January 31, 2025

Dear ,

Point32Health Foundation is steadfast in our commitment to improving the communities we serve. We see the uncertainty and concern in our communities as popular, essential programs are at risk of being cut.

As we closely monitor, we want to hear from you. How can we most effectively convene and collaborate alongside you? How can we stay relevant and responsive to emerging needs in community?

We are asking these questions and will share what we’ve heard as well as our funding approach for 2025 at a webinar on Feb. 13. For additional context, here is a link to a guide from The National Council of Nonprofits. It breaks down the executive orders and the impacts they could have on community.

While uncertain and unpredictable, this moment gives us the opportunity to work even more closely together. There are bright spots to be celebrated across the region. We are encouraged by your stories, your resilience and your strength.

Gratefully and in community with you,

Point32Health Foundation

On February 13, the Foundation team is hosting an information session on our grantmaking and 2025 focus - Equity in Aging. We are excited to work with organizations that are improving conditions affecting older adults and advancing social and racial justice. Join us to learn how, together, we address root causes of health disparities and advocate to eliminate systemic barriers.

During the session, we will share dates for our funding cycles, an overview of the Foundation's 2025 focus and hear from currently funded community-based organizations about their work.

Date: Thursday, Feb 13

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Governor Healey renames Executive Office of Elder Affairs to Executive Office of Aging & Independence

Mass. Governor Maura Healey signed legislation to rename the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence. This new name was selected to better represent and reflect the values of older adults and developed through focus groups, surveys and conversations with constituents.

In a recent press release, Governor Maura Healey said: "We want residents to feel reflected in our agencies and to know where to turn when they need support. I’m grateful to the Legislature for advancing this bill, and I look forward to seeing the work that our incredible team at the Executive Office of Aging & Independence will do for the people of Massachusetts.”

The agency continues to expand its reach and ensure that older people throughout Massachusetts can access needed information, services and support through every stage of aging.

Attend the agency's informational webinar on Friday, January 31st from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. to learn more about the new branding.

GRANTEE STORIES

New paid leave rules support Maine workforce

The Department of Labor released the rules for Maine's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program - a huge win for advocacy leaders at the Maine Paid Leave Coalition.

In 2025, the state will begin collecting a new 1% payroll tax, split between employers and employees. Benefits will begin in May 2026.

In a recent article, Hohman Sprague of the coalition told the Portland Press Herald: "We know that no matter what, this is going to be a game-changing program for most workers and employers in Maine.”

Learn more.

Changemakers discuss black-white wealth gap in Connecticut

Last month, Fairfield County's Community Foundation's Equity Lab hosted a community session featuring Louise Story and Ebony Reed, co-authors of Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap. The book has received praise by The New York Times and is included in the New Yorker's and Oprah Daily's lists of Best Books of 2024.

The speakers were accompanied by a panel of Conn. changemakers to review data and insights on the racial wealth gap and discuss how to address inequity in the state.

Watch the event recording.

Food Hub addresses food insecurity and mental health

Greater Lynn Senior Services recently released its annual report full of exciting data and stories of impact. Updates from Phoenix Food Hub were among the highlights. The Hub's community kitchen hosted 55 cooking classes for people of all ages experiencing food insecurity and nutritional deficits.

In 2023, the hub launched a Food and Thought program providing mental and behavioral health counseling and nutrition. More than 55 individuals participated in counseling and/or workshops.

Read the full report.

New Hampshire organizations improve transit and social connection for older people

At a New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging’s DEI community listening session, older immigrant women from Victory Women of Vision identified accessible transportation as a major barrier facing the community. The concerns were brought to the NH Planning Commission. As a result, the Manchester Transit Authority developed universal bus maps and created a viable buddy bus program and a ‘summer escapes’ program.

This short video highlights how these organizations are working together to overcome transportation barriers and create a positive impact on the lives of older people.

Rhode Island soon to be home of the first US state-sanctioned overdose prevention site

Last month, Project Weber/RENEW held a ribbon cutting for the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center (OPC). The new facility is made possible by a 2021 Rhode Island law that allows the establishment of OPCs. The project is funded by settlements from opioid distributors. OPCs prevent overdose death by offering a clean, controlled environment overseen by medical professionals for people using drugs.

In a recent Newsweek piece, Colleen Daley Ndoye of Project Weber/RENEW said that the "new overdose prevention center is dedicated to saving lives through evidence-based practices and compassionate care. We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with our state government partners, which enables us to deliver this critical, lifesaving support to Rhode Islanders."

RESOURCES

National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease is updated

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease: 2024 Update, a roadmap for organizations working with people living with Alzheimer's and caregivers.

The 2024 update focuses on new treatments for Alzheimer's and the supports needed beyond care provided in formal settings like doctors’ offices, hospitals or nursing homes. As many family members and other unpaid caregivers step in to provide such care, strategies for caregiver services and supports are included in the update.

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP UPDATES

Nonprofits invited to apply for Volunteer Week projects

Every year, Point32Health organizes colleagues to serve in community throughout the region during Volunteer Week. Together with nonprofits, colleagues increase access to affordable, healthy food; support people experiencing homelessness; improve parks and public spaces; reduce social isolation; and address other social determinants of health. Our 2025 Volunteer Week will be held June 2-6.

Nonprofit organizations are invited to submit applications project ideas by Feb. 7. These activities can occur in community at the organization's preferred location, are held in one of Point32Health’s offices, or offered virtually. Projects should accommodate a minimum of 10 volunteers. Depending on the size and scope of the activity, the Foundation provides a stipend to nonprofits selected

Please forward the link to nonprofit organizations in your network.

Learn more about Volunteer Week

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

This monthly round-up is organized by due dates. For additional information, please contact funders directly.

Feb 13 | Elmina B. Sewall Foundation

Geography: Maine
Focus: Animal welfare, food and rural partnerships

Feb 14 | Environmental Justice for New England

Geography: Conn., Maine, Mass., N.H., R.I., Vt.,
Focus: Environment and public health

Feb 14 | Maine Community Fund Hospice grants

Geography: Maine
Focus: Hospice programs

Feb 14 | Maine Community Fund Community Building grants

Geography: Maine
Focus: Community improvement

Feb 17 | Roy A. Hunt Foundation

Geography: National
Focus: Youth violence prevention, community development, environment, community farming, diversity, equity and inclusion giving circle

Feb 28 | Jonah and Elizabeth Dyer Charitable Corporation