Centene Foundation Grant Program

The Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, in collaboration with Delaware First Health (DFH), a leading Medicaid managed care organization in Delaware, has launched the second year of its grant program aimed at addressing social drivers of health across the state. Centene Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting initiatives that tackle the underlying factors that affect health outcomes, such as housing instability, transportation barriers, and access to nutritious food. This program is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to empower underserved communities and foster equitable health solutions. In its 2026 cycle, the grant program offers a total pool of $500,000 in funding to be distributed over the next three years. Each grant will be awarded at a minimum of $10,000. The primary goal is to support community-based nonprofits and health providers that are working to improve the health and well-being of Delawareans by addressing barriers related to social determinants of health. While the program welcomes a broad range of applications, proposals that specifically target housing instability or transportation accessibility will receive priority consideration during evaluation. Eligibility requirements are clearly defined to ensure that the funds are awarded to organizations with a meaningful and local impact. Applicants must be Delaware-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve the Medicaid population within the state. Furthermore, organizations must demonstrate the ability to use the funds for the purposes stated in their application and must participate in a follow-up visit by the end of the calendar year to report outcomes and impacts. All applications must be complete by May 25, 2026, and include required documentation such as a recent W-9 form, IRS Affirmation or Determination Letter, Form 990, and relevant program materials. The application process consists of completing an online application form and submitting it, along with all necessary documents, to [email protected]. The form gathers key details such as program area, budget, requested funding, project timeline, and evaluation methods. Applicants must also identify their primary area of focus within the spectrum of social determinants of health, which include housing, education, employment, healthcare access, and community context, among others. Submitted proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with the grant’s core objectives, feasibility, potential for impact, and the strength of the organization’s implementation and evaluation plans. Award notifications are expected in September, giving organizations ample time to initiate their programs within the same calendar year. While submitting an application does not guarantee funding, the program is structured to support initiatives that present a compelling case for reducing health disparities through systemic interventions. This grant opportunity is not recurring in a fixed schedule, although it is now in its second year. Organizations seeking funding should apply within the specified window and ensure their readiness to implement and report on their programs effectively. The Centene Foundation and Delaware First Health remain committed to collaborating with local organizations to improve health outcomes for Delaware residents through targeted, community-driven solutions.