Health funders rarely line up this neatly by access type. One takes LOIs, one takes direct applications, and one runs a fixed annual cycle. All three are open now, but the prep work looks different for each.

What we know: The foundation asks applicants to contact a Program Officer via their site before submitting an LOI. Mental health funding is restricted to the Baltimore metro area, while health access and environmental health advocacy can be broader, including national campaigns that engage multiple states. The foundation does not support clinical services for people with serious mental illness.

Realistic fit: Baltimore-area community mental health nonprofits or national environmental health advocacy organizations with a Maryland connection.

What we know: This is a corporate giving program, not a traditional foundation grant. Applicants need tax-exempt documentation, an itemized budget, sponsorship levels and benefits, board member affiliations, and a W-9. Review committees meet monthly, so submit well in advance.

Realistic fit: U.S. healthcare institutions, medical societies, and national health associations running public health education or awareness programs.

What we know: The 2026-2027 cycle is open now. Eligible applicants include journalists and news organizations (nonprofit or for-profit) plus freelancers. Projects should address health care affordability, access, or quality, with named focus areas including rural health, maternal health, AI, and prescription drug costs.

Realistic fit: nonprofit newsrooms or independent journalists with a defined health care reporting project and the infrastructure to manage a sizable award.

The Blaustein LOI and Boston Scientific application are both rolling, but neither publishes a grant amount. Confirm scope and typical award size directly with each funder before investing proposal time. The NIHCM deadline is firm: October 2.

If you know a nonprofit newsroom covering health care costs, or a Baltimore mental health organization that hasn't explored Blaustein, send this their way.