Best Obesity Prevention Grants in California

California public agencies, schools, tribal governments, and eligible nonprofits can seek funding to develop biking and walking infrastructure and programs that improve safety and mobility in California. These Active Transportation Program grants from California Transportation System can support projects that enhance physical activity, promote healthier travel choices, and help reduce obesity, especially in disadvantaged communities.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

California youth sports and athletic nonprofits focused on soccer, baseball, basketball, or hockey can receive support to include financially challenged and special needs children in their programs through Maxinmotion. The foundation funds organizations that welcome all children and emphasize character development, teamwork, academic excellence, and self-respect, which may benefit obesity prevention and healthy lifestyle efforts.

Health systems, research institutions, and implementation teams working on obesity and related health conditions in California can pursue national funding to implement PCORI-funded comparative effectiveness research findings. Grants from Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute help organizations scale evidence-based interventions, using multicomponent implementation strategies and rigorous evaluation to improve health care delivery and patient outcomes across multiple systems and populations.

U.S. research institutions and clinical organizations studying obesity-related care, including those in California, can apply for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute’s Broad Pragmatic Studies funding to conduct patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. Projects must compare at least two available treatments or care delivery strategies to generate evidence that supports informed healthcare decisions for patients and caregivers.

California research institutions and other eligible organizations conducting patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research on obesity and related conditions can access funding through Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Grants up to US $12,000,000 support broad pragmatic studies, including obesity, diabetes, pain, and urogynecological issues, with strong patient and stakeholder engagement and potential benefit to the U.S. healthcare system.

Nonprofit organizations in California working on obesity prevention, nutrition, diabetes, or oral health access can apply for Sun Life Financial’s Health Access Heroes Awards; awards US $10,000 for impactful community health programs. Individuals improving health access may also be nominated, with donations directed to the charity of each selected Hero’s choice.

California research institutions and organizations focused on obesity and nutrition can access funding through National Institutes of Health to establish Nutrition Obesity Research Centers. These core centers support research services, pilot and feasibility projects, and enrichment activities, with awards up to US $750,000 for multidisciplinary nutrition and obesity research across eligible U.S. locations and territories.

Research institutions and clinical centers conducting pediatric obesity and anti-obesity medication studies can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to coordinate a national consortium. NIH provides California obesity researchers with support to lead a Research Coordinating Center that manages multicenter trials, harmonizes data and biospecimens, and advances safe, effective AOM strategies for youth.

Clinical research institutions and medical centers in California studying pediatric obesity treatment can apply for National Institutes of Health funding; awards up to US $1,000,000 support trials of anti-obesity medication strategies in youth. Projects should focus on optimizing medication use while promoting healthy growth, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and quality of life.

Postdoctoral trainees, fellows, clinical fellows, and research associates at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health can receive up to US $20,000 to support research, education projects, or professional development focused on obesity and related health issues. Grants from University of Wisconsin - Madison can benefit work improving health, health care, and health equity for populations including those in California.

Research institutions and similar organizations evaluating time-sensitive obesity-related policies or programs in California can apply for accelerated funding; projects must examine behaviors like diet, physical activity, or sedentary time and resulting weight outcomes. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports uncommon, urgent evaluation opportunities that require expedited review and award decisions.

Research institutions studying obesity and bariatric surgery mechanisms that influence cancer risk, including those in California, can apply for grants up to US $275,000. Grants from US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health support exploratory, proof-of-concept studies on how bariatric surgery affects long-term cancer risk rather than short-term outcomes.

California research institutions studying obesity and bariatric surgery mechanisms can access funding through the National Institutes of Health for projects examining how bariatric surgery influences cancer risk. This U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services opportunity offers up to US $2,500,000 for investigator-initiated studies that focus on cancer-related outcomes rather than short-term metabolic changes.

Biomedical research institutions and labs conducting obesity-related or metabolic, cardiovascular, or related biomedical research in California can apply for NIH funding to support postdoctoral fellows transitioning to junior investigator roles. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers this K22 award to help intramural trainees establish independent research programs at extramural institutions nationwide.

Postdoctoral fellows in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research conducting obesity and related biomedical research can access funding that supports a mentored intramural phase and a subsequent extramural phase at U.S. institutions. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports work that may include obesity-focused projects relevant to California organizations.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits needing capital funding for facilities, equipment, or building improvements that address health, human services, or obesity-related needs can access funding through Kern Community Foundation’s Waterman Foundation Grant. Sponsored by a Bakersfield Downtown Rotary Club member, eligible Kern County agencies may receive up to US $50,000 for one-year projects meeting identified community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working on obesity prevention, nutrition, diabetes, or oral health programs can apply for Sun Life Financial’s Health Access grants, with awards from US $25,000 - US $100,000. Grants from Sun Life Financial help expand prevention, education, management, and care services for at-risk communities across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running cardiovascular and metabolism programs, including obesity-related stroke and vascular risk prevention, can apply for national Therapeutic Giving support, including California. Focused on cardiovascular and metabolism, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine invites programs that improve patient access, advance health equity, and strengthen frontline health workforces with measurable outcomes over event-based requests.

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance patient access to treatment in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Applications are encouraged for initiatives that promote education, empower patients, and address healthcare disparities. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) certified, with a preference for programs demonstrating measurable outcomes. The funding period for local organizations extends from January to October 15th, while national organizations can apply in September.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation offers annual Health and Wellness grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Imperial County. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life through health and wellness, community engagement, and nonprofit capacity building. Focus areas include food security, mental health, and community voice empowerment. The foundation prioritizes vulnerable populations to ensure their needs are addressed, fostering a better living environment for all residents.

Through grant-making, AIH partners with mission-aligned organizations by funding initiatives that align with our strategic objectives.

Granting Goals 

• Advance a future where healthcare and communities support whole person care, and healthy choices are accessible and effective in preventing, treating, and reversing chronic disease.
• Transform the way people are cared for in America by establishing lifestyle medicine and whole person care as integral components of the delivery of care in the US healthcare system

Focus Areas:

• Primary Care - Integration of whole person care
• Comprehensive Obesity Care - Integration of food is medicine
• Underserved Communities - Equitable delivery of whole person care

The Hillman Innovations in Care Grant seeks innovative, nursing-driven proposals to address the impact of racism on health equity for marginalized communities. This includes addressing health disparities faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged populations. The program encourages bold, evidence-based interventions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Grants of up to $600,000 will support projects that demonstrate potential for broad replicability and sustainability over a 36-month period.