The Commonwealth Fund is a private, independent foundation dedicated to promoting a high-performing, equitable health care system that delivers better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency — especially for society’s most vulnerable populations.
It achieves this through a combination of internal research and external grantmaking.
Current Funding Priorities (Sharpened Focus from 2026 Onward)
Under President Joseph R. Betancourt, the Fund has refined its direction. Core priorities now centre on:
- Expanding access and coverage
- Improving health care delivery
- Making health care affordable
- Achieving equitable outcomes
Specific challenges receiving heightened attention include:
- Meeting the health needs of rural communities
- Building a true primary care system that is accessible and affordable
- Improving maternal health and reducing disparities
- Optimising technology and innovation so no one is left behind
Two major new internal initiatives launched in early 2026:
- A collaborative of states focused on learning and improvement (building on the Fund’s state scorecards).
- A national effort to design a future vision for coverage and health care that meets the needs of all Americans.
Programmatic Areas Supported by Grants
Grants typically fall under these main programme areas (approximate 2025–26 budget allocations shown for context):
| Programme Area | Approximate Budget Share | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding Coverage and Access | ~$6.7M | Insurance coverage, access barriers |
| Achieving Equitable Outcomes | ~$4.4M | Health equity, disparities, vulnerable populations |
| Promoting International Learning and Exchange | ~$2.6M | Cross-national learning (includes Harkness support) |
| Improving Health Care Delivery | ~$2.5M | Care models, primary care, delivery system reform |
| Making Health Care Affordable | ~$2.3M | Cost control, affordability |
| Climate Change and Health Care | ~$0.5M | Climate impacts on health systems |
| New York City | ~$0.3M | Local initiatives |
Types of Grants
- Small grants: $50,000 or less (approved monthly)
- Intermediate grants: $50,001 – $200,000 (approved monthly)
- Board grants: Over $200,000 (require Board approval; longer development process)
Average grant sizes (recent figures):
- Small: ~$37,000
- Intermediate: ~$159,000
- Board: ~$454,000
What the Fund Funds
Examples of supported activities include:
- Research projects (data analysis, surveys, evaluations, focus groups)
- Policy analysis and development
- Demonstration and pilot projects
- Evaluation of innovative care models
- Work that generates actionable evidence for policymakers and practitioners
The Fund both responds to unsolicited proposals and collaboratively develops projects with prospective grantees.
Eligibility
- Primarily awards grants to tax-exempt organisations (501(c)(3) or equivalent).
- In rare cases, may fund non-tax-exempt entities if no suitable nonprofit is available.
- Projects must align with the Fund’s mission and current priorities.
- Strong preference for work that advances equity and benefits vulnerable populations.
How to Apply
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
- Submit via the Commonwealth Fund Grants Portal (cmwf.my.site.com).
- LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis (no fixed deadlines for most grants).
- Maximum length: 3 pages (~2,500 words).
- Must include: problem statement, purpose, target audience, project design/work plan, expected outcomes, estimated cost and amount requested, organisation capacity.
Step 2: Full Proposal
- Only invited after LOI review.
- The Fund does not accept unsolicited full proposals.
Response Time
Applicants are usually notified of LOI decisions within six weeks (often sooner).
Occasional RFPs
The Fund occasionally issues Requests for Proposals with specific deadlines. Check the Grants Portal or the “Requests for Proposals” page for any open RFPs (none were listed as open at the time of the latest available information).
Key Resources
- Grants Portal: cmwf.my.site.com
- Letter of Inquiry guidelines and FAQs: Available on the Commonwealth Fund website
- Contact for grants questions: grants@cmwf.org
The Commonwealth Fund’s grantmaking is collaborative and mission-driven. Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review current programme priorities before submitting an LOI to ensure strong alignment.