Every day, physicians see what too often stands in the way of their patients living healthier lives. We see the lack of safe housing. Food deserts. Missed appointments because of unreliable transportation. And we know the tools available in the exam room alone can’t solve these problems.
That’s why the AMA launched the Community Health Impact Lab micro grants, a new program that empowers physicians to break down the barriers they see in their communities with local, creative, and measurable solutions.
Applications are now open for up to 20 grants of $50,000 each. Open to licensed physicians nationwide, this program is about innovative solutions led by those who know their communities best—doctors on the front lines.
Our goal is simple but ambitious: Invest in physician-led, community-centered projects that improve health outcomes among patient populations who often face obstacles to healthy living in their communities.
We recognize that solutions to maternal health challenges in the Boston metro area might look different than solutions in suburban Phoenix. The micro grants were created to provide flexibility based on needs on the ground. We only achieve optimal health outcomes when people everywhere have the resources, information and support they need—and physicians are the catalysts who make that possible.
Physician leadership, local impact
Transformative change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we pair innovation with collaboration ... and when we bring together data, compassion and community trust.
We know the external factors that can influence a person’s health—housing, education, transportation, financial stability—are powerful. And they’re growing more complex as costs rise and differences in health deepen.
The Community Health Impact Lab micro grants were designed for this moment. It gives physicians the resources to confront these community health challenges head-on—to design, lead and measure real solutions within 12 months. We’re looking for projects that work, and we’re looking for projects that can be scaled and replicated across communities around the country.
Turning ideas into action
We’re calling on physicians to think boldly: What would it take to reduce childhood asthma in urban neighborhoods?
To lower hypertension in rural communities? To expand access to nutritious food or mental health care where it’s needed most?
The micro grants give you the tools to make it happen. It provides the funding to try something new. And eventually, it gives physician innovators the network and support to scale their successes and affect change on the national scale.
Each grantee will receive support from the AMA Center for Optimal Health Outcomes, offering guidance on measurement tools and coaching to accelerate progress. Grantees are also encouraged to explore the educational resources available on AMA Ed Hub™.
Health outcomes won’t improve through good intentions alone. They demand hard work, innovation and leadership—the kind of leadership that physicians bring every day to their patients and their communities.
The Community Health Impact Lab micro grants build on that spirit of service and innovation. It’s a call to action.
Applications are open now and the deadline to submit is March 1, 2026. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Together, let’s turn barriers into breakthroughs—and help achieve optimal health for all.
