Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Brave Beginnings Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Will Rogers Motion Picture
Last Updated: November 16, 2025

Summary

Brave Beginnings Grants, under the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, focus on enhancing neonatal care by providing vital equipment to hospitals. Since 2006, the program has awarded approximately $1 million annually to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across the U.S. Following a suspension due to COVID-19, the 2026 grant cycle is now open, with applications due by February 13, 2026. This initiative aims to ensure the availability of lifesaving equipment for newborns in critical need.

Overview

About Us Dedicated to neonatal care Brave Beginnings is a program of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation working to ensure ventilators and vital neonatal equipment are always available to newborns in critical need. Since 2006, Brave Beginnings has contributed millions of dollars to facilities across the United States. Each year, the program spends roughly $1 million in grants awarded to hospitals nationwide. The funds are used to purchase vital equipment for Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) caring for fragile lives born too soon. For Hospitals How we help you Obtaining a Grant Due to the economic challenges our program faced post-COVID, Brave Beginnings Grants were suspended starting with the 2021 cycle. Thanks to the support from donors who believe in the mission of helping little lives thrive, we are thrilled to announce that the 2026 Brave Beginnings Grant Cycle is now open! The last day to submit an application is Friday, February 13, 2026. Winners will be notified in March.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

What Will Rogers Motion Picture actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2025

Grants in 2025
10
Total given
$488K
Median grant
$41K
Range
$10K–$180K
  • By dollars: California 50%, New York 26%, Texas 10%. Top recipient cities: Los Angeles, CA; Syracuse, NY; New York, NY.
  • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

Example grants

  • Univ of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA

    Medical research grant

    $180K

  • The Upstate Foundation · Syracuse, NY

    Community health ser vices grant

    $57K

  • Cedars-Sinai · Los Angeles, CA

    Medical research fellowship

    $50K

  • New York Univ School of Med · New York, NY

    Medical research fellowship

    $50K

  • University of Texas - SW Medical Ctr · Dallas, TX

    Medical research fellowship

    $50K

IRS Form 990-PF, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

medical-equipmenthealthcare

Categories

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