HCN News & Notes

Health New England Offering Three Grants for Health Programs

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England will award three grants to eligible nonprofit organizations that work to improve the health and well-being of at-risk community members in Western and Central Mass. The grants, which will range from $50,000 to $150,000, will focus on built environment (food insecurity, housing needs, safe places to play, transportation), maternal and infant health, and mental health and/or substance use. Grants may be single- or multi-year.

“A community has an exponential effect on the health of its residents. The availability of secure places to live and play, availability of healthy food, and the transportation needed so people can work and access services are as much elements of health as blood pressures and heart rates,” said Richard Swift, president and CEO of Health New England. “Additionally, Health New England’s community health-needs assessment has shown the need around programs to improve maternal and infant health and address mental health and substance use. Our Where Health Matters grant program is one way Health New England helps our most underserved community members.”

In its fifth year, the Where Health Matters program has awarded $1.2 million to local nonprofits addressing health in Western Mass.

IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that manage innovative, community-based programs benefiting underserved residents of Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, or Worcester counties may apply for Where Health Matters grants through Wednesday, May 17. Only complete submissions made online will be considered. Nonprofit organizations will be eligible for Health New England funding only once per calendar year. Visit healthnewengland.org/community/grantprogram for additional information and application criteria.