Delaware First Health, Centene Foundation Open Grant Applications
Delaware First Health and the Centene Foundation have officially announced the opening of a new grant submission period aimed at supporting community-based organizations and healthcare providers across Delaware. This initiative reflects a continued commitment to addressing the underlying social and economic factors that significantly influence health outcomes, often referred to as the “drivers of health.”
The grant program, now open for applications through May 25, 2026, invites eligible nonprofit organizations and providers to seek funding that will enable them to implement or expand programs designed to improve access to essential resources. These include stable housing, nutritious food, and reliable transportation—critical elements that directly impact individuals’ ability to maintain good health and access healthcare services.
Addressing the Root Causes of Health Inequities
Healthcare experts increasingly recognize that medical care alone accounts for only a portion of overall health outcomes. Social determinants—such as where people live, how they travel, and whether they can afford basic necessities—play a substantial role in shaping individual and community health. By focusing on these factors, Delaware First Health and the Centene Foundation aim to create a more holistic and sustainable approach to improving well-being across the state.
The grant program is specifically designed to support initiatives that tackle these broader challenges. Organizations working to reduce food insecurity, improve housing stability, or enhance transportation access are strongly encouraged to apply. These areas have been identified as particularly impactful in helping individuals better manage their health and engage with healthcare systems.
Leadership Perspective on Community Impact
Bill Wilson, President and CEO of Delaware First Health, emphasized the importance of addressing these foundational issues. He noted that individuals are far more likely to prioritize their health—such as scheduling doctor appointments or adhering to treatment plans—when they are not burdened by concerns about basic needs like shelter, food, or transportation.
Wilson highlighted that collaboration with community-based organizations is essential for identifying and addressing the unique challenges faced by different populations. By working together, healthcare organizations and local nonprofits can develop targeted interventions that remove barriers and create pathways to healthier lives.
Funding Details and Timeline
The program will distribute a total of $500,000 in grant funding over the next three years. Individual grants will be awarded at a minimum of $10,000, allowing multiple organizations to benefit from the initiative. This multi-year commitment underscores the organizations’ dedication to fostering long-term improvements rather than short-term solutions.
Applicants must submit their proposals by May 25, 2026. Following the review process, grant recipients will be announced in September 2026. This timeline provides organizations with an opportunity to carefully develop proposals that clearly outline their objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes.
Priority Areas for Funding
While the program welcomes applications addressing a wide range of health-related challenges, special consideration will be given to proposals that focus on:
- Housing instability: Initiatives that help individuals and families secure safe, stable housing or prevent homelessness.
- Transportation accessibility: Programs that improve access to reliable transportation, enabling individuals to attend medical appointments, access employment opportunities, and obtain essential services.
These focus areas have been identified as particularly critical in Delaware, where gaps in housing and transportation can significantly hinder access to care and overall quality of life.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To ensure that funds are directed toward organizations best positioned to make a meaningful impact, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Service to Medicaid populations: Organizations must demonstrate that their programs primarily serve individuals enrolled in Medicaid, ensuring alignment with Delaware First Health’s mission.
- Demonstrated impact: Applicants must provide evidence of how grant funds have been used in the past and show measurable outcomes over time. This includes data or documentation that highlights program effectiveness and sustainability.
- Nonprofit status: Eligible organizations must be Delaware-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This ensures that funds are distributed to established entities with a clear mission and governance structure.
- Complete documentation: Applicants are required to submit all supporting materials along with their application. This includes program descriptions, financial documentation such as W-9 forms, IRS Form 990, and official IRS determination letters confirming nonprofit status.
These criteria are designed to promote transparency, accountability, and the effective use of funds.
Strengthening Communities Through Collaboration
This grant initiative represents more than just financial support—it is a strategic effort to build stronger, healthier communities through collaboration. By empowering local organizations that are deeply rooted in their communities, Delaware First Health and the Centene Foundation aim to leverage local expertise and insights.
Community-based organizations often have a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by their populations. This positions them uniquely to design and implement programs that are culturally appropriate, accessible, and impactful. The grant program seeks to amplify these efforts by providing the resources needed to scale and sustain successful initiatives.
Long-Term Vision for Health Improvement
The broader vision behind this initiative is to create lasting improvements in health outcomes across Delaware. By addressing the drivers of health, the program aims to reduce disparities, improve access to care, and enhance overall quality of life.
Investments in housing, transportation, and food security not only benefit individuals but also contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. Over time, these efforts can lead to reduced healthcare costs, improved population health metrics, and a more equitable healthcare system.
Encouraging Eligible Organizations to Apply
Delaware First Health and the Centene Foundation encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether an organization is already running a successful program or seeking to launch a new initiative, the grant program provides a valuable platform for innovation and impact.
Applicants are advised to clearly articulate their goals, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and highlight how their work aligns with the program’s focus areas. Strong proposals will not only outline the need for funding but also present a compelling vision for how the funds will be used to create meaningful change.
Conclusion
The opening of this grant submission period marks a significant step forward in addressing the broader factors that influence health in Delaware. Through this initiative, Delaware First Health and the Centene Foundation are reaffirming their commitment to improving lives by tackling the root causes of health disparities.
By investing in community-based solutions and fostering collaboration, the program has the potential to drive lasting, positive change across the state. As the May 25, 2026 deadline approaches, eligible organizations are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications, contributing to a collective effort to build healthier communities for all Delawareans.
About Delaware First Health
Established in 2023, Delaware First Health provides government-sponsored managed care services to families across Delaware through Medicaid (Delaware First Health), Marketplace (Ambetter Health of Delaware), Medicare Advantage (Wellcare), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare). By building strong community partnerships that support access to wholistic and culturally competent care, Delaware First Health is transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Delaware First Health is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, please visit DelawareFirstHealth.com.
About Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services and education.
