Health equity funding tends to split into two lanes: clinical research or community-level systems change. These three funders sit closer to the systems-change side, and all three accept unsolicited proposals on rolling or cyclical timelines.

United States (50 states + DC) | Amount not published | Next concept deadline: November 9, 2026

carequest.org/grants2/

Funder profile: kindora.co/funders/384016550

What we know: CareQuest made 106 grants totaling $13.8 million in 2024, with a foundation-wide median of $125,000. Top recipients include the National Network of Public Health Institutes (four grants, $2 million) and Families USA Foundation. Grantmaking skews toward health organizations and higher education, with the heaviest geographic concentration in Massachusetts and Washington, DC.

Realistic fit: policy-oriented nonprofits or research institutions working on oral health access, Medicaid dental coverage, or medical-dental integration at a state or federal level.

$50,000 to $200,000 | United States | Rolling LOI

commonwealthfund.org/letter-inquiry-process

Funder profile: kindora.co/funders/131635260

What we know: The Commonwealth Fund made 534 grants last year totaling $31.3 million, but the foundation-wide median is $15,000 because the portfolio includes many small research and fellowship awards alongside larger project grants. About 28% of all grants go to recipients in New York, with another 20% in Washington, DC. Top grantees include Harvard (30 grants, $3.4 million) and the Urban Institute (18 grants, $2.1 million).

Realistic fit: research institutions or policy organizations with a track record in health systems analysis, maternal health, or insurance coverage equity.

United States | Rolling | Amount not published

childhood-usa.org/2026-projects-we-support/

What we know: This is a smaller funder ($902,000 in total giving) focused specifically on preventing and responding to child sexual abuse and exploitation. Foundation-wide median grant is about $41,000. The foundation prioritizes grassroots organizations serving children who are disproportionately affected, including children with disabilities, those in foster care, and LGBTQ+ youth.

Realistic fit: community-based nonprofits running direct prevention or response programs for child sexual abuse, particularly those serving marginalized populations.

CareQuest and Commonwealth Fund both use LOI-first processes, so a two-page concept paper is the entry point. World Childhood Foundation's proposal process starts with a questionnaire before the full application. All three reward specificity about the population you serve.