MMA Foundation Healthiest State in the Nation Grant Program
Supporting physician-led solutions to make Minnesota the healthiest state
Pilot grant program supporting high-impact, physician-led community health initiatives across Minnesota.
This is an invitation-based pilot program.
Nominations are limited to MMA and MMA Foundation leadership (Board members, Trustees, and designated staff).
Nomination Form
Funding
- Up to $5,000 per project
- Up to two projects funded in 2026
- One-year grant period
About the Program
The MMA Foundation’s Healthiest State in the Nation Grant Program supports a small number of high-impact, physician-led or physician-informed projects that advance community health across Minnesota.
Projects may be new or existing initiatives but must represent a clearly defined effort or expansion that can be completed within one year.
This pilot reflects the Foundation’s role as the MMA’s philanthropic partner—supporting physician-led solutions that improve health outcomes and advance the shared goal of making Minnesota the healthiest state and best place to practice.
Strategic Alignment
Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s strategic priorities:
- Catalyze optimal health for all
- Foster well-being for physicians and physicians in training
- Promote the profession and support diversification of the future physician workforce
Who Can Be Nominated
- Nonprofit organizations or projects supported by a nonprofit fiscal agent
- Projects that primarily benefit communities in Minnesota
- Projects with meaningful physician involvement (e.g., leadership, design, implementation, or engagement)
Not Eligible
- Projects involving financial benefit to MMA/MMAF staff, Board members, or Trustees
- Projects that result in private inurement or impermissible private benefit
Use of Funds
Funds may support:
- Program materials
- Outreach and engagement
- Project coordination
- Evaluation
Funds may not support:
- General operating expenses
- Capital campaigns
- Ongoing staffing unrelated to the project
How It Works
- Nomination (Internal): Nominations are submitted by MMA and MMA Foundation leadership, including MMAF Board members, MMA Trustees, and designated MMA staff.
- Invitation to Apply: The MMA Foundation reviews nominations for alignment and eligibility and invites selected nominees to submit a short application.
- Selection: An MMA Foundation committee selects up to two projects, with final approval by the Board or its designated committee.
Selection Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on:
- Alignment with Foundation priorities
- Strength of physician involvement or leadership
- Feasibility and clarity of the proposed project
- Potential for meaningful impact within one year
- Opportunity to inform future Foundation investments
Timeline
- June 1 – Nominations due
- Mid-June – Invitations to apply
- Early July – Applications due
- Late July – Funding decisions
Grantees will provide a brief impact summary at the conclusion of the grant period.
Contact
Questions about the program or nomination process? Contact the MMA Foundation.
Additional Regional Funding Opportunity
Stearns & Benton Counties – Healthiest State Initiative
The MMA Foundation also supports community health projects in Stearns and Benton counties through a dedicated funding program.
This place-based initiative supports physician-engaged projects that advance community health in these counties and reflects the Foundation’s commitment to investing in local partnerships.
To learn more or express interest, please contact the MMA Foundation.