U.P. Health Impact Grant

The Superior Health Foundation (SHF), a private philanthropic organization committed to improving health outcomes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, administers the U.P. Health Impact Grant Program. This initiative provides financial support to projects that seek to improve the region’s healthcare infrastructure and the well-being of its residents. SHF has historically backed programs related to workforce training, maternal and infant health, regional health data analysis, and other innovative public health interventions. Through this program, SHF emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainable systems-level change. The grant is structured around four quarterly application cycles. Each cycle begins with a required preliminary engagement step: applicants must either submit a concept paper or schedule a concept call with the foundation’s program officer. This pre-application requirement serves as a gate to the full application process. Once approved, applicants receive an access code to the grants portal, where they complete and submit their full application. Emailed applications are not accepted. A preview of application questions is available on the SHF website, and applicants are encouraged to review the official RFP for further details. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations based in or serving Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Special consideration is given to grassroots organizations, neighborhood groups, tribal communities, and small to mid-sized nonprofits. SHF promotes inclusivity and local leadership in addressing health challenges, and encourages new projects, new organizations, and collaborative initiatives. Grant funding ranges from $5,000 to $75,000. There are no publicly stated restrictions regarding matching requirements or indirect cost policies in the provided materials. Awards are announced on a rolling quarterly basis following application review. The program supports systemic improvements, workforce development, and community engagement in health issues across the U.P. Evaluation criteria and performance periods are determined by SHF and overseen by its Board of Directors, which retains sole authority over funding decisions. Applicants are encouraged to submit thoughtful, well-aligned proposals that reflect SHF’s goals of transformation and long-term impact in public health. The next upcoming deadlines for the 2026 cycle are: December 18, 2025 (for concept calls or papers), and January 8, 2026 (for applications). Additional quarterly deadlines are set for March, July, and September. Interested applicants can reach Program Officer Nicky Bates at [email protected] or by phone at (906) 225-6914.

Ensure concept call or paper is aligned with SHF’s focus areas to receive access to the full application. Leverage collaboration and community engagement for competitive proposals.