MetroWest Health Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5+ million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Approximately 2-3 months per grant cycle
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $500,000 (median $8,000)
• Geographic Focus: 25 communities in MetroWest Massachusetts
• Application Cycles: Spring and Fall (biannual)

Contact Details

Address: 161 Worcester Road, Suite 202, Framingham, MA 01701

Phone: (508) 879-7625

Website: www.mwhealth.org

Email: info@mwhealth.org

Grants Inquiries: Rebecca Donham, Senior Program Officer

• Email: rdonham@mwhealth.org
• Phone: (508) 879-7625

Overview

The MetroWest Health Foundation was established in 1999 from the proceeds of the sale of the nonprofit MetroWest Medical Center. Since its founding, the Foundation has invested over $75 million in improving the health of the MetroWest area. As one of the largest independent health care philanthropies in Massachusetts, the Foundation provides over $5 million in annual financial support to meet the health needs of 25 communities in the MetroWest region. The Foundation's mission is to improve the health status of the community, its individuals, and families through informed and innovative leadership. The Foundation works through grantmaking, research and data collection, convening, and training and technical assistance. In 2024, Phillip Gonzalez joined as President and CEO, bringing significant experience from Point32Health Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Health Equity Grants

• Support programs and projects that decrease health disparities for immigrants and refugees
• Focus areas include:
  • Maternal health outcomes
  • Access to primary and specialty care
  • Vaccine equity and MassHealth redetermination
  • Mental health equity
• Grant amounts vary based on project scope

Health and Housing Stability Grants

• Support initiatives that decrease housing insecurity
• Provide support services to:
  • Older adults
  • Families with children
  • Newly arrived immigrants
• Grant amounts vary based on project scope

Innovative Action to Address Community Health Priorities

• Fund planning, development, and implementation of innovative and collaborative solutions
• Address health challenges prioritized in the 2023 Community Health Assessment
• Key priorities include:
  • Challenges to accessing primary care
  • Chronic disease and illness
  • COVID-19 impact on overall well-being
  • Health disparities due to structural racism and discrimination
• Support for larger, multi-year initiatives possible

Responsive Grants

• Maximum grant amount: $20,000
• One-year funding only
• Not eligible for continuation funding
• Limited number awarded per cycle
• Address emerging or time-sensitive community health needs

Girls' Mental Health Initiative

• Specific focus area in recent grant cycles
• Supports programs addressing mental health needs of girls in MetroWest communities

Priority Areas

The Foundation's grantmaking aligns with findings from the 2023 MetroWest Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified:

• Challenges to accessing primary care
• Chronic disease and illness management
• Mental health and well-being (particularly post-COVID)
• Health disparities affecting specific age, race, or ethnic groups
• Structural racism and discrimination impacting health outcomes

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation does not provide grants for:

• Individuals
• Endowments
• Fundraising drives and events
• Retirement of debt
• Operating deficits
• Projects that directly influence legislation
• Political activities or candidates for public office
• Programs customarily operated by hospitals in Massachusetts
• Rental assistance (despite funding housing stability programs)

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Phillip Gonzalez (joined February 2024)

• Former Director of Community Investments at Point32Health Foundation
• Previously held roles with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and Community Catalyst
• Board Chair Bill Graham noted: "In selecting Phillip, we have found a strong leader who shares the Board's commitment to community engagement and collaboration and to advancing health equity."

Board of Trustees

• 12-member volunteer board
• Chair: Anna Cross, Ed.D., Framingham resident
• Former Chair: Bill Graham (now immediate past chair and chair of CEO search committee)

Staff Leadership

• Rebecca Donham, Senior Program Officer
  • Primary contact for grant applications
  • Oversees Health Leadership Program and Basic Health Needs Initiative

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation accepts applications through an online portal only. Applications will NOT be accepted via U.S. mail, email, or fax.

Two-Stage Application Process:

1. Concept Paper Stage (Required)

   • One-page concept paper
   • Cover sheet
   • Logic model
   • Must be submitted and approved before full proposal
   • Foundation strongly encourages early submission to allow for timely feedback

2. Full Proposal Stage (By invitation after concept paper approval)

   • General information about organization and project
   • Budget and budget narrative
   • Project narrative
   • Supporting documents
   • Documents must be in Word, Excel, or PDF format (no JPEG, JPG, or TIF files)

Spring 2025 Deadlines (Example cycle):

• Concept Papers: Friday, March 14
• Full Proposals: Friday, March 28 at 4:00 PM
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
• Applications in-progress at 4:00 PM deadline will not be considered

Decision Timeline

• Requests for proposals issued in Spring and Fall
• Typical timeline from proposal deadline to decision: 2-3 months
• Recent examples:
  • Fall 2024: Over $635,000 awarded (announced in December 2024)
  • Spring 2025: Over $2.4 million awarded to 29 organizations
• Applicants notified via email
• Award announcements posted on Foundation website and shared via e-newsletter

Success Rates

Recent grant data shows:

• 2023: 160 grants awarded totaling $2,319,683
• 2022: 176 grants awarded
• 2021: 124 grants awarded
• 2024: 173 grants awarded totaling $3.5 million

Specific acceptance rate not publicly disclosed, but the two-stage process (concept paper then full proposal) allows for pre-screening and feedback before investing time in a full application.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation does not publicly specify a waiting period for reapplication after an unsuccessful proposal. Organizations are encouraged to:

• Contact Rebecca Donham for feedback on unsuccessful applications
• Apply in subsequent grant cycles (Spring and Fall) if their project aligns with priorities
• Note: Responsive Grants are specifically not eligible for continuation funding

Eligibility Requirements

Geographic Eligibility Programs must directly benefit those who live and work in one of the 25 MetroWest communities: Ashland, Bellingham, Dover, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and Westborough.

Organizational Eligibility

• Organizations must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, OR
• Organizations recognized as instrumentalities of state or local government

Application Success Factors

Alignment with 2023 Community Health Assessment

• Review the 2023 MetroWest Community Health Needs Assessment before applying
• Proposals should directly address identified priorities
• Executive summaries available in multiple languages on Foundation website
• Zip-code level health data available for targeted proposals

Strong Logic Models

• Required at concept paper stage
• Should clearly demonstrate:
  • Problem being addressed with data
  • Theory of change
  • Expected outcomes and impact
  • Connection to Foundation priorities

Collaborative and Innovative Approaches

• Foundation explicitly seeks "innovative and collaborative" solutions
• Partnerships between organizations strengthen applications
• Novel approaches to persistent health challenges favored
• Evidence of community engagement and input

Focus on Health Equity and Vulnerable Populations

• Strong emphasis on reducing health disparities
• Particular attention to:
  • Immigrants and refugees
  • Older adults
  • Families with children
  • Communities experiencing structural racism and discrimination
• Data demonstrating disparities strengthens proposals

Specific, Measurable Outcomes

• Clear articulation of what will change as a result of the grant
• Realistic timelines and budgets
• Evaluation plans that demonstrate impact
• Alignment with community-identified needs, not just organizational priorities

Early Engagement with Foundation Staff

• Foundation encourages early submission of concept papers for feedback
• Contact Rebecca Donham with questions before applying
• Demonstrates commitment to alignment and partnership
• Allows for course correction before investing in full proposal

Recent Funding Examples (Fall 2024) Organizations funded include A Place To Turn Advocates, Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest, Brazilian American Center (BRACE), Gratis Healthcare, MetroWest Legal Services, Natick Service Council, Open Table, OUT MetroWest, Riverside Community Care, South Middlesex Opportunity Council, and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Submit concept papers early - The Foundation strongly encourages early submission to allow time for feedback before the deadline. This two-stage process is designed to help you strengthen your application.

• Align tightly with the 2023 Community Health Assessment - Review the assessment data for your target community/population. Proposals that directly address documented needs and disparities are prioritized.

• Think collaboration and innovation - The Foundation explicitly seeks collaborative partnerships and innovative approaches. Solo, traditional programs are less competitive than multi-organization, creative solutions.

• Focus on health equity and vulnerable populations - Immigrants, refugees, older adults, families with children, and communities experiencing health disparities receive priority. Use data to demonstrate disparities.

• Geographic specificity matters - Your program must serve one or more of the 25 MetroWest communities. Being specific about which communities benefit and how strengthens your application.

• Use the responsive grant program strategically - The $20,000 responsive grants are for emerging needs and one-year projects. Don't use this for ongoing programs better suited to other grant categories.

• Build a relationship before applying - Contact Rebecca Donham with questions and to discuss your project idea. The Foundation values partnership and community engagement, and staff are accessible to help you determine fit.

References

1. MetroWest Health Foundation Official Website: www.mwhealth.org (Accessed January 2025)

2. MetroWest Health Foundation, "Apply for a Grant": https://mwhealth.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant (Accessed January 2025)

3. MetroWest Health Foundation, "About Us": https://mwhealth.org/who-we-are/about-us (Accessed January 2025)

4. MetroWest Health Foundation, "Governance": https://mwhealth.org/who-we-are/governance (Accessed January 2025)

5. MetroWest Health Foundation, "Communities Served": https://mwhealth.org/who-we-are/communities-served (Accessed January 2025)

6. MetroWest Health Foundation, "Phillip Gonzalez appointed as President and CEO of the Foundation": https://mwhealth.org/stories/phillip-gonzalez-appointed-as-president-and-ceo-of-the-foundation (Accessed January 2025)

7. MetroWest Health Foundation, "$2.4 Million Awarded to Twenty Nine Organizations": https://mwhealth.org/stories/2-4-million-awarded-to-twenty-nine-organizations (Accessed January 2025)

8. MetroWest Health Foundation, "Sixteen Scholarships and $635,000+ in Grants Awarded in December": https://mwhealth.org/stories/sixteen-scholarships-and-635-000-in-grants-awarded-in-december (Accessed January 2025)

9. MetroWest Health Foundation, "2023 MetroWest Community Health Assessment": https://mwhealth.org/stories/2023-metrowest-community-health-assessment (Accessed January 2025)

10. Inside Philanthropy, "MetroWest Health Foundation": https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/massachusetts-grants/metrowest-health-foundation (Accessed January 2025)

11. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, "Metrowest Health Foundation Inc": https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/42121342 (Accessed January 2025)

12. GuideStar Profile, "MetroWest Health Foundation": https://www.guidestar.org/profile/04-2121342 (Accessed January 2025)

13. Grantmakers In Health, "MetroWest Health Foundation: November 2023": https://www.gih.org/philanthropy-work/reports/metrowest-health-foundation-november-2023/ (Accessed January 2025)