Kaiser Foundation Hospitals

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $173.9 million in grants (2023)
Total Community Investment: $4.6 billion (2024, includes all community benefit programs)
Decision Time: Quarterly review for national office; regional varies
Grant Range: $10,000 - $500,000+ (varies by region and program)
Number of Awards: 1,065 grants (2023)
Geographic Focus: Eight regional service areas across the United States
Application Method: Primarily invitation-only through RFP process

Contact Details

National Headquarters: Kaiser Foundation Hospitals One Kaiser Plaza Oakland, CA 94612 EIN: 94-1105628

Regional Community Health Contact (Northern California/East Bay): Lloyd Nadal, Community Health Manager Oakland Medical Center Email: lloyd.p.nadal@kp.org

For Event Sponsorships (Northern California): Email: NCAL-Community-Involvement@kp.org

General Information: Website: https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/expertise-and-impact/healthy-communities Phone: 1-800-464-4000

Note: Contact information varies by region. Organizations should identify their regional Kaiser Permanente office for specific grant opportunities.

Overview

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, established in 1948, is the hospital component of Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health care systems. With assets and income both exceeding $50 billion, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals distributed $173,924,980 in grants during 2023, making 1,065 awards. The organization's mission is "to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve." Kaiser Permanente operates through eight regional service areas across the United States and has significantly expanded its community health investment approach since 2019, when it transitioned to a strategic, invitation-only grant model. In 2024, the combined community health investment from Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and Risant Health reached $4.6 billion, representing a 48% increase from the previous year. This investment reflects Kaiser Permanente's commitment to addressing not just clinical care but also the social determinants of health, which research shows account for about 80% of health outcomes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Kaiser Permanente's grant programs are organized by region, with funding priorities informed by Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) conducted every three years. Key grant streams include:

Regional Community Health Grants: Varies by region, typically $25,000 - $500,000

Multi-year strategic partnerships possible
Awards announced quarterly or seasonally (varies by region)
Invitation-only through competitive RFP process
Focus on addressing health equity and social determinants of health

Medical Financial Assistance (MFA) Program: $1.4 billion (2024)

Provided assistance to over 1 million low-income and uninsured patients
Covers part or all of medical expenses for those with demonstrated financial need
In 2023, assisted 200,000 patients

Community Health Center Support: Part of $4.6 billion total investment

Advanced health of more than 5.3 million low-income patients in 2024
Supports clinical, financial, and operational capacities

Thriving Communities Fund: $400 million impact investment fund (expanded from original $200 million in 2018)

Social impact investments, not traditional grants
$273 million invested since 2019
$114 million in Northern California housing projects alone
Produced or preserved 4,800 units of affordable housing
Offers lower interest loans for affordable housing and economic development

Mental Health Scholars Academy Community Grants: Smaller grants for mental health initiatives

Specific to Northern California region

Priority Areas

Kaiser Permanente's funding priorities are strategically aligned with Community Health Needs Assessments and focus on addressing root causes of health disparities:

Core Focus Areas:

Access to Health Care and Coverage: Support for safety net organizations, community health centers, and organizations serving uninsured/underinsured populations
Healthy Eating and Active Living: Food security programs, medical tailored meals, food distribution to underserved communities
Mental Health and Wellness: Mental health services, substance abuse programs, behavioral health initiatives
Community and Family Safety: Violence prevention, trauma-informed care, safe environments
Economic Opportunity: Small business support, workforce development, job training (particularly in Oakland headquarters region)
Housing and Homelessness: Affordable housing initiatives, homelessness prevention, housing stability programs
Health Equity: Programs addressing racial disparities, culturally responsive care, dismantling systemic racism

Strategic Emphasis: Grant recipients must demonstrate alignment with addressing social determinants of health and health inequities in underserved communities within Kaiser Permanente service areas. Priority is given to organizations serving poor/low-income, uninsured/underinsured populations identified in regional CHNAs.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions were not detailed in publicly available sources, typical restrictions for healthcare-related foundations generally include:

Individual sponsorships or scholarships for personal use
Political campaigns, candidates, or lobbying activities
Religious organizations for sectarian or denominational purposes (though non-sectarian programs may qualify)
General endowments or unrestricted funds
Deficit reduction or debt retirement
Capital campaigns or building funds (except through specific programs)
Fundraising events (separate sponsorship opportunities may exist)

Organizations should verify specific exclusions with their regional Kaiser Permanente office, as policies may vary by region.

Governance and Leadership

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals operates as part of the larger Kaiser Permanente organization, which consists of three distinct but interdependent entities:

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (the health plan)
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals (the hospital system)
The Permanente Medical Groups (the physician groups)

Leadership Philosophy: Kaiser Permanente leadership has articulated a comprehensive approach to health equity, recognizing that "total health is not just the absence of illness but also a positive state that involves mind, body and spirit." This philosophy extends to their grantmaking, with leadership emphasizing that addressing social factors of health is essential to their mission.

Strategic Direction: In 2019, Kaiser Permanente made a strategic shift to an invitation-only grant model, focusing on "pre-identified organizations through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process." This change reflects a more targeted, outcomes-focused approach to community investment, with grants aligned specifically to needs identified through rigorous Community Health Needs Assessments.

Regional Structure: Community health programs and grantmaking are administered through eight regional offices:

Northern California
Southern California
Colorado
Northwest (Oregon and Washington)
Washington (state)
Mid-Atlantic States (DC, Maryland, Virginia)
Georgia
Hawaii

Each region has dedicated community health staff who manage local grant programs and relationships with community partners.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: Kaiser Foundation Hospitals does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Beginning in 2019, the organization transitioned to an invitation-only grant process for most regional programs.

Current Process:

Pre-identification: Kaiser Permanente identifies potential grant recipients through Community Health Needs Assessments and strategic priority-setting
Invitation to Apply: Selected organizations receive invitations to submit proposals through competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes
Application Submission: Invited organizations submit proposals through designated regional portals or processes
Review and Selection: Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with funding priorities, demonstrated capacity, and measurable outcomes

Regional Variations:

Some regions offer 4 grant rounds annually, generally aligned with seasons
National office reviews applications on a quarterly basis
Event sponsorship opportunities may have separate application processes (submit 90 days in advance; decisions within 8-12 weeks of event date)

For Organizations Seeking Funding:

Monitor your regional Kaiser Permanente Community Health website for announcements
Subscribe to updates on regional "Community Health Grants & Sponsorships" pages
Build relationships with regional community health staff
Ensure your organization addresses priorities identified in regional CHNAs

Confirmation: When applications are accepted, the system generates an email confirmation with an application ID indicating receipt.

Getting on Their Radar

Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA): Kaiser Permanente conducts CHNAs every three years "using a rigorous method for identifying high-priority health needs." Organizations working on issues identified in these assessments are more likely to be invited to apply for funding. Review your regional CHNA to understand current priorities.

Regional Community Health Staff: Each Kaiser Permanente region has dedicated community health managers. For example, Lloyd Nadal serves as Community Health Manager for Oakland Medical Center and Greater Southern Alameda County. Building relationships with these regional staff can help your organization understand funding priorities and opportunities.

Community Health Center Networks: In 2024, Kaiser Permanente "provided grant funding to 42 community health centers, primary care associations, and community organizations in Northern California that serve people with low incomes." Organizations that work closely with or are part of community health center networks may have better access to funding opportunities.

Demonstrated Impact: Kaiser Permanente emphasizes partnerships with organizations that can demonstrate measurable outcomes. Organizations with strong data tracking, evidence-based programs, and proven community impact are more likely to be invited to apply.

Oakland-Based Organizations: Kaiser Permanente's national headquarters is in Oakland, California, and the organization has made specific commitments to Oakland's health and economic vitality, including "$15 million to Oakland nonprofits to help the city's small and diverse-owned businesses survive and grow" through the East Bay Community Foundation.

Decision Timeline

National Office: Quarterly review cycle (approximately every 3 months)

Regional Offices: Varies by region

Most regions: 1-2 funding cycles per year
Some regions: 4 seasonal grant rounds annually

Event Sponsorships: 8-12 weeks from event date (applications should be submitted 90 days in advance)

Notification: Email notifications are sent to applicants. Successful applicants receive award letters with grant agreements and reporting requirements.

Example Regional Timelines:

Mid-Atlantic Region: Awards announced January 2025, next cycle expected Q2 2026
Northern California: Accepting inquiries for 2026 grants (focus on behavioral health and digital access)

Success Rates

Specific success rate statistics are not publicly disclosed by Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. However, the following data provides context:

Scale of Grantmaking:

1,065 awards made in 2023
975 awards made in 2022
1,082 awards made in 2021
$173.9 million distributed in grants in 2023

Competitive Nature: Since transitioning to an invitation-only model in 2019, the grant process has become more selective. Organizations must first be identified through CHNAs and strategic planning processes before receiving invitations to apply.

Application Quality: According to Kaiser Permanente guidance, "Incomplete or misaligned proposals are commonly disqualified." This suggests that among invited applicants, alignment with stated priorities and proposal quality are significant determinants of success.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies are not detailed in publicly available sources and likely vary by region. Organizations should:

Contact their regional community health office for guidance on reapplication
Note that with the invitation-only model, reapplication depends on receiving another invitation
Multi-year grants may be available for strategic partnerships, potentially reducing need for annual reapplication

Application Success Factors

Evidence and Measurable Impact

Kaiser Permanente strongly emphasizes data-driven approaches. According to guidance for applicants: "Successful applications demonstrate data, outcomes, and scalable technology that prove you can make every dollar count." Before submitting, ensure you have:

Measurable outcome data ready to report
HIPAA-compliant and scalable technology (for health-related programs)
Accurate tracking of social determinants of health
Real patient/client stories backed by evidence

Common Characteristics of Winning Applications

Analysis of successful grant recipients reveals three key characteristics:

Measurable Impact: "Reported quantifiable results tied to community health metrics"
Scalability: "Designed projects that expanded beyond a single clinic or neighborhood"
Innovation: "Adopted integrated digital platforms to track patient outcomes and reduce admin burden"

Alignment with Community Health Needs Assessments

"Grant investments are primarily focused on addressing specific community needs identified through our hospitals' Community Health Needs Assessments." Organizations must demonstrate clear alignment with priorities identified in their regional CHNA. Review the CHNA for your Kaiser Permanente region and explicitly connect your proposed work to identified needs.

Focus on Health Equity

Kaiser Permanente has made health equity central to its mission. "These grants reflect Kaiser Permanente's ongoing commitment to address the social factors of health, which research shows accounts for about 80% of health outcomes and significantly contributes to health inequities." Successful applicants demonstrate how their work addresses:

Root causes of health disparities
Social determinants of health (housing, food security, economic opportunity, etc.)
Health inequities in underserved communities
Systemic barriers to health access and outcomes

Target Population

Priority is given to organizations serving populations identified in CHNAs, particularly:

Poor/low-income individuals and families
Uninsured/underinsured populations
Communities experiencing health disparities
Underserved areas within Kaiser Permanente service areas

Organizational Capacity

"Successful grant recipients will be selected based on the quality of their proposal and on their alignment with Kaiser Permanente's dedication to improving conditions for health and promoting equity within the community." This requires demonstrating:

Organizational capacity to implement proposed programs
Financial stability and sound management
Experience working with target populations
Strong partnerships and community connections
Ability to track and report outcomes

Strategic Partnerships

Kaiser Permanente values collaborative approaches. Organizations that demonstrate partnerships with other community organizations, health centers, or public health entities may strengthen their applications.

Application Materials Quality

"Follow instructions closely. Pay attention to what is required, timelines, what types of letters of recommendation are asked for, what length personal statements should be, and what specific questions they want answered." Attention to detail and following application requirements exactly is essential.

Articulate the "Why"

For organizational applications, clearly articulate: "what drives them, why they want to work in the healthcare industry, and career aspirations" (adapted from fellowship guidance). In grant context, this means clearly explaining:

Why your organization is positioned to address the identified need
Why this particular approach will be effective
Why this investment will create sustainable community health improvements

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Invitation-Only Process: Understand that Kaiser Foundation Hospitals does not accept unsolicited proposals. Focus on building relationships with regional community health staff and ensuring your organization addresses needs identified in Community Health Needs Assessments.
Data-Driven Approach Essential: Success requires demonstrable, measurable outcomes. Invest in strong data collection and evaluation systems before pursuing Kaiser Permanente funding. Be prepared to show quantifiable results tied to community health metrics.
Health Equity is Central: All funding decisions are viewed through a health equity lens. Proposals must explicitly address how the work will reduce health disparities, address social determinants of health, and serve underserved populations within Kaiser Permanente service areas.
Regional Variation Matters: Kaiser Permanente operates through eight regional offices, each with distinct priorities, timelines, and processes. Research your specific region's Community Health Needs Assessment, funding priorities, and contact information rather than relying on national-level information alone.
Think Beyond Traditional Healthcare: Kaiser Permanente funds housing, food security, economic development, and other social determinants of health. Don't limit proposals to clinical services—consider how your organization addresses root causes of poor health outcomes.
Scale and Innovation Win: Successful applicants demonstrate projects that can expand beyond single sites and adopt innovative approaches, including technology platforms for tracking outcomes and reducing administrative burden.
Multi-Year Strategic Partnerships Available: While specific grant amounts vary, Kaiser Permanente offers significant funding (up to $500,000+) for strategic, multi-year partnerships. Position your organization as a long-term partner rather than a one-time grant recipient.

References

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals - Instrumentl 990 Report - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals - Candid Foundation Directory - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Permanente Awards More Than $29 Million in Fourth-Quarter Grants - Philanthropy News Digest - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Permanente Community Health - Southern California Funding Opportunities - Accessed December 16, 2025
East Bay Service Area - Kaiser Permanente - Accessed December 16, 2025
Small Business Support to Boost Oakland's Health and Vitality - Kaiser Permanente Look Inside KP - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Community Grants Program - Candid - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Permanente 2025 Grants: How U.S. Health Centers Can Win - SocialRoots.ai - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Permanente Commits More than $1.2M to Local Community Organizations to Advance Health Equity - KPproud Mid-Atlantic States - Accessed December 16, 2025
Grantmaking – Community Health Mid-Atlantic States - Kaiser Permanente - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Permanente Community Health Grants and Events Funding Resources - Accessed December 16, 2025
2023 Community Health Snapshot - Kaiser Permanente - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Permanente 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment - Los Angeles - Accessed December 16, 2025
Grants Bolster Community Health Centers - Kaiser Permanente Look Inside KP Northern California - Accessed December 16, 2025
Creating Communities that Thrive - Kaiser Permanente Careers - Accessed December 16, 2025
Improving Health, Investing in Social Good - Kaiser Permanente Look Inside KP Northern California - Accessed December 16, 2025
Investments in Black Community Promote Total Health for All - Kaiser Permanente - Accessed December 16, 2025
Good Health Starts in Our Communities: 2022 by the Numbers - Kaiser Permanente - Accessed December 16, 2025
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and Risant Health Report 2024 Financial Results - PR Newswire - Accessed December 16, 2025