Research Grants (by invitation only)

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health Initiative is a grant from The Humana Foundation that funds organizations advancing health equity through nutrition security, social connection, and financial health. The Humana Foundation organizes its grantmaking around four primary commitment areas, each with distinct grant cycles and funding availability. Applications are submitted through SmartSimple, the foundation's grant management system, which requires organizations to register and complete an eligibility check before applying. The foundation accepts both single-year and multi-year proposals. Grant cycles typically open in spring, with an Early Access Cycle and Regular Cycle. The Health Equity Innovation Fund and research grants are currently open by invitation only.

Health Equity Impact Fund (Humana Foundation) is sponsored by The Humana Foundation. The Health Equity Innovation Fund provides seed funding for organizations working to eliminate barriers in health and health care. The Fund offers recipients an opportunity to test both interventions and solutions designed to address preventable, chronic diseases for populations facing inequity.

NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) is a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that funds early postdoctoral fellows from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, to pursue research training in cancer-related fields. The K32 award supports fellows within 12 months prior to transitioning into, or within the first two years of, a postdoctoral position. The program, operated through NCI's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD), aims to enhance the pool of qualified diverse cancer researchers. Beginning with the June 12, 2025 due date, the CURE ACE Award is available in both Independent Clinical Trial Required and Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed versions. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at time of award.

Innovation Grant is a grant from the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation that funds nonprofit organizations pursuing unique, high-impact projects that improve health and wellness in Arizona communities. This two-year award supports original initiatives with measurable real-world impact, including programs serving underserved and uninsured populations through oral health education, disease prevention, and nutritional access. Projects must demonstrate the potential to make a meaningful difference in the community and stand apart from conventional approaches. Eligible applicants are Arizona-based nonprofit organizations. Awards total $100,000 per recipient over two years. The 2026 application cycle closed October 16, 2025, with recipients notified in late 2025 and funding made available shortly after.