Our grantmaking process is based on the Council on Foundations’ Stewardship Principles for Corporate Grantmakers. The United Health Foundation is a member of the Minnesota Council on Foundations and subscribes to its Principles and Practices for Grantmakers.
 
United Health Foundation adheres to all applicable state and federal laws and restrictions and to UnitedHealth Group’s Principles of Ethics and Integrity.  Organizations funded by the Foundation can not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other prohibited factors. Status as a former, current or future UnitedHealth Group customer or vendor is not considered in assessing your inquiry.

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How to apply

Responsive funding can be requested at any time by eligible 501(c) (3) or 509(a) organizations that serve people and communities in the U.S. Because we receive many more requests than we can support, only projects that closely align with our priorities will be considered.  

Foundation priorities are twofold:

  1. To enhance the quality of health and medical care services by providing reliable, scientifically-based information to support decisions made by health professionals, communities and individuals.
     
  2. To expand access to medical care and health-related services for individuals and families who live in challenging circumstances.

We favor projects that create sustainable improvements in communities. Responsive grants generally range from $1,000 to $50,000. Click here for examples of past grants.

First step: Letter of inquiry

Submit a letter of inquiry (no more than three pages, please) outlining your request. The letter should include: 

  1. A brief description of your organization’s mission including confirmation that your organization is a 501 (c) (3) or 509 (a) nonprofit.
     
  2. The purpose of the project for which the grant is requested and the issue it addresses, how the project aligns with United Health Foundation’s priorities, an estimate of the number and geographic locations of the audience it will benefit, and the evaluation approach and intended outcome.
     
  3. The amount of funding you’d like us to consider.

The letter should be submitted on your organization’s letterhead or stationery. Please do not include attachments or other materials. Due to the large volume of requests we receive, we cannot provide feedback or critique to grantseekers.

Second step: Notification and invitation

Our goal is to respond to all inquiries within 60 days following receipt. If your project is eligible for funding, you will be invited to submit a full proposal. 

We are unable to fund

  • Organizations without 501(c) (3) or 509 (a) status
  • Private foundations, fiscal agents or individuals
  • General operating support
  • Capital projects (buildings, remodeling or furnishings)
  • Equipment, except as related to a request for project support
  • Endowments, fundraising events or development campaigns
  • Political causes, candidates or legislative lobbying efforts
  • Recreational, sporting events or athletic associations
  • Religious organizations for religious purposes
  • Basic or biomedical research
  • Travel for groups or individuals
  • Scholarships, other than through the United Health Foundation Youth Scholar Program

Send your letter to:

Foundation Coordinator
United Health Foundation
MN008-T800
9900 Bren Road, East
Minnetonka
, MN 55343


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