The CareSource Foundation: How to Apply

Our Grantmaking Approach

At CareSource, our mission guides everything we do. Our work is made possible through valued partnerships with organizations where our members and prospective members live. Since 2006, the CareSource Foundation has awarded more than $39 million to nonprofits advancing health, opportunity, and well-being in the communities we serve. We are deeply grateful for the impact we have made together.

Due to significant interest, CareSource Foundation has transitioned to an invitation-only grantmaking process beginning July 31, 2026. This change will allow us to engage more intentionally with organizations whose work most closely aligns with our mission, strategic priorities, and desired community impact.

The Foundation prioritizes organizations that:

  • Apply strong, results-driven practices
  • Employ research-driven, data-driven, and evidence-based approaches
  • Maintain a deep understanding of place-based services and the priority populations they serve
  • Apply population-level metrics to define community needs and demonstrate measurable impact
  • Are committed to sustainable systems of change that improve health and well-being

How the Invitation Process Works

If your organization has been invited to participate in the Foundation’s invitation-only grantmaking process, here is what to expect.

  1. Invitation to Participate in Introductory Conversation – Foundation staff will contact your organization directly to discuss potential alignment with Foundation priorities and to invite participation in an introductory video conversation or other preliminary steps.
  2. Video Conversation – Organizations will meet with Foundation staff to discuss their mission, programs, populations served, community impact and potential alignment with Foundation priorities.
  3. Application Status Notification – Following the video conversation, organizations will receive one of the following:
    • An invitation to apply
    • A request for more information or to request follow-up video conversations
    • A notification that the Foundation will not move forward at this time
  4. Grant Application Submission – Organizations invited to apply will receive access to the online grantmaking portal and instructions for submitting an application and supporting materials.
  5. Application Review and Funding Decision – Applications are reviewed by Foundation staff. An organization may receive one of three notices regarding a Signature Grant (Funding requests of $100,000 or more) or a Community Grant (Funding requests of less than $100,000):
    • Grant Award Notification
    • Grant Declination Notification
    • Grant Waitlist Notification
  6. Grant Agreement and Next Steps – Organizations receiving a grant award will complete a Grant Agreement and receive information regarding timelines, reporting requirements and future deliverables.

For approved grants, the Foundation staff will work with the grantee on payment date and grant report timing that will be included in a Grant Agreement. Grant Agreements can be digitally signed and must be completed prior to any payments. To facilitate payments faster, applicants should include their ACH information in the online grant system. The Foundation staff will not ask for ACH information over email nor any other unsecure means of communication.

Have Questions?

For detailed information about eligibility, documentation requirements, and the review process, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you require additional assistance, please contact the Foundation directly at caresourcefoundation@caresource.com.