MARQUETTE — The Superior Health Foundation has announced the launch of its new AED Program and the opening of the Care Access Fund grant cycle.

These programs aim to address critical health needs in the Upper Peninsula and support local nonprofit organizations in improving the health and safety of the community.

AED Program

SHF’s new AED Program is an effort to help U.P. nonprofit organizations acquire this life-saving equipment.

Any tax-exempt organization that has or utilizes public space, hosts group events or activities, or serves a large number of older adults can submit a request for an AED are encouraged to put in a request through the SHF grants portal.

SHF has a total of 30 portable AEDs to give out in 2025. Applicants will be asked to provide their EIN, proof of tax-exempt status, information about how many individuals they serve in person, what kind of group activities they hold, and where the AED will be kept.

AEDs will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the year until supplies run out.

For more information and to apply, visit, https://superiorhealthfoundation.org/grants/aed-program/

Care Access Fund Grant Cycle

SHF’s 2025 Care Access Fund grant cycle opens Monday, February 3, 2025, which provides funding to nonprofit organizations offering support for the medical and healthcare needs of uninsured, underinsured, and medically vulnerable residents in the U.P.

The Care Access Fund helps address unmet medical needs that would otherwise go unfulfilled, such as assistance for patients with cancer who are unable to afford treatment, support for families of hospice patients who cannot afford to admit a loved one, or behavioral health services for individuals unable to pay for residential or outpatient treatment.

The Care Access Fund offers awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, with a total of $60,000 to be distributed in 2025.

Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations providing, arranging, or paying for medical or healthcare services to U.P. residents to be eligible.

Applications must be received by Thursday, March 27, 2025, and the awards will be announced in May 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit, https://superiorhealthfoundation.org/grants/indigent-care-grants/.