CATCH Planning and Implementation Grants

Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible

Applicants for the CATCH Planning or Implementation grant must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply:

• General pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, pediatric surgical subspecialists, and fellowship trainees from the United States and its territories and Canada.
• U.S. and Canadian pediatric advance practice providers (ie pediatric nurse practitioner) with a pediatrician as a co-applicant.
• Current AAP (National and chapter) membership
• Your project is based in United States or Canada.
• An individual may submit only one application for consideration during a given application cycle.
• Current CATCH grantees are not eligible; prior CATCH grantees are eligible after you’ve closed any previous CATCH grants.

Did you know that residents can participate as a team member on an eligible faculty/AAP Fellow grant proposal?

Step 2: Review CATCH Requirements and Priorities

Review the question regarding what stage you are in developing the community-based project, to guide you toward either the Planning or the Implementation Call for Proposals.

Planning Call for Proposals guidelines Implementation Call for Proposals guidelines 

• Read the Planning Call for Proposals or the Implementation Call for Proposals for what CATCH funds and how projects are reviewed. Strong community partnership are key!
• Reach out to the Chapter CATCH Facilitators and/or CATCH staff with questions about which application type is right for you.

Step 3: Pick Your Project Focus

• Choose a topic that impacts child health in your community
• Show you understand the community: population, challenges, strengths, and barriers to care
• For CATCH Planning and Implementation applications, the target population must include those outside of the applicant’s practice setting.

Step 4: Engage Community Organizations

Gauge their interest in collaborative partnerships for this proposed project. CATCH grants require development of strong community partnerships. 

View Engaging with Community Partners

Step 5: Review Application and Build Your Budget

• Begin drafting application offline to share with your community partners and the CATCH network for input and feedback. Review budget requirements, find a fiscal agent, and download budget template.
• Use this  template of the CATCH applications ’questions to draft and share an application for recommendations while working offline.
• Reach out to the CATCH Network – including the Chapter CATCH Facilitator (CCF) for feedback.  See Assistance with Proposal Development section for more details. Applicants who receive feedback and support from the CATCH network are more likely to have strong proposals.
• The application budget is a separate file that must be completed and uploaded into the online application.
• Review the budget guidance to ensure an appropriate budget without unallowable expenses.

Budget Guidance

Step 6: Apply Online

• Applications must be submitted online.  Deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm Central time.  
• You must have an AAP membership account to use the online portal. This tip sheet helps applicants navigate it.

Apply Here

• Have these required documents ready to upload as you finalize your online application: Budget Template and Fiscal Agent Letter of Intent.  
• Allow enough time to work with the online system; late applications are not accepted.
• Optional: You can upload up to 4 attachments (not scored) such as:
  • References or citations
  • Meeting notes or agendas
  • Flyers
  • Letters of support (especially from AAP chapters or partners)