Foundation Funding

Any organization, from a foundation to a private business, will be more open to supporting an initiative which reflects its own interests and values. An organization that might be reluctant or unable to contribute monetary support may be willing to contribute some sort of in-kind support, from office supplies to staff time.

The type and amount of funding, what entities are eligible to apply for funding, and the application process itself vary widely between philanthropic organizations. Stakeholders should also remember to look at state and local foundations, as well as national organizations.


Two general resources on foundations:

  • The Foundation Center: provides information about local level and community foundations. The website of the includes a “Foundation Finder” directory that allows you to search for foundations by name, state, and/or zip code.
  • The Grantsmanship Center: provides information on foundation resources, including community foundations and corporate giving programs, by state.

The following organizations have funded DSW projects in the past and/or fund projects in the health workforce area:


Atlantic Philanthropies: Atlantic Philanthropies makes grants through their Ageing Program to ensure that 1) older adults are treated with dignity and respect, 2) are fully empowered to shape their own destinies, 3) have access to health and support systems, 4) are represented by a strong cadre of leaders, and 5) are able to contribute actively their expertise and experience for the good of society. Atlantic Philanthropies partnered with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation fund the Better Jobs Better Care grants.


Center for Health Care Strategies: CHCS works to improve the quality of health and health related services for beneficiaries of our nation’s health coverage safety net—Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. CHCS works with state officials, health plan leaders, and consumer organizations across the country to improve health services for low-income families and for people with severe illnesses and disabilities whose needs cross over from the routine to the highly specialized. In the past CHCS has made grants aimed at improving community-based long term care services.


The Commonwealth Fund: The Commonwealth Fund (CWF) is a private foundation that aims to promote a high performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, by supporting independent research on health care issues and making grants to improve health care practice and policy. CWF is currently funding an evaluation of culture change in for-profit nursing homes, and several other projects focused on person-centered care and engaging front-line workers. CWF makes grants to non-profits and public agencies.


John A. Hartford Foundation: The John A. Hartford Foundation seeks specifically to, enhance and expand the training of doctors, nurses, social workers and other health professionals who care for elders, and promote innovations in the integration and delivery of services for all older people. Grants are generally made to 501(c)(3)s and to state colleges and universities. Applications are normally by invitation, but organizations who feel their project fits the Foundation’s guidelines may submit letters of inquiry.


Hitachi Foundation: The Hitachi Foundation’s Business and Communities grant program targets new practices that can be used by both businesses and community organizations to benefit economically isolated individuals and the larger community, particularly in traditional low-wage sectors like health care. Grant seekers must have 501(c)(3) status. Applications are by invitation only, but the Foundation has an online inquiry system to which organizations can submit information and receive a response about whether their project is eligible. The Hitachi Foundation is currently funding the Jobs-to-Careers grant program with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.


Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF): RWJF funds a variety of health care improvement initiatives, including those aimed at improving health care quality. They partnered with Atlantic Philanthropies to fund the Better Jobs Better Care grants. RWJF accepts unsolicited grant applications.


Charles Stewart Mott Foundations: The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, mainly under its “Pathways out of Poverty” portfolio, funds several workforce retraining and improvement grants. Funding for unsolicited proposals is limited; those interested in applying for funding are strongly encouraged to submit letters of inquiry.


MetLife Foundation: The goals of the MetLife Foundation are to strengthen communities, promote good health and improve education.In recent years, it has focused on a variety of aging initiatives that help people remain physically and mentally fit, engaged in the community, and deal with caregiving. Most recently, the MetLife Foundation, in collaboration with the American Society on Aging developed a new awards program for community-based organizations doing exemplary work to support family caregivers.


State Foundations

A number of states have foundations which concentrate on improving healthcare. For example;

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