Established in 1998, the UCare Fund is a community-directed initiative of UCare, the fourth-largest health plan in. We at the UCare Fund focus our grant-making on programs and initiatives that improve the health of underserved populations through innovative services, education, community outreach, and research.

The UCare Fund helps support organizations engaged in efforts to reduce health disparities for disadvantaged populations in the Twin Cities and throughout Greater.

In 2008, the UCare Fund will give special attention to grant requests for projects that support the following three areas:

• Cultural diversity: Projects with a goal of improving access to culturally competent health care delivery and eliminating disparities in health outcomes for people of color.
  
• Disabilities: Projects with a goal of reducing health disparities for people living with a physical or developmental disability.
  
• Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Projects with a goal of addressing wellness issues, especially those that deal with child or adolescent obesity reduction, healthy nutrition, and lifestyle behavior changes.

Organizations seeking research or community grants should consider if their mission and activities match the UCare Fund's mission and guidelines.

The UCare Fund Council reviews final proposals and makes funding determinations. Members of the UCare Fund Council include representatives of the UCare Minnesota Board of Directors, including a Consumer Board Representative.