Fund for Better Health frequently asked questions

Fund for Better Health
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Fund for Better Health?
A: Created in 2002, the Fund for Better Health provides seed grants for grassroots public health programs.

Q: What type of projects are supported by the Fund for Better Health and how are the topic areas determined?
A: In 2008, projects that address the following topics were eligible to apply for a Fund for Better Health grant:  Healthy Lifestyles, Public Safety, Patient Safety & Health Literacy, and Caring for the Uninsured/Underinsured.  Topic areas are determined in a joint effort by the AMA, AMA Alliance and AMA Foundation.

Q: When are applications available?
A: Applications are available on the Foundation’s website in April of each year.  Applications are due mid-July.  Grant recipients are announced by September 1st.

Q: How many grants are awarded and how much money is granted?
A: Typically, up to 30 grants can be awarded each year. The grant amount maximum is $2,000.

Q: Can the AMA Foundation give Fund for Better Health grants to non-501(c)(3) organizations?
A: Yes, the Foundation can give grants to non-501 (c)(3) organizations, but the Foundation retains the burden of proving to the IRS that the activity served a charitable purpose and not an associational, fraternal, social or other purpose.  No such burden exists when the grantee is another 501 (c)(3) organization.  The mere fact that it is a 501 (c)(3) relieves the AMA Foundation of further monitoring obligations.

To ensure that all of the Fund for Better Health grants are used for charitable purposes, the Foundation requires a budget from the grantee before making the grant, an agreement that the grant will be used solely for the purposes outlined in the grant application, and a follow-up report confirming that the funds were spent in accordance with the budget or showing any deviation.  The grant agreement will reflect that in all documents or publicity for the project, the AMA Foundation will be given credit as a funding source.

Q: Is the Fund for Better Health grant program open to non-AMA affiliated organizations and individuals?
A: Yes.  The AMA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization requiring all of our grant programs, such as the Fund for Better Health, to be available to all members of the eligible class of applicants (i.e. organizations and individuals).  The AMA Foundation cannot discriminate against non-AMA or non-AMA Alliance members because it would be an unlawful private benefit as opposed to a public philanthropic benefit consistent with the corporate purposes of the AMA Foundation.

Q: What kinds of programmatic costs can not be covered by a Fund for Better Health grant?
A: None of the funds awarded are to pay for staff salary or overhead.