July 18, 2024

Foundation investments advance healthier communities and equity in aging; 31 organizations receive nearly $3 million to support their work

Point32Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Point32Health and its family of companies, including Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan and Care Partners of Connecticut, today announced 31 grants totaling nearly $3 million to support nonprofit organizations.

“Our goal is clear. We want to close equity gaps and eliminate health disparities,” said Greg Shell, chair of the Point32Health Foundation board of directors and partner at Goldman Sachs. “By supporting nonprofits that are building inclusive communities and offer opportunities and supports for people of all ages and abilities, we move closer to that vision.”

The new funding supports collaborations, initiatives and advocacy efforts focused on changing inequitable systems.

Read the press release

In case you missed it: You can still view info session on 2025 grantmaking

Last month, the team hosted a webinar info session. We shared an update on our strategy to support organizations addressing the root causes of health disparities and advocating to make systems work better for people who need them.

The webinar recording and slide deck are now available on our website.

View the recording

GRANTEE STORIES

Coalition advocacy saves RIPTA from service cuts

Advocates from the Providence Streets Coalition helped secure an additional $5 million for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) in the state budget. The Governor had proposed $10 million to offset a budget gap. The budget approved by the General Assembly upped the total to $15 million.

"This was our first year advocating for transit funding and getting $15 million is a huge success," says Liza Burkin of Providence Streets Coalition. "However, it is definitely not the long-term, sustainable funding source our public transit system needs to fully serve existing riders and attract new ones to meet our equity, climate, and economic goals."

The group will continue working and advocating for more RIPTA funding and build out their coalition in the years to come. Learn more about their policy priorities on the Providence Streets Website.

Fresh Start Farms mobile market open for summer season

Fresh Start Farms, a collective of farmers who are refugees and immigrants, kicked off its summer mobile market season on May 28. The mobile market will run for 20 weeks and travel directly into communities to make food more convenient and affordable.

The market makes 10 regular stops throughout Manchester and Concord, N.H. each week and attends pop-up events throughout the summer.

SNAP/EBT users receive a 50% discount on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Learn more and check the 2024 schedule.

Intergenerational home-sharing program matches Mainers

MaineHousing and Nesterly's home-sharing program aims to connect people with extra space in their homes with eligible, pre-screened housemates looking for affordable housing. The program is supported by AARP Maine, the Maine Council on Aging, and the Governor’s Cabinet on Aging.

This pilot is possible because of legislation passed last year in the state, an Act to Support Home Share Programming for Seniors (LD 709), sponsored by state Representative Maggie O’Neil and originated by Age Friendly Saco. The program is expected to generate financial benefits for renters and owners and also influence health and well-being through the social connection of well-matched roommates.

Nesterly previously collaborated with Boston's Age Strong Commission and the Housing Innovation Lab on a pilot in Boston.

Disrupting systemic barriers in New Bedford

Partners in Health (PIH) is partnering with the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts to convene more than 50 community organizations and leaders. The goal is to better understand community needs and identify priorities and strategies to address systemic inequities.

Seasoned and emerging leaders will work together to operationalize the community’s equity agenda, focusing on dismantling systemic barriers at structural and policy levels. This project will serve to inform work in other communities in Massachusetts and around the country.

PIH also is working with the Massachusetts Association of Community Health Workers to strengthen the community health workforce by identifying policies, systems and structures to support them, including reimbursement, professional development, training and technical assistance.

The Foundation team joined a Health Equity Community of Practice tour in New Bedford last month to learn more about the work.

Connecticut program invests in community leadership

The Fairfield County's Community Foundation's Community Equity Incubator is a two-year capacity-building and grantmaking program to increase resident leadership, spark creative problem-solving, and accelerate the growth of innovative, community-based organizations. Eight community community leaders enrolled in the program this spring.

“Positive change happens when inspired people come together to solve problems, identify solutions and build coalitions that drive action,” said Chinedum Nnodum of the Community Foundation. ’“The Community Equity Incubator seeds promising ideas for equity and social change in our community by investing directly in the people and organizations that are championing these ideas.”

Through the program, each leader will receive $10,000 over the next two years to accelerate their work, be a part of a peer support and learning community, and connect with potential funders who can provide additional support.

RESOURCES

Data offers new insights into the lives of older Americans

The Administration for Community Living recently published the 2023 Profile of Older Americans. The report illustrates the shifting demographics and includes disability status, educational attainment, and employment and income information.

Key statistics

31.9 million women and 25.9 million men were 65 or older in 2022
People 65+ represent 17.3% of the population--a 34% increase from 2012

Past reports and graphs are available on the ACL website.

Free educational and convening opportunities for nonprofits

As part of its capacity-building program, T. Rowe Price Foundation recently announced a nonprofit webinar series: Pre-Strategic Planning Primer.

Nonprofit and community leaders are invited to attend the six-week series to learn more about the strategic planning process.

Optional office hours and individual coaching sessions are also offered through this opportunity.

Community Health Equity Survey highlights actionable data

The Mass. Department of Public Health recently released the Community Health Equity Survey (CHES). The community-based survey collects data on social and structural determinants of health with a specific focus on communities experiencing health inequities.

Administered in 11 written languages and ASL and open to residents ages 14+, the survey received 18,500 responses. Nonprofits are encouraged to use the data for advocacy, action-planning, and grant proposals.

To get tailored suggestions on how best to incorporate data from the report, organizations can schedule time with a Regional Data and Action Support Provider online.

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP UPDATES

Record-breaking participation in Volunteer Week

More than 1,900 colleagues volunteered 5,400+ hours at 90 projects in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island during this year's Volunteer Week—more than ever before.

Colleagues volunteered at community organizations working to improve food security, support people experiencing homelessness, improve parks and public spaces, reduce social isolation, and address other social determinants of health.