Frequently Asked Questions

OnePierce is a nonprofit community asset dedicated to helping vulnerable Pierce County residents and the organizations that support them.

OnePierce blends revenue from Elevate Health with funding from investors, businesses, philanthropists and public entities, then distributes that funding — via grants and loans — to community organizations that help people improve their whole-person health. Its goal is to create a long-term, sustainable source of funding for community organizations.

The social determinants of health are conditions in the places people live, learn, work and play — such as employment and access to housing — that affect a person’s health, quality of life, and their access to health care.

OnePierce does offer some grants, but its purpose is broader. The nonprofit also manages investments, turning investors’ funds into loans available to applicants who address the social determinants of health. In addition, OnePierce works with public entities to manage and distribute funds to other organizations.

OnePierce is the first of its kind in Washington state and in the nation; Elevate Health pioneered the creation of an investment strategy arm that offers grants and community loans to create long-term, sustainable resources for its community. Working together, OnePierce and Elevate Health intend to transform healthcare in Pierce County.

We would be delighted to hear from you and to answer your questions about our investment vehicles. To start the conversation, please contact OnePierce Director Lauren Fulton at info@onepierce.org.

We would be delighted to hear from you and to answer your questions about our work. To start the conversation, please contact OnePierce Director Lauren Fulton at info@onepierce.org.

Our loan application process begins with an the OnePierce Expression-of-Interest form.

Please note that the information asked of in the form is introductory and we encourage you to reach out to us so we may best support you. Please contact info@onepierce.org.

For grants, we issue RFPs (requests for proposals) related to specific projects, so please check our website for the most current information.

OnePierce gives out grants, which do not have to be repaid, and loans, which need to be repaid with (low) interest. Although both grants and loans will benefit community organizations, loans have an added benefit for the community. As they are paid back, loans create an ongoing, revolving funding stream that can be used, in part, to sustain OnePierce and to continue to meet the needs of local organizations. Loans are also used to pay back our own investors.

Generally, grants do not need to be repaid, and loans must be repaid with interest. There may be circumstances in which OnePierce would ask for a return of funds, i.e., if an organization were not meeting its goals, but all terms will be clearly outlined during the application process and in the final documentation.