UMass Memorial Health doles out $1M+ in community grants

Photo | Grant Welker UMass Memorial Health in Worcester

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By Isabel Tehan

Worcester-based UMass Memorial Health has awarded $1.2 million in grants to Central Massachusetts nonprofits focused on health outcomes.

Nonprofits focused on food insecurity, mental health, and housing submitted applications to the UMass Memorial system and were selected based on their ability to improve community health services in vulnerable areas across Greater Worcester, according to a Tuesday press release from the health system. Funds were distributed as part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Determination of Need program.

Sixteen organizations were selected, receiving between $20,000 and $150,000 each in grant funding.

The Worcester Community Action Council was awarded the largest portion at $150,000, followed by Living in Freedom Together, Genesis Club House, El Buen Samaritano Food Program, and Legendary Legacies, all based in Worcester, which each received $100,000.

Other organizations to receive awards were:

Abby House, in Worcester, $96,250
Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, in Worcester, $79,855
Open Sky Community Services, in Worcester, $75,000
CASA Project of Worcester County, in Worcester, $66,550
Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, $64,493
Pernet Family Health Service, in Worcester, $60,000
YMCA of Central Massachusetts, in Worcester, $56,090
Friendly House, in Worcester, $52,832
2Gether We Eat, in Worcester, $50,000
Catholic Charities of Worcester County, $30,000
Inner Voice Outer Change, in Worcester, $20,000

"Fostering better health outcomes starts at the community level. We are honored to present these 16 organizations with well-deserved grants that will bolster their ongoing efforts to improve access to high quality, health-related resources in Central Massachusetts,” Dr. Eric Dickson, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health, said in the press release.