SPRINGFIELD – A total of $176,000 in grants has been awarded to 49 nonprofit organizations across Western and Central Massachusetts, bolstering efforts to build more inclusive and supportive communities.These grants, distributed through Community Benefits Mini-Grants, aim to improve health and well-being for residents in Berkshire, franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties.
The Community Benefits Mini-Grants represent a commitment to addressing disparities in health outcomes, access, and overall experience. Health New England, working alongside Baystate Health and local partners, is providing funding to programs designed to expand opportunities for better health for everyone.The grants specifically target social determinants of health – factors like access to nutritious food, quality education, safe housing, healthcare services, reliable transportation, and opportunities for social connection – recognizing their significant impact on overall well-being.
“We are so proud to support such a wide variety of community-serving organizations with Health New England’s Community Benefits Mini-Grants,” said Katie Bruno, manager of Quality Advancement Programs. “these grants recognize and uplift the many outstanding regional organizations that share our commitment to advancing the health of our communities and empowering individuals and families to lead healthy, accomplished lives.” The program’s goal is to provide resources and support enabling individuals and families to thrive.Health New England, a regional not-for-profit health plan, has now awarded a cumulative $595,000 to local nonprofits focused on health equity in Western and Central Massachusetts over the past six years, demonstrating a long-term investment in the region’s health.
The $176,000 in funding awarded this year will directly support 49 organizations working on the ground to address these critical social factors. The program concluded its grant distribution phase,with funds now being deployed to the selected nonprofits to implement their health-focused initiatives. Health New england continues to monitor the impact of these grants and seeks to build on this success in future funding cycles, reinforcing its dedication to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
