Two global health funders are accepting unsolicited proposals right now, and both fund direct clinical work, not just research papers. One sends surgical teams abroad; the other backs cancer projects from labs to patient care.

What we know: HeartGift funds U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations that either send medical teams abroad to perform pediatric cardiac surgeries or partner with existing institutions in-country to treat children with congenital heart defects. The grant amount is capped as a percentage of your annual revenue: 50% for orgs under $200,000, scaling down to 25% for those above $800,000. Allowable expenses cover surgeries, patient travel, team airfare, lodging, medical supplies, and follow-up care.

Realistic fit: established cardiac mission organizations with surgical teams already deploying internationally and a track record of pediatric heart defect interventions.

What we know: This is a small, flexible funder focused on melanoma and broader cancer work across three areas: prevention, cure (research), and care. Proposals go to a scientific advisory committee and the board. The submission process is informal: a contact form and email rather than a structured RFP.

Realistic fit: research groups, clinical teams, or cancer-focused nonprofits with a specific project concept in prevention, treatment research, or patient support.

HeartGift's application window is tight (three weeks in October), so organizations with existing pediatric cardiac programs abroad should start gathering documentation now.