Special Projects is the UF Medical Guild’s grant-funding philanthropic initiative, which began in the mid-1990s. The projects featured on this page demonstrate the Guild’s wide-reaching impact on both the community and UF Health.
These initiatives address diverse needs, from supporting grieving families with personalized keepsakes to empowering patients with chronic health conditions to better manage their wellness. Programs such as the ACCESS Program and Healthy Heroes Day foster community engagement and education, while efforts
such as Smoke Free Homes, Tobacco Free Lives contribute to healthier lifestyles for families.
Grant Application Information: 2026 Cycle Opens May 1
Each May, grant applications are advertised and accepted. The Special Projects Committee accepts
applications from the University of Florida, UF Health, and local nonprofit community health
organizations seeking funding to support programs related to patient care or wellness.
- Application period: May 1 – May 31
- Notification of awards: Early to mid-September
- Funds available: Mid-October
- Spending deadline: Within one year of award
- Final report due: September 30 of the following year
One hundred percent (100%) of awarded funds are used exclusively for project support.
The Guild does not fund administrative or overhead costs.
Summarized Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be nonprofit organizations.
- Projects must focus on wellness or patient care.
- Projects must serve Gainesville, Alachua County, or UF Health populations.
- Administrative expenses are not eligible for funding.
- A valid 501(c)(3) number and project expenditure report are required if funded.
Special Projects Grants Awarded in 2025
UF Health Grants
- Compassion in Every Layer: 3D Printing Keepsakes for Grieving Families, UF Health Pediatric Emergency Department
- ACCESS Program (Assembling Community and Clinical Stakeholders to Empower and Strengthen FamilieS), UF Health Department of OBGYN
- Smoke Free Homes, Tobacco Free Lives, UF Health Pediatrics
- Palladium Series SPL-0300 Seated Leg Press Machine, UF Health Outpatient Rehab
- Equipping Care One Clinic Patients for Self-Management of Chronic Health Conditions, Care One Clinic
- Healthy Heroes Day, UF Health Pediatrics
- Enhancing Mobile Dental Services for Alachua County Children, UF College of Dentistry, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Clinic Equipment, UF Health Outpatient Rehab
- Video Frenzel Goggles for Vestibular Evaluation, UF Health Outpatient Rehab
- Cancer Chomp (2025) Wellness Corner, Dept of Neurosurgery
Community Grants
- Lincoln CARES (Career Awareness and Readiness in Essential Health Sciences),The Education Foundation of Alachua County
- Healing Through Connection: Supporting Wellness for Pediatric Burn Survivors, Embers of Hope Burn Foundation
- Community Dental Clinic at St. Patrick Catholic Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church
- Hand Camp Activities, Hands to Love
- Growing Good Habits: Combining Gardening Programs and Healthy Eating Curriculum To Grow Good Eaters, The Child Center