Community Health Impact Lab micro grants

The American Medical Association (AMA), a leading professional association for physicians in the United States, has launched the Community Health Impact Lab micro grants to support physician-led, community-based initiatives focused on improving health outcomes. This program is administered by the AMA’s Center for Optimal Health Outcomes and is designed to catalyze innovative, scalable solutions that address pressing health-related challenges in underserved communities. By funding creative interventions spearheaded by physicians, the AMA aims to advance its mission of promoting the art and science of medicine and improving public health. The micro grants program specifically targets projects that respond to the unique needs of populations with limited access to care. Through a competitive application process, the AMA intends to identify, support, and elevate projects that can serve as models for other communities. Successful proposals will demonstrate a strong community focus, the potential for measurable health impact, and a clear plan for scalability. Up to 20 grants of $50,000 each will be awarded to selected organizations, with a project performance period of 12 months. Eligibility for the program is limited to organizations applying on behalf of a physician-led initiative. The principal investigator must be an actively licensed physician practicing in the United States or its territories. The program encourages collaboration and requires applicants to submit letters of support from the lead organization and any partner entities. The application must also include an abstract, a detailed project description, a comprehensive budget and narrative, a timeline, and CVs or biosketches for key personnel. Funding may be used for staffing, supplies, technology, events, and subcontractors, among other costs, provided they align with program goals and exclude unallowable expenditures. Budgets must be error-free; any mathematical inaccuracies or disallowed costs will result in immediate disqualification. The proposal evaluation will consider innovation, impact potential, feasibility, and alignment with AMA's strategic health equity objectives. The application portal opened on November 13, 2025. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. Central time on March 1, 2026. Award notifications are scheduled for April 30, 2026. Although this is not a recurring program with a guaranteed future round, the AMA has indicated an interest in identifying scalable projects that may inform future efforts. For support or questions during the application process, applicants can email CommunityHealth@ama-assn.org or call (888) 262-9105 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Central time). Additional resources including application guidelines, FAQs, and budget instructions are available on the AMA Community Health Impact Lab micro grants webpage.

Proposals with mathematical errors or unallowable costs will be disqualified; collaboration and scalability are strongly emphasized.