U.P. Health Impact Grant

The Superior Health Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing health outcomes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), administers the U.P. Health Impact Grant Program. This initiative supports health-focused initiatives designed to significantly benefit communities across the U.P. region. The Foundation emphasizes transformational and systemic approaches that address longstanding health challenges and disparities. With a deep commitment to collaboration and local empowerment, the program encourages projects that can have wide-reaching and sustainable health impacts on residents throughout the area. The U.P. Health Impact Grant Program is structured to fund innovative health projects that align with several key priorities. These include strengthening the healthcare workforce, improving systemic access to care, and enhancing community capacity to address health issues. Funding is open to both new projects and new collaborations between existing organizations, with a preference for grassroots groups, tribal communities, and small to medium-sized nonprofits. Past projects have included healthcare workforce training programs, maternal and infant health collaborations, and data-driven regional health improvement initiatives. Funding awards under this program range from $5,000 to $75,000. The Foundation does not publicly specify any cost-sharing or matching requirements. The scope of allowable uses is wide, provided the projects contribute meaningfully to improved health outcomes in the U.P. region. As with prior cycles, funding supports operational, programmatic, and strategic activities tied to the Foundation’s mission to improve regional health conditions. The application process is divided into two main steps. First, applicants must either submit a one-page concept paper or schedule a concept call with the Foundation’s Program Officer, Nicky Bates. Only after this step has been completed and reviewed will applicants receive a code granting them access to the full application portal. Applications submitted without completing this initial concept stage will not be accepted. All submissions must be made through the Foundation’s online grants portal, as emailed applications are not permitted. The grant program follows a quarterly application cycle. For 2026, deadlines are scheduled as follows: Q1 concept papers or calls are due December 18, 2025, with full applications due by January 8, 2026; Q2 deadlines are March 4 (concept) and March 11 (application); Q3 deadlines are July 1 (concept) and July 8 (application); and Q4 deadlines are September 3 (concept) and September 9 (application). Award announcements are made approximately two months following the close of each quarter's application deadline. The Foundation Board of Directors holds final authority over all grant decisions. For inquiries or guidance, applicants can contact the Foundation via phone at (906) 225-6914 or by email at shf@shfmi.org. Concept discussions can also be arranged directly with Nicky Bates by emailing nbates@shfmi.org. Supporting documentation, including the RFP, concept guidelines, application questions, and webinar slides, is made available through the Foundation’s website. This program is recurring on a quarterly basis, and prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor deadlines and prepare concept materials in advance of each cycle.

Emphasize demonstrated community need strong collaboration and clear measurable health outcomes; align project with transformational impact and potential for replication