October 2025 - Issue #29

(L-R) Ayer Town Clerk Susan Copeland; Representative Dan Sena; Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei; Senator Jamie Eldridge; and MassDevelopment Chief of Staff David Abdoo. (Senator Eldridge photo)

On October 1, The Health Foundation's President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei ceremoniously accepted a $300,000 investment from the state in the Nashoba Valley area from Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Dan Sena. The Health Foundation will steward these funds to invest in addressing transportation gaps in the region. We thank the Devens delegation of Senator Eldridge, Senator John Cronin, and Representative Sena for their leadership in securing these funds.

(L-R) Guild of St. Agnes President and CEO Sharon MacDonald; Representative Sena; Senator Eldridge; and Mr. Abdoo. (Senator Eldridge photo)

Earlier that same day, Senator Eldridge and Representative Sena visited the Guild of St. Agnes day care center in Devens to celebrate a $200,000 state investment to support a new van to transport children to and from the center. 

The Guild has been a leader in early education and care in the region and is a key partner in The Health Foundation's Round 6 Synergy Initiative Family Childcare Success Project with Family Services of Central Massachusetts.



Microtransit Updates

On September 16, Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) hosted a briefing on "An Act Establishing A Special Commission on Microtransit" (S.2366/H.3658). Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Todd Smola spoke about the bill, which would establish a special commission on microtransit to study existing and emerging microtransit services and funding needs.

Panelists at the event discuss microtransit. (THFCM photo)

During the briefing, Quaboag Valley CDC Rural Transit Program Manager Jen Healy and UMass Donahue Institute Senior Research Manager Branner Stewart, presented on findings from an economic impact analysis on the Quaboag Connector conducted by the Donahue Institute.

The analysis, funded through a Synergy Initiative grant from The Health Foundation, found that the rural microtransit service has resulted in nearly $45 million in total economic benefits since its launch in 2017. For every $1 million of public and private investment in the Quaboag Connector, it has generated nearly $11 million in economic benefit in return.

Read the full Economic Impact Analysis.

Also on September 16, Dr. Shei and T4MA Senior Policy Director Pete Wilson provided testimony to the Joint Committee on Transportation in support of "An Act Establishing A Special Commission on Microtransit."

(photo credit: malegislature.gov)

The Health Foundation has been a vocal advocate for greater funding for microtransit and is pleased that $10 million has been made available through the surplus supplemental state budget for the new Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant Program. Applications are due November 7.

Other funding opportunities announced by MassDOT include:

• FY26 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) Operating and Mobility Management Cycle. Applications are due November 7; and 

• FY26 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) Vehicle Cycle. Applications are due November 21. 



Recent News

SEACMA Executive Director Tuyet Tran holding the latest issue of Edible Worcester and mushrooms from their growing facility. (SEACMA photo)

The Health Foundation supported SEACMA with the build-out of the growing space through a $120,000 Activation Fund grant in 2023.

Founded in 1999, SEACMA’s mission is to envision a community where all newly arriving and long-settled immigrants and refugees can thrive, actively engage in civic discourse, and contribute to Central Massachusetts while achieving their full potential.

Click here to find a copy of Edible Worcester near you.

Dr. Shei Receives Erskine Award

(L-R) Foundation Grants & Operations Manager Daniel Germain; Foundation Director of Finance and Administration Michelle Ewing; Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei; and Foundation Directors Diane Gould and Dr. Dennis Dimitri. (THFCM photo)

On September 30, Dr. Shei was recognized by the YWCA of Central Massachusetts with the Katharine F. Erskine Award. The award recognizes women who have demonstrated leadership and reached exemplary levels of achievement in their professions and communities. Award recipients show a commitment to the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Dr. Shei wishes to thank the many people who have contributed to this recognition, including the current and former Foundation Board, staff and community partners.

We congratulate Dr. Shei and the other extraordinary women recognized with this honor!

Recognizing Two Leaders

The Health Foundation would like to acknowledge the recent retirement of the City of Worcester's health and human services commissioner Dr. Mattie Castiel after a decade in the role as well as the recent announcement that Advocates' President and CEO Diane Gould will retire in June 2026 after 40 years at Advocates.

Dr. Castiel served as a Director on The Health Foundation's Board from 2001-2010 and Ms. Gould serves as a current Director. We congratulate and thank them both for all they have done for Central Massachusetts.



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

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS recently launched the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. This is an important opportunity to support rural health initiatives, and the Commonwealth has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to inform the state’s application. Interested parties are encouraged to submit responses to the RFI by October 9.  

Zero Fare Coalition Riders Forum

The Zero Fare Coalition is looking for feedback on how well the WRTA is meeting everyday needs and what they can do to improve service. Feedback will be used to continue to advocate for expanded routes, more frequent service, and connector services between routes. This forum will be held on October 14 at the Worcester Public Library. RSVP here.

ONE Worcester

As an organization that provides free consulting and coaching to Worcester-area nonprofits, ONE Worcester is hosting a workshop for Worcester’s nonprofit leaders to explore smartest practices that foster belonging, mutual care, and deep reflection across leadership spaces and will examine how leaders can build sustainable, inclusive ecosystems. October 14 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the YMCA in Worcester. Register here.

AGO Webinars: Resources for Addressing a Changing Landscape

The Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division of the Office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is continuing its webinar series focusing on the changing and challenging landscape currently facing nonprofit organizations due to the new federal administration. The sessions include:

• Session III: Restricted Funds: Endowments and Fund Modifications on October 21 at 11:00 am. Register here.

• Session IV: Advice for Smaller Volunteer Led Organizations on November 18 at 11:00 am. Register here.

A new Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division (NPCD) Resource Page includes video recordings of the first two sessions and the AGO NPCD page includes additional resources and contact information.

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR)

OGR has funds available through two grant programs to help protect nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a hate crime or terror attack. 

• The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funds to help eligible organizations improve their security infrastructure. 

• The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program assists eligible nonprofits with the cost of contracted security personnel.

The application deadline for both programs is October 30.

Massachusetts Broadband Institute

The Connected & Online Program is a new initiative that will distribute up to 27,000 internet-enabled devices, along with assistive technology and supportive equipment, to eligible organizations across Massachusetts. The goal is to expand access to education, workforce training and telehealth by establishing public device lending programs and on-site device stations, especially in Gateway Cities and rural communities. Applications are due November 7.

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE)

RIZE recently announced the second round of their Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant Program designed to support municipalities in addressing the opioid crisis by providing financial assistance to enhance their initiatives. Applications are due on November 7 and the grant period will begin in March 2026.

MetroWest Health Foundation

The MetroWest Health Leadership Program is a six-month knowledge and skill-building program designed to change the way local health executives, managers, and officials think and act as leaders. Applications are due November 9.

© 2025 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts