Rural Health Grants

The Medica Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Minnesota, focusing on improving health outcomes and advancing health equity across communities. As part of its mission, the Foundation offers a Rural Health Grant program specifically aimed at supporting initiatives that address persistent health disparities in rural areas of Minnesota. The program reflects the foundation's commitment to community-led, grassroots efforts that can meaningfully improve access, quality, and outcomes in rural health. The Rural Health Grant program is designed to fund organizations located outside of the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, serving residents in Greater Minnesota. The Foundation has prioritized funding for projects that tackle key health-related issues such as culturally-focused care, dental health, domestic violence and sexual assault services and prevention, independent living for seniors, maternal and birth health, mental and chemical health, primary care for underserved communities, sexual health, and transportation related to medical or health appointments. This program supports a comprehensive approach to rural health challenges with an emphasis on locally relevant and culturally competent solutions. Grants under this program are available in amounts up to $10,000 per organization per year. Funding is intended for programmatic activities directly tied to one or more of the listed focus areas. Notably, the Foundation does not consider applications for events, sponsorships, seminars, museums, camps, or general health and wellness activities like nutrition and exercise programs. This ensures that funding is concentrated on high-impact, service-based projects rather than promotional or recreational activities. Organizations eligible to apply must have a physical presence in Greater Minnesota. Entities attempting to serve rural communities from offices within the Twin Cities metro area without an operational base in Greater Minnesota are not eligible. Additionally, applicants may apply for and receive funding in consecutive years, enabling long-term program development and continuity. The application cycle for the 2025 Rural Health Grant opens on July 1, 2025. The closing date has not been specified in the provided materials. Applicants are advised to review the online application instructions and reach out with questions to the Foundation's contact team. All applications must be submitted electronically through the Foundation's designated online system. Applicants can report on the use of their grants through a separate reporting mechanism also hosted on the Foundation's website. For inquiries, organizations can contact the Foundation at 952-992-2060. Correspondence by mail can be sent to P.O. Box 9310, Mail Route CW104, Minneapolis, MN 55440-9310. While the Foundation does not publish application questions or tips, general resources are available online to assist applicants in completing their submissions. Based on the July 1 opening and the stated annual application opportunity, the program is considered recurring, with the next expected cycle to begin in July 2026.