Family Medicine Cares USA

Launched in 2011, this humanitarian program helps new and existing free clinics to care for the uninsured in areas of need across the United States by providing grants for the purchase of tangible items, such as exam tables, EHR systems, and medical equipment. Family Medicine Cares USA also gives AAFP members, residents, and students the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents.

There are over 30 million uninsured people in the United States. Existing free clinics have seen a dramatic increase patient demand with the majority of these patients coming from working households. The need far exceeds existing capacity. There is and will continue to be an underserved population of people, both adults and children, who simply fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.

Applications are accepted from March 15 until July 15 11:59 p.m. (CDT). If you're interested in applying for a grant, please read the requirements and guidelines.

Family Medicine Cares USA (FMC USA) provides monetary grants of up to $25,000 to help new free clinics open their doors. Applicants for a new clinic FMC USA grant must have opened or will open within six months of the application deadline, received or are in the process of receiving the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Seal of Excellence, has an AAFP member in a leadership role within the clinic, and met the specified criteria as stated in the Grant Guidelines and Requirements below.

The priority of FMC USA is to support the opening of new free clinics. However, if funds are available, FMC USA also provides grants up to $10,000 to existing clinics to help care for the uninsured in their communities. Grant applications are accepted from clinics who have an AAFP member in an active leadership role within the organization and meet the specified criteria as stated in the Grant Guidelines and Requirements below. Priority will be given to clinics with an AAFP member serving as medical director and to those who have Family Medicine residents and/or medical students involved as volunteers. 

Please read the Clinic Guidelines and Requirements (4 page PDF) before applying. Application examples are available for new and existing clinics.

As of October 2025, Family Medicine Cares USA has given out a total of 145 awards for over $2.2 M to free clinics in 41 states plus one U.S. territory (Puerto Rico). To view the locations of grant award recipients, please refer to the map.

*New clinic