May 2025 - Issue #25

Study Finds Microtransit Yields Mega Impacts

Nearly $45 Million in Economic and Social Benefits

to Central Mass.

A newly released economic impact analysis conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute and funded by The Health Foundation reveals that the Quaboag Connector rural microtransit service has resulted in nearly $45 million in total economic benefits since its launch in 2017, underscoring the crucial role of rural microtransit in supporting jobs, health care access, and economic development.

For every $1 million dollars of public and private investment in the Quaboag Connector, it has generated nearly $11 million dollars in economic benefit in return. Since 2020, The Health Foundation has invested $1.9 million in the Quaboag Connector, a Round 5 Synergy Initiative project led by the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation in partnership with the Town of Ware.

Click to Read Full Report

Microtransit has gained traction as a flexible strategy to address transportation gaps across the commonwealth. Governor Healey proposed a $10 million investment in microtransit in her major transportation funding announcement earlier this year. In the legislature, Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Todd Smola and Senator Julian Cyr filed “An Act establishing a special commission on microtransit” (S.2366/H.3658), which would establish a special commission to understand the current landscape of microtransit, create a shared definition with input from key stakeholders, and consider funding needs and opportunities.

WRTA Extends Fare-Free Service

The WRTA continues to be the longest-running fare-free regional transit system in the country

On April 17, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Advisory Board voted unanimously to continue fare-free service through June 2026, as reported by MassLive.

The WRTA has now operated fare-free since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 thanks to the Zero Fare Coalition and its tireless efforts in advocating for the elimination of fares and the improvement of WRTA service. The Health Foundation has been a proud supporter of the Coalition.

Forty Years of Health Care For All

Foundation President & CEO Dr. Amie Shei was honored to serve as co-chair with Matt Fishman, Executive Director of the Equitable Care Collaborative at Mass General Brigham, at Health Care For All's (HCFA) annual For The People event on May 1.

This year's event celebrated HCFA's 40th anniversary of advocating for health justice in Massachusetts by promoting health equity and ensuring coverage and access for all. As a long-time partner and supporter, The Health Foundation congratulates HCFA on this milestone! Many Foundation Directors, staff, and community partners attended the event to show support.

Dr. Shei co-chairing the For The People event. (photo credit: Genevieve Bristol Photography)

Nonprofit and Community Resources

Below are resources and information that may be of interest to our nonprofit partners and community members.

Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts

Applications are now being accepted for the Career Readiness & Educational Access Grants program, which supports programs that equip residents for family-sustaining employment, including vocational training and pathways to college. The deadline to apply is May 16 and award recipients will be announced on June 20.

Metro Credit Union Foundation

The Metro Credit Union Foundation awards grants twice a year to nonprofits whose initiatives and programs contribute to the economic and social well-being of local communities. Applications are due by May 16 for consideration in the first round, and award recipients will be announced in June.

Robert J. Mullen Charitable Trust

The Robert J. Mullen Charitable Trust supports organizations and programs serving Massachusetts communities that provide aid or assistance to disabled children, the elderly or infirm, or which provide care for and protection from cruelty to animals. Typical grants range from $20,000 to $50,000 per grant year. Applications are now being accepted and the deadline to apply is June 1.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

The Community Grant Program, which awards close to $2 million annually across five strategic focus areas for both discrete project/programming and general operating support, is now open and the application deadline is June 6.

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE)

RIZE recently launched the Family Resilience Grant Program, the third grant program offered through Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership (Mosaic), which will provide funding for organizations leading local initiatives to address critical gaps in care for children and families impacted by the opioid crisis. RIZE will award up to $2.5 million annually for three years to an anticipated 5 to 10 organizations, with grants up to $500,000 per year. The program prioritizes multi-service agencies with operating budgets of $20 million and under, as well as minority-led and minority-serving organizations. The application deadline is June 17.

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs. Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity. As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care, Inc., The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $59 million to more than 230 unique organizations over its history. For more information, visit www.thfcm.org.

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