2026 UMMS Community Impact Grants
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is accepting 2026 Community Impact Grant applications through October 14, 2026. Approved grants are scheduled for release in January 2027. The current program supports nonprofit community organizations whose work directly affects the health and wellness of Marylanders and aligns with UMMS Community Health Needs Assessment priorities.
Funding tiers
- Ignite — $25,000: seed funding for smaller organizations or pilot initiatives. The applicant must collaborate with at least one additional 501(c)(3)-eligible community-based organization.
- Thrive — $75,000: supports organizations ready to grow or deepen established programs. At least one additional 501(c)(3)-eligible community-based organization must participate.
- Soar — $200,000: supports high-impact initiatives capable of advancing coordinated efforts across multiple communities. The project must serve at least three UMMS regions and collaborate with at least two additional 501(c)(3)-eligible community-based organizations.
Program priorities
UMMS identifies five current Community Health Needs Assessment priority areas for this grant round:
- Chronic disease and risk-factor prevention.
- Behavioral health.
- Increasing access to care.
- Community and family safety.
- Social drivers of health.
Who can apply
Applications are open to nonprofit community organizations and 501(c)(3) public charities serving the same communities as UMMS. Organizations do not need to have a health-focused mission; UMMS specifically encourages cultural, civic, educational and other nonprofits to apply when the proposed program meets the funding guidelines and health-impact priorities.
Geography
Funded programs must benefit communities in Maryland. UMMS gives priority to programs serving its market regions, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Charles County, the Eastern Shore, Harford County, and Prince George’s County.
Atlas strategy
This is a strong community-health opportunity for nonprofit-led initiatives that can demonstrate measurable health impact and build the collaboration required for the selected funding tier. Applicants should choose the tier only after confirming their partnership structure, geographic reach, and ability to align the proposal tightly with one or more current UMMS CHNA priorities.
Atlas Opportunity Score: 94/100. The program is currently open, has clearly defined fixed award levels, broad health-impact priorities, and a meaningful Maryland service footprint.
N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 10/100. The published grant page does not establish a specific clinical-equipment, telehealth-hardware, or connected-exam procurement pathway. Any technology component should be applicant-led, subordinate to the funded community-health program, and confirmed allowable before budgeting.
Official source: UMMS Community Impact Grants.