The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals to provide financial resources for projects or activities in Massachusetts.
Donor Name: Somerville Health Foundation (SHF)
State: Massachusetts
City: Somerville
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/17/2023
Size of the Grant: $5,000-$15,000
Details:
This year the Somerville Health Foundation plans to distribute approximately $25,000, funding 2-3 projects ranging between $5,000-$15,000.
- To promote and support the provision of primary care and preventive health services accessible to the residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts.
- To promote and support educational, research and outreach programs that will improve the delivery and accessibility of primary care and preventive health services to the residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts.
SHF Priority Areas
These principles are language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision making, and system improvements that encourage spaces for collective care. Proposals that also address the following preventative health priorities will receive extra consideration.
- Housing
- This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns such as housing affordability, stability and anti-displacement, safety, accessibility (e.g. for older adults and persons with disabilities), as well as homelessness and transitions to stable housing.
- Equitable economies
- This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns related to sustainable food systems, local jobs with living wages and benefits, healthy working conditions, and caregiving systems.
- Equity in access to healthcare, services and information
- This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing elements such as costs, cultural and linguistic barriers, navigation of systems, referral systems, adequate staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability, and other aspects of accessibility of systems. Systems of note include healthcare (including mental healthcare) and other essential services and information, such as education, economic development opportunities, financial support, legal services and advocacy.
- Climate health and justice air, water, preparedness
- This priority area can include addressing concerns related to air quality, water quality, and climate change preparedness in recognition that the health impacts of climate change and exposure to environmental hazards are disproportionately shouldered by low-income communities and communities of color.
Funding Information
The Somerville Health Foundation was created by a generous endowment by Margaret Hutchinson, to provide a private source of funding for Somerville health efforts in compliance with state and federal regulations governing such foundations. In 1997, its first year of making grants, the Foundation distributed $33,000 in multiple grants. In 1998 through 2000, it distributed over $50,000 annually, due to banner years in the stock market. Because of a decline in the value of the funds, no grants were issued in 2003 or 2004. Since then, between $25,000 – $35,000 has been distributed per year. This year the Somerville Health Foundation plans to distribute approximately $25,000, funding 2-3 projects ranging between $5,000-$15,000. The final amount is determined by available funds at time of distribution.
Eligibility Criteria
Any organization that has been determined to be nonprofit under section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code may apply for a grant. Partnerships with a fiscal agent will be considered. Ideal applicants for SHF funding will have a history of collaborating with other community coalitions and/or organizations addressing the specified interests in the proposal. SHF will consider repeat funding for up to three years for any given project, with few exceptions. Funds may be used to support capital expenses and/or staffing to support the goals of the project. Funds may not be used as operating reserves. New applicants, new collaborative efforts and innovative new programs are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit SHF.
