Apply Now: Moderna Foundation Grant Program (United States)

Deadline: 15-Sep-26

The Moderna Foundation Grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations working to strengthen public health, advance STEM education and innovation, and build resilient communities. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that address systemic barriers and improve outcomes for underserved and vulnerable populations. The programme operates through a semiannual grant cycle and is open to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States and similarly organized nonprofit organizations internationally.

About the Moderna Foundation Grants

The Moderna Foundation was established to extend Moderna’s commitment to social impact and help communities address persistent inequalities and challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its grantmaking, the Foundation supports organizations developing practical solutions in three broad areas: The programme is particularly relevant to nonprofit organizations working to improve access, strengthen community capacity, and address structural barriers affecting underserved populations. Key Focus Areas Public Health Funding supports initiatives that contribute to stronger and more resilient health ecosystems. Organizations implementing programmes aligned with the Foundation’s focus areas Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear organizational mission, credible implementation capacity, and measurable community impact. Organizations should also explain how their proposed work addresses public health, STEM, community resilience, or systemic inequalities. Funding Cycle The Moderna Foundation operates a semiannual grant cycle, meaning grant opportunities are generally considered twice each year. Because application requirements, deadlines, geographic priorities and funding availability may vary between cycles, prospective applicants should review the current funding opportunity before preparing a proposal. Why It Matters The Moderna Foundation Grants can help nonprofit organizations develop and expand initiatives that address major social challenges. The programme is particularly significant because it connects three areas that are essential to long-term community wellbeing:

Health: Building stronger and more equitable health systems.

Education and innovation: Expanding access to STEM knowledge and opportunities.

Resilience: Helping communities overcome systemic barriers and become better equipped to respond to future challenges.

For organizations serving underserved populations, demonstrating a direct connection between the proposed project and measurable improvements in equity, opportunity, health or resilience can strengthen the overall case for support. What Types of Projects May Be a Good Fit? Organizations considering an application should assess whether their work fits one or more of the Foundation’s priority areas. Potentially relevant projects could include: Community-based public health programmes Health equity initiatives STEM education for underserved students Science and technology innovation programmes Community resilience projects Programmes addressing structural inequalities Initiatives that improve access to health or educational resources Projects strengthening local organizations and community capacity The strongest proposals should clearly identify the problem being addressed, the population served, the proposed solution and the expected outcomes. How to Apply Applicants should follow the Foundation’s current grant application process and confirm the requirements for the relevant semiannual funding cycle.

A practical application process includes:

Review the current grant opportunity Confirm the current eligibility requirements, application window and funding priorities. Check organizational eligibility Verify that the organization has the required nonprofit status and meets any applicable geographic or organizational requirements. Identify the relevant focus area Explain whether the project primarily addresses public health, STEM education and innovation, community resilience, or multiple areas. Define the community need Clearly describe the problem and explain why the target population requires support. Present the proposed solution Explain what activities will be implemented, who will benefit and how the project will be delivered. Demonstrate expected impact Include measurable outcomes and indicators that show how the project will improve health, education, resilience or equity. Submit the application during the applicable grant cycle Ensure all required information and supporting materials are provided before the stated deadline. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can improve their proposals by keeping the project focused and demonstrating a clear connection to the Foundation’s priorities.

Consider the following:

Clearly define the community problem. Explain how the project addresses an identified systemic barrier. Identify the underserved population that will benefit. Use evidence to demonstrate the need. Provide realistic and measurable outcomes. Explain how the organization can successfully deliver the project. Demonstrate community involvement where relevant. Avoid describing broad activities without explaining their expected impact. Ensure the proposed project directly aligns with the Foundation’s current priorities. Common Mistakes to Avoid Organizations should avoid submitting proposals that have only a general connection to the Foundation’s mission.

Common weaknesses include:

Applying without confirming nonprofit eligibility. Failing to connect the project to one of the Foundation’s priority areas. Providing insufficient evidence of community need. Describing activities without measurable outcomes. Focusing on organizational needs rather than community impact. Submitting outside the applicable grant cycle. Assuming that eligibility in one funding cycle automatically applies to future cycles. Frequently Asked Questions What are the Moderna Foundation Grants? The Moderna Foundation Grants p