Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare: 2026 AstraZeneca Foundation CHANGE Grants

Access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for many underserved communities across the U.S. Transportation barriers, limited health literacy, financial constraints, and other social determinants of health often prevent individuals from receiving timely and effective care. To address these gaps, the AstraZeneca Foundation has developed the Creating Health Access for Next Generation Equity (CHANGE) program, a strategic initiative designed to support nonprofits improving healthcare access for populations facing disparities.

Since its launch in 2023, the CHANGE program has awarded over $5 million to 12 nonprofit organizations, reaching more than 50,000 people through screenings, care navigation, health education, and community-based programs. These grants not only provide financial support but also foster capacity-building, shared learning, and a collaborative approach to healthcare access. The 2026 cycle continues this mission, providing new opportunities for organizations to expand their impact and create sustainable improvements in community health.

About the CHANGE Program

The Creating Health Access for Next Generation Equity (CHANGE) program, launched in 2023, supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working to improve access to quality healthcare for populations experiencing health disparities. The program is designed to help organizations overcome barriers that prevent individuals from receiving timely and appropriate care.

Key Objectives:

• Increasing access to healthcare services : Funding programs that provide screenings, early diagnosis, treatment, and continuity of care for cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, and immunologic diseases, as well as cancers.
• Strengthening care coordination : Providing resources, such as case managers, health coaches, and other navigation support, to help patients effectively access and use healthcare services.
• Addressing barriers to care : Supporting initiatives that reduce obstacles like transportation, affordability, physical accessibility, and language or cultural barriers.
• Evaluation and capacity building : In partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, funded organizations receive technical assistance, reporting frameworks, and evaluation support to measure outcomes and replicate effective strategies.

By combining financial support with evaluation guidance and technical assistance, the CHANGE program empowers nonprofits to deliver measurable impact, improve healthcare access, and scale successful models across underserved communities.

Who Can Apply for the 2026 CHANGE Grants

The AstraZeneca Foundation's 2026 CHANGE grants are designed to support nonprofit organizations that are actively working to improve healthcare access for underserved populations. The program focuses on organizations operating in California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, or Texas, providing them with resources to expand services, reduce barriers, and strengthen the health of local communities.

Eligible Applicants:

• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (or equivalent)
• Organizations with annual revenue of $12 million or less
• Organizations addressing healthcare disparities and providing direct services to underserved populations

Key Requirements:

• Programs must tailor services to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve, ensuring interventions are relevant and practical.
• Services must address barriers that limit access, including transportation challenges, affordability, physical accessibility, and language or cultural support.
• Priority is given to organizations operating in low-income or rural areas that focus on critical health interventions such as screenings, early detection, treatment, and continuity of care.

By meeting these requirements, applicants demonstrate a clear commitment to equity, accessibility, and measurable impact in healthcare delivery, aligning with the CHANGE program's mission to reduce health disparities and expand quality care to those who need it most.

For full eligibility details and application requirements, visit the AstraZeneca Foundation CHANGE Program website.

Priority Focus Areas for the 2026 CHANGE Grants

To increase the competitiveness of grant applications, organizations should focus on at least one of the following areas. Each focus area reflects the CHANGE program's mission to expand access, reduce barriers, and improve outcomes in underserved communities.

Access to Health Services

The CHANGE program prioritizes initiatives that increase access to preventive care, screenings, wellness programs, and treatment services. This includes early detection and ongoing management of conditions such as cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, and immunologic diseases, as well as cancers. Programs that ensure communities receive timely, high-quality care are highly valued.

Care Coordination & Navigation

Grantees are encouraged to develop systems that help patients navigate complex healthcare networks efficiently. This includes case management, health coaching, and referral services, ensuring that patients know where to access care, follow through with recommended treatments, and receive consistent support throughout their healthcare journey.

Reducing Barriers to Care

Organizations should address obstacles that prevent people from accessing care. This may involve providing transportation assistance, financial support, language services, or other solutions that target social determinants of health. Programs that directly remove these barriers can significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes.

Integrated Approaches Are Encouraged

Applicants may combine focus areas to create holistic, community-centered programs. For example, integrating care coordination with preventive screenings or combining health education with barrier-reduction initiatives can strengthen program impact. All combined approaches must include measurable outcomes to demonstrate effectiveness and real-world results.

Integrated Approaches Are Encouraged

Grant Details at a Glance:

• Funding Amount : $200,000 – $220,000 per application
• Project Duration : November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027
• Eligible Regions : California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas
• Application Window : April 1 – April 29, 2026 (initial online application)
• Finalist Full Application : June 10 – July 8, 2026 (via CyberGrants)
• Award Notifications : September 2026
• Public Announcement : Fall 2026

To explore full eligibility and deadlines, always confirm details on the AstraZeneca Foundation CHANGE Program website.

Past Success Stories: CHANGE Grants in Action

Since 2023, the AstraZeneca Foundation's CHANGE program has awarded over $5 million to 12 nonprofit partners, reaching more than 50,000 people with improved access to screenings, primary care, specialty services, care coordination, and health education. Below are highlights from the 2025 awardees:

AIDS Resource Alliance (PA) — $249,949

Improving health equity for people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ community members in rural Pennsylvania by expanding primary care access in a welcoming, stigma-free environment.

Community Volunteers in Medicine (PA) — $250,000

Reducing barriers to care for uninsured patients by expanding clinic hours, service locations, transportation support, and volunteer engagement.

Health Care for the Homeless (MD) — $250,000

Delivering comprehensive care, preventive services, and chronic disease management for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Baltimore.

LCH Health and Community Services (PA) — $250,000

Providing integrated medical, mental health, and supportive services to address social determinants of health in underserved communities.

Mary’s Center (DC/MD) — $215,793

Increasing breast cancer screenings and providing care navigation for uninsured and under-resourced participants through culturally competent services.

SOME, Inc. (DC) — $250,000

Offering whole-person healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, ensuring equitable access to physical, mental, and behavioral health services.

Visit for detailed information: AstraZeneca Foundation press release — 2025 CHANGE Grants.

How to Build a Winning CHANGE Grant Proposal

A strong CHANGE grant proposal should show that your organization understands its community, delivers measurable impact, and has a sustainable plan for long-term success. The AstraZeneca Foundation looks for programs that can clearly demonstrate how funding will expand healthcare access and meaningfully improve outcomes for underserved populations.

Best Practices for a Strong Proposal

Define your target population and unmet needs.

Explain who you serve and the specific healthcare gaps your community faces, whether it's limited access to screenings, chronic disease management, or barriers such as transportation or language.

Describe measurable, realistic outcomes.

Outline how you will track improvements such as increased screening rates, higher program participation, improved adherence to care, or better health indicators.

Show a sustainability plan beyond the grant period.

Highlight partnerships, volunteer involvement, multi-year strategies, or community support systems that will help keep the program running after the funding ends.

Emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

Demonstrate how your program serves diverse groups, addresses disparities, and ensures culturally competent services.

Leverage technology to strengthen credibility

Tools like GridSocial by SocialRoots.ai help organizations track participants, monitor referrals, collect outcome data, and produce funder-ready impact reports, making proposals more data-driven and competitive.

How to Apply

The 2026 CHANGE application process is structured and predictable, giving nonprofits time to prepare strong submissions.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Make sure your organization meets the criteria and serves populations in the eligible states (CA, DE, MD, MA, TX).

Step 2: Submit a Brief Online Application

April 1 – April 29, 2026 (5:00 p.m. ET) via the AstraZeneca Foundation website.

Step 3: Finalist Invitation

In early June 2026, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal through the CyberGrants platform

Step 4: Submit Full Application

June 10 – July 8, 2026, is the window to complete the full proposal with detailed budgets, program plans, and outcome measures.

Step 5: Notification and Grant Launch

Award decisions are released in September 2026, and funded programs officially begin on November 1, 2026.

Note : Be sure to review the latest guidelines and application details on the AstraZeneca Foundation CHANGE Program website before submitting your application.

Where GridSocial by SocialRoots.ai Fits In

Organizations applying for CHANGE grants must demonstrate clear, measurable impact. GridSocial is built to make that process easier, more accurate, and more compelling for funders.

With GridSocial, organizations can:

• Track participant engagement and outcomes across clinical, community, and outreach programs
• Automate reporting to reduce administrative workload and ensure timely, accurate submissions
• Integrate data from multiple service locations, events, and partner agencies
• Present evidence-based results using dashboards and reports that funders trust

the credibility of their proposals, highlight measurable performance, and demonstrate scalability, critical elements that reviewers look for in successful CHANGE grant applications.

Conclusion: Driving Health Equity in Underserved Communities

The 2026 CHANGE grants support nonprofits committed to breaking down barriers, expanding access to care, and improving health outcomes for underserved populations. By investing in programs that enhance screenings, navigation, treatment access, and community-centered support, the AstraZeneca Foundation is helping build a more equitable healthcare system.

With strategic planning, measurable goals, and the right tools, including platforms like GridSocial, organizations can position themselves for success and deliver meaningful change in the communities they serve.