2026 CARES Foundation Grant

The CARES Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in the Sacramento region of California, dedicated to addressing the HIV epidemic through grantmaking that supports prevention, care, testing, and innovative solutions. It seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV and reduce the transmission of the virus through education, services, and strategic funding. The Foundation emphasizes equal consideration for initiatives aimed at both preventing HIV and supporting individuals already affected by it. It focuses on projects that serve high-risk populations and those addressing co-occurring conditions associated with HIV. The purpose of the CARES Foundation grant program is to support nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies operating within the greater Sacramento area in their efforts to mitigate the impact of HIV. It funds specific programs or general operating support that align with four strategic priorities: HIV prevention, bridging unreimbursed gaps in care for people living with HIV, increasing access to HIV testing and linking individuals to care, and supporting innovative initiatives that impact the Sacramento region. Funded projects may include education on PreP, PEP, and TaSP, mobile medical services, substance use treatment, client navigation, housing assistance, and pilot programs to improve care coordination and reduce service duplication. Eligibility for the CARES Foundation grants is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies (excluding private foundations) and governmental agencies that operate without discrimination and are based in or serve the Sacramento region. Exceptions are made for broader policy initiatives with a tangible local benefit. Organizations must also adhere to guidelines barring funding for foreign entities, political or sectarian activities, or reimbursable services except when provided to uninsured patients. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), due by 5:00 PM on June 1, 2025. Only organizations invited by the Foundation's Grant Review and Fund Development Committee after LOI review may submit a full proposal. Applicants are expected to complete a detailed LOI form, including project descriptions, target populations, expected outcomes, evaluation methods, alignment with funding priorities, budget details, and a list of collaborative partners. The grant cycle for 2026 opens on May 1, 2025, with the LOI submission deadline on June 1. Invitations to submit full proposals will be issued by June 30, and completed proposals are due by July 31. Grant decisions will be communicated in October 2025, and awards will begin on January 1, 2026. Participation in Foundation events is expected from all current and new grantees. The Foundation does not offer rolling submissions, and this is an annual opportunity. For more information or to apply, applicants should contact the CARES Foundation directly through the contact details provided on their website. A full proposal will only be accepted following an LOI submission and subsequent invitation.