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Last chance to schedule a consultation for the Synergy Initiative grant opportunity. | | |
The Synergy Initiative provides funding for partnership-based projects that target significant health issues, especially inequities and disparities, in Central Massachusetts with integrated, comprehensive strategies with an end goal of systems or policy change. Organizations interested in the Synergy Initiative grant opportunity are strongly encouraged to review the Guidelines and FAQs before scheduling a consultation to discuss alignment of proposed project ideas with the Foundation’s funding approach prior to application submission. | |
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In State House briefing, coalition calls for
safer drinking water protections
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Event speakers and organizers. photos courtesy of RCAP Solutions
On May 11, the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water hosted an informational briefing for Massachusetts legislators and their staff. The event highlighted An Act Promoting Drinking Water Quality for All (S.482/H.902) sponsored by Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, and Rep. Dan Sena, which aims to provide drinking water protections for the 500,000+ Massachusetts residents who rely on private wells.
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Grantee Spotlight - The Guild of St. Agnes | |
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The Guild of St. Agnes and Worcester State University
open childcare facility with support from
the Foundation and others
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The Guild of St. Agnes, in partnership with Worcester State University, hosted an event on May 18 to celebrate the grand opening of the University Collaborative Early Education Center, an innovative childcare center and teaching lab for future educators, which was highlighted in the Worcester Business Journal. Launched amid a critical shortage of affordable childcare statewide, the new center will serve 152 children ages 4 weeks to 5 years old, with half of the seats reserved for low-income families eligible for subsidized childcare, while also providing space for Worcester State early childhood education students to work, learn, and observe in real classroom settings. | |
Foundation Senior Program Officer Jennie Blake and Sharon MacDonald, President & CEO of the Guild of St. Agnes. | |
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“We are so excited to be able to continue the tradition of family support by providing such a wonderfully spacious early learning center for children in this section of the city. We look forward to serving families of all backgrounds, while providing a space for the education of young children and college students which we expect will have lasting effects on all those who come through our doors.”
| Sharon MacDonald, President & CEO of the Guild of St. Agnes. | | |
Once the site of Colonial Candle Pin Bowling in Worcester, the building at 248 Mill Street was purchased for $1 million in 2021 and has since undergone a $7 million renovation to reimagine the space as a light, bright, and colorful learning center for young children. In 2022, the Guild received an Activation Fund grant of $118,000 for construction of the 3,000-square-foot outdoor playground using materials and structures that harmonize with the natural waterfront scenery located behind the facility. | |
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The grand opening celebration was attended by more than 100 key stakeholders and community partners, and speakers included Worcester State University President Barry Maloney; Commissioner of the Department of Early Education & Care Amy Kershaw; and Worcester Mayor Joe Petty. Representing the Foundation were Director and Treasurer Randy Becker, and Foundation Senior Program Officer Jennie Blake.
photos courtesy of The Guild of St. Agnes.
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Check out recent coverage of the Foundation's $25,000 grant to EforAll to help increase the capacity of its Greater Worcester chapter to support underserved entrepreneurs in Central Massachusetts, including the recent launch of the Spanish-speaking version of its Business Accelerator program (EparaTodos). | |
Foundation Grants and Operations Manager Daniel Germain | |
The MassNonprofit News recently covered two Foundation staff promotions. | | |
MassHealth Redetermination | |
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 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 non-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care, Inc., the Foundation’s grants have totaled over $52 million to more than 200 unique organizations over its history. For more information, visit www.hfcm.org. | | |
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If you are interested in supporting this work, The Health Foundation Fund, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) fundraising affiliate that supports the purpose and mission of the Foundation through donations, memorial contributions and gifts of life insurance. Thank you for your consideration. | |
© 2023 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts | | | | |
