Call for Applicants: Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health Mini-Grants

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) and its Division of Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health (ReACH) is launching a mini-grant initiative to support organizations working to improve reproductive, maternal, and infant health outcomes and to reduce inequities in maternal and infant mortality in Philadelphia. Grants of $10,000-$50,000 will be awarded to selected organizations.

Background

The Division of Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health (ReACH) works to improve health across the reproductive and life course.  We recognize that the health and well-being of women, birthing people, teens, and children are essential to building a resilient and thriving community. Through cross-sector partnerships, targeted programs, and data-informed policies, we aim to reduce health disparities and strengthen systems of care that support individuals from childhood through adolescence into adulthood, pregnancy, parenting, and beyond.

This mini-grant opportunity will support organizations working to improve reproductive, maternal, and/or infant health outcomes and/or to reduce inequities in maternal and infant mortality in Philadelphia. Organizations may apply for funding in any amount between $10,000 and $50,000.

The Philadelphia Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) proposed multiple recommendations to address maternal mortality and morbidity, based on comprehensive review of maternal deaths coupled with surveillance data and relevant peer-reviewed research. These recommendations are:

• Address root causes of health inequity in the health care system.
• Tailor behavioral and mental health services to meet the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum women.
• Improve access to preventive, preconception, and prenatal care.
• Direct more attention to the postpartum period.
• Heighten awareness of high-risk pregnancy and postpartum complications in non-obstetric care settings.
• Strengthen coordination of services between health care and social service settings.
• Build infrastructure to identify and support women with history of intimate partner violence.

More details about each recommendation can be found in the 2020 Philadelphia Maternal Mortality Report. Applicants are also encouraged to review the ongoing work of the Philadelphia Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Program, Birth Justice Philly.

Organizations that wish to apply for a mini-grant are encouraged to consider how their proposal relates to these recommendations and ReACH’s mission.

Eligibility Criteria

• Organizations that wish to apply must be an incorporated business entity, such as an LLC, 501(c)(3), sole proprietorship, or other corporate designation. This grant opportunity is not limited to tax exempt organizations.
• Organizations must have an annual operating budget of less than $5,000,000.
• Applications submitted via a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible to apply
  • Please note: the fiscally sponsored entity must demonstrate an operating budget below the $5,000,000 threshold.
• Organizations must serve Philadelphia residents.

Please note mini grants CANNOT fund:

• Individuals
• The formation of a new organization/company

Allowable expenses to include but not limited to:

• Facilitating access to healthcare and support during pregnancy and postpartum
• Fostering community connections and community empowerment as it relates to maternal and infant health
• Lactation support and education
• Doula services and education
• Mental health support for pregnant and postpartum people
• Providing reproductive health education and support
• Nutrition and food access for pregnant and postpartum people
• Technical assistance (grant writing, budgeting, etc.)
• Tangible goods, such as materials and supplies
• Pilot new programs/projects in an already established organization

Awardees will be required to provide quarterly narrative reporting on progress.

These are to be one-time grants, and funding decisions will be made with that in mind. Organizations who wish to apply are encouraged to discuss project feasibility and sustainability under these circumstances.

Submission Assessment

Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the following criteria:

• Description of proposed project and how it addresses the needs of the population served (30 points)
• Staffing Plan (10 points)
• Evaluation – understanding of desired results and ability to measure impact (20 points)
• Sustainability plan (20 points)
• Relevant experience/ability to achieve proposed tasks (10 points)
• Financial viability of proposal (10 points)

Timeline and How to Apply

Applications will be accepted from December 12, 2025, to February 6, 2026, by 5:00pm EST.  Applicants are required to complete a Work Plan and Budget template and upload any requested materials using the application form.

Final decision notifications will go out by April 10, 2026, via email.

Questions about this opportunity are due to Karla Eyre at karla.eyre@phila.gov with a cc to  cityfundRFP@phila.gov by January 12, 2026. Responses to the questions will be posted by January 16, 2026.

ReACH will be hosting two information sessions to provide prospective applicants with an opportunity to ask questions regarding the mini-grant initiative. Please register for the sessions below:

• December 18, 2025, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Register Here
• January 7, 2026: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Register Here

The Philadelphia City Fund is serving as the fiscal sponsor for this initiative on behalf of ReACH. All selected grantees will receive a grant agreement and funding directly from the Philadelphia City Fund.

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