Grant Application Process: Guidelines

Mount Zion Health Fund provides grants consistent with its mission predominantly in  San Francisco. Grants are made to a broad range of non-profit organizations for health-related programs which share MZHF’s funding priorities. MZHF accepts proposals from organizations that are classified as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service.  Projects or programs that are not under the auspices of a 501(c)(3) organization must identify a fiscal agent or manager to receive funds.

Please view the Grants History page for information regarding past grantees.

Grant Size and Duration

The MZHF Board will consider all requests that meet MZHF guidelines. Community grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000. MZHF will consider proposals for multi-year grants, with grant distributions contingent upon annual review of the grantee's progress toward defined expectations.

Mount Zion Health Fund requires that each grantee provide a brief report at the end of its grant period and a form for this purpose is provided to grantees (click here to download PDF form). The report should include a summary of accomplishments and challenges as they relate to the goals stated in the original proposal, a breakdown of grant expenditures and explanation of any significant differences from the proposal budget, and an overview of the programmatic next steps and plans for financial sustainability.

Proposal Review & Application Deadlines

The MZHF Board  reviews grant requests from community-based organizations twice per year, in March and November.  Applicants will generally receive a response within three months of submitting a proposal, however the time may be longer depending upon when a grant request is received within the Board's meeting schedule.  MZHF will contact applicants during the review cycle if additional information is needed.

Annual grant application deadlines for community-based organizations:

• February 15
• October 1

Research Awards

Research awards, which are reviewed by a panel of qualified medical personnel, will be granted from funds specifically designated for research purposes.  The majority of these grants are restricted to UCSF at Mount Zion programs. Unrestricted funds will generally not be used to support research projects.

MZHF Does Not Support

• Grants for the personal benefit of individuals.
• Endowments, annual appeals, membership drives, and fundraising events.
• Reduction of operating deficits.