Penn Medicine CAREs Grant Program

Penn Medicine CAREs Grant Program

Overview: A community-focused grant program designed to recognize and support volunteer-led initiatives that address social determinants of health and improve quality of life for underserved populations.

Status: Active (announced March 17, 2026)

Geographic Scope:

Philadelphia, PA

Lancaster, PA

Doylestown, PA

Chester County, PA

Southern and Central New Jersey (including Princeton area)

Focus Areas:

Science education and STEM outreach

Early literacy programs

Volunteer-led service efforts

Health equity initiatives

Programs addressing social and environmental factors that shape health outcomes

Support for underserved populations including:

- Children in under-resourced neighborhoods
- Immigrant communities
- Individuals navigating serious illness or trauma
- Those experiencing homelessness
- Seniors

Funding Supports:

Program supplies

Educational materials

Outreach activities

Training initiatives

Key Statistics:

Founded in 2012

Has provided over $1.4 million to initiatives since inception

72% funding approval rate (as of March 2026, described as "all-time high")

Most recent quarterly round (Q1 2026): 26 grant recipients

Eligible Recipients: Penn Medicine employees and volunteers working with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations

Administrator: Laura Kim, Associate Director of Community Relations

Contact Information: Eric Horvath, Media Contact

Phone: C: 215-821-4289

Email: Eric.Horvath@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Media Queries & Requests (24/7): 215-662-2560

More Information: Visit "Supporting our communities" page on pennmedicine.org