Health New England to Award $185,000 in Grants to Address Health Equity

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England has committed $185,000 to fund health equity mini-grants to help address health or healthcare-related needs in Western and Central Mass. Grants of up to $10,000 per organization will be awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve communities in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, or Worcester county.

Winning grantees must focus on at least one social determinant of health, the social and economic factors that influence people’s ability to live healthy lives, such as built environment (including transportation and access to healthy foods), education, employment, housing, and social environment (including social isolation and institutional racism).

Eligible organizations can find more information and apply for a health equity mini-grant at healthnewengland.org/community/charitable-giving.

Health New England recognizes that health goes well beyond doctors’ visits and test results, and societal barriers can make it harder to be healthy. As a regional, not-for-profit health plan, it takes seriously its duty to support and collaborate with organizations working to improve local cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

“We believe that achieving health equity requires collaboration and investment to address the unique needs of our communities,” said Katie Bruno, manager of Quality Improvement Programs at Health New England. “By supporting organizations that are addressing health disparities, we hope to help more people gain the resources and support they need to reach their full health potential.”

The deadline to apply Monday, Aug. 4. Applications must be submitted online and be fully completed to be considered. Each nonprofit may receive only one Health New England mini-grant per calendar year.