CATCH Planning Grants Program

The Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Planning Grants are a program of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), supporting pediatricians in developing new, community-based projects that aim to improve children's access to optimal health and well-being. Launched in 1993, the CATCH Planning Grant is designed for the early development phases of community initiatives and focuses on engaging pediatric professionals in collaborative efforts with local organizations. Grants of $10,000 are awarded annually to qualified pediatricians or pediatric advanced practice providers, and fellowship trainees based in the United States, its territories, or Canada. The purpose of the grant is to assist in planning activities that explore and define solutions to unmet child health needs. Projects must be entirely planning-focused and are not allowed to include any implementation activities. The scope of eligible work includes needs assessments, stakeholder meetings, focus groups, coalition-building, and development of service outreach strategies. Projects must target populations outside the applicant's practice setting and show clear potential for sustainability beyond the grant period. Applicants must be members of the AAP at both national and chapter levels and may only submit one application per cycle. Those currently holding a CATCH grant are ineligible, though past grantees may apply again if their previous grant is closed. AAP strongly encourages applicants to engage with their Chapter CATCH Facilitators or CATCH staff during proposal development. Proposals that demonstrate collaboration with the CATCH network are more competitive. Additionally, a special funding opportunity is available for projects addressing environmental justice in children's health, particularly in underserved communities. The application must be submitted online by January 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Time. Applicants are expected to upload a completed budget template and a letter of intent from a designated fiscal agent. Optional attachments such as letters of support and reference materials can also be submitted but are not scored. All budgets must strictly adhere to the CATCH guidelines, which cap awards at $10,000 and exclude fringe benefits, medical supplies, equipment, clinical services, or professional development costs. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by AAP District and Chapter CATCH Facilitators through a peer-review process. Funded projects begin on June 1, 2026, and run for a 12-month period. Final reports, including financials, are due within 60 days of project completion, with the possibility of a one-time six-month extension. The program is made possible by the Roots & Wings Foundation, the AAP Friends of Children Fund, and other supporting bodies within AAP.

Applicants who seek feedback from Chapter CATCH Facilitators receive stronger scores.