The Michigan Health Endowment Fund administers the Community Health Impact program to support innovative, community-led solutions to health challenges throughout Michigan. This initiative aims to empower organizations deeply rooted in local contexts—such as grassroots nonprofits, neighborhood alliances, and small to mid-sized community groups—to address pressing public health concerns using strategies informed by lived experience. The funder, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, focuses on improving the health and wellness of Michigan residents and has consistently prioritized initiatives that reduce health disparities and enhance community well-being.
The Community Health Impact grant program provides financial support for projects addressing a wide range of health-related issues, including oral health, health literacy, social integration, and the expansion of community support systems. All grantees are expected to contribute to the advancement of health equity and the strengthening of community wellness by using community-responsive and equity-centered approaches. Examples from the 2024 cohort include programs focused on eviction prevention, health engagement for formerly incarcerated individuals, and cancer care improvement among American Indian communities in Michigan.
The 2025 grant cycle officially opens for applications on May 5, 2025. A required component of the application process is the submission of a concept paper, due by June 4, 2025. Full applications are then due on July 15, 2025, with grant award announcements expected in November 2025. Interested applicants are also encouraged to register for an RFP webinar to better understand the expectations and structure of the funding opportunity.
To apply, organizations must follow a two-step process starting with the submission of a concept paper. Application materials, including detailed application questions and the Request for Proposals (RFP), are available through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s website. A comprehensive list of past recipients is also accessible via their searchable grant database to offer potential applicants examples of previously funded projects.
Eligible applicants include health-focused, community-based organizations located within Michigan. While the fund does not specify eligibility by category in the provided information, it is clear that emphasis is placed on locally grounded, community-serving entities that are capable of implementing community-driven health initiatives.
Contact for the grant program is available via email at info@mihealthfund.org or by phone at 517-374-0031. The organization also encourages visitors to sign up for updates and offers additional learning resources and case studies through its Community Health Impact learning page.
