WellSpan Health is now accepting pre-applications for its INSPIRE Community Grant program, offering direct funding to nonprofit organizations working to address social determinants of health and barriers to positive health outcomes across its service area.
The pre-application, previously known as a letter of interest, is the first step in the competitive grant process and will be used to determine which organizations are invited to submit a full INSPIRE grant application. The program is designed to support projects that advance WellSpan’s Community Health Improvement Plan priorities, with a focus on initiatives that can demonstrate measurable impact.
WellSpan officials note that social and behavioral conditions play a major role in overall health and quality of life, making partnerships with community organizations essential. Through the INSPIRE grants, the health system works with local groups to address challenges that cannot be solved by health care providers alone.
INSPIRE grants are intended for new projects or expansions of existing programs, as well as one-time seed or gap funding. The grants are not intended to provide ongoing operational support. Awards average about $25,000, though requests of up to $50,000 will be considered.
Funding awarded through this grant cycle is expected to support projects with a start date of July 1, 2026. Pre-applications must be submitted through the INSPIRE Grant Pre-Application portal and are due by Jan. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations located in Adams, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties, as well as WellSpan’s North Region, which includes Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties. Individuals, for-profit entities and organizations located outside WellSpan’s service area are not eligible.
Organizations in Cumberland County, Franklin County and the Shippensburg area are advised that funding opportunities for those communities will be offered separately through the Summit Endowment grant program in the coming months.
Additional information about WellSpan Community Grants and application requirements is available at www.wellspan.org by searching for Community Grants. Organizations with questions about the pre-application process or technical issues related to the new application software may seek assistance by emailing communitygrants@wellspan.org or summitendowment@wellspan.org.
WellSpan also encourages organizations interested in learning more or discussing project ideas to reach out to its Community Health and Grants team through those same email addresses. Community partners are invited to share information about the INSPIRE grant opportunity with others and to sign up for grant-related email updates through WellSpan’s community grants contacts.
Source: WellSpan Community Grants Team