Virginia Health Care Foundation

A special category of VHCF grants works to increase the number of Virginians enrolled in Cardinal Care (Virginia’s Medicaid/FAMIS programs). Project Connect grants fund application assisters who help individuals and families apply for, enroll in, and renew eligibility. Project Connect grants are made possible with funding from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services.

A full list of current Project Connect grantees, their contact information, and the regions and localities they serve is available here.

Request for Applications: Expanding Project Connect to Meet New Medicaid Requirements 

This Request for Applications will expand VHCF’s longstanding Project Connect program through an 18-month special grant initiative focused on increasing access to Medicaid outreach and enrollment assistance as Virginia prepares for new federal requirements.  

Key Dates: 

• Pre-Application Webinar: Monday, September 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Click here to register. 
• Application Due Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM 
• Notice of Awards: Friday, December 18, 2026  
• Grant Period: January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028 

Project Connect Application Materials and Resources: 

• Request for Applications 
• VHCF’s Grant Portal Project Connect Application (you will need to sign in or create a new account to access the application)
• Fillable Funding Application Form and Attachment Checklist 
• Budget Template 
• Marketing and Outreach Template 
• Medicaid Work Requirement Impacts by County/City Dashboard 

 Funding for Project Connect, including this RFA, is made possible through the generous support of the Virginia General Assembly and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).