U.P. Health Impact Grant

The U.P. Health Impact Grant, administered by the Superior Health Foundation, supports innovative, health-centered projects across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With a focus on transforming regional health outcomes, this program represents the Foundation’s strategic commitment to advancing well-being throughout the U.P. by investing in initiatives that target systemic change, community empowerment, and healthcare access. Established as a private philanthropic organization, the Superior Health Foundation seeks to fund practical, high-impact efforts that reflect pressing community needs and encourage collaborative approaches to health challenges. The Foundation encourages proposals that fall into several priority categories: strengthening the regional healthcare workforce, improving systemic access to care, and enhancing the capacity of local communities to identify and address their most urgent health-related concerns. Funded projects from past cycles have included maternal and infant health collaborations, training programs for the healthcare workforce, and initiatives focused on collecting and analyzing regional health data. Emphasis is placed on new ideas, projects led by grassroots or community-based organizations, and cross-sector partnerships. Eligible applicants include any tax-exempt organization operating in or serving the Upper Peninsula with a health-related mission or objective. Special consideration is extended to small and medium-sized nonprofits, tribal communities, neighborhood groups, and grassroots organizations. There is no specific restriction to 501(c)(3) status mentioned, though the Foundation does seek proposals that align with its regional and mission-driven goals. The application process begins with a required preliminary step: interested applicants must either submit a concept paper or schedule a concept call with the Program Officer. Only after this pre-application step is completed will applicants receive a code granting access to the full online application. The application cannot be submitted via email and must be completed through the Foundation’s grants portal. Resources such as the grant RFP, application questions, and concept paper guidelines are publicly available to help prospective grantees prepare. Applications are accepted quarterly, with a clear and structured calendar. Each cycle includes deadlines for concept submissions, followed by application due dates and notification of awards. For 2026, quarterly cycles begin in January, March, July, and September, with concept papers due roughly two to three weeks prior to each application deadline. Awards are announced approximately two months after applications are due. The current cycle has concept papers due by March 4, 2026, and applications due by March 11, 2026, with awards expected in May 2026. For additional support or clarification, applicants are encouraged to contact Program Officer Nicky Bates via email at [email protected] or reach the Foundation directly by phone at (906) 225-6914. All applicants are advised to consult the Foundation’s RFP and concept paper guidelines, and to attend the February 18 grant information webinar, to ensure their submission aligns with Foundation priorities and requirements.

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.