bronx, NY
Build Up Bronx
Bringing the Benefits of Genomics to Diverse Bronx Communities
A genomics engagement initiative created to improve understanding, build trust, and expand participation in genetic health research.
Orofino, ID
Clearwater Valley Health – Dr. Kelly McGrath
Trust, Isolation and Stigma: Addressing Mental Health Access Barriers
A rural mental health model designed to strengthen trust, reduce stigma, and expand access to behavioral health support.
Birmingham, AL
ConnectionHealth-UAB
Alabama Womb2Heart Community Health Worker Solution (AW2H)
A maternal and cardiovascular health initiative led by community health workers to improve outcomes for Black women across Alabama.
Augusta, GA
Hub for Community Innovation Augusta
Community Outreach through Athletics in Colleges and High Schools (COACHS)
An athletics-based outreach program building trust with youth and families while increasing engagement in health research and education.
NIH also recognized 12 honorable mentions, each awarded $10,000 for advancing promising early-stage ideas that contribute to stronger trust and more equitable participation in health research. These organizations span rural, urban, and tribal communities and reflect a wide range of trust-building approaches.
These winners demonstrate what is possible when research and care are shaped by communities themselves. Carrot is honored to support NIH in elevating solutions that advance health equity and strengthen the relationship between communities and the systems designed to serve them.
Explore the full results and learn more about the Challenge at: https://www.builduptrust.org/
