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Emerson Health Care Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$0.1M
Grant Range
Up to $0.0M00
Decision Time
1mo

Emerson Health Care Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$120,000 (via Christine Gallery Community Benefit Grant Program, approximately 16 grants at up to $7,500)
  • Grant Range: Up to $7,500 per project
  • Geographic Focus: 25 towns in Massachusetts surrounding Concord
  • Total Assets: $19.1 million (FY2024)
  • Application Method: Annual competitive cycle with November deadline

Contact Details

Overview

The Emerson Health Care Foundation Inc was established in 1983 as a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) organization that provides philanthropic resources to support Emerson Health System, Inc. and Emerson Hospital. With total assets of approximately $19.1 million (FY2024), the Foundation raises funds to support facility, equipment, operational, educational, and programmatic needs of the hospital system.

The Foundation's primary external grant-making activity is the Christine Gallery Community Benefit Grant Program (formerly the Emerson Health Community Benefit Grant), which has been running since 2020. This program typically awards grants to 15-19 nonprofit organizations annually, with grants of up to $7,500 each. The program was renamed in honor of Christine Gallery, who served as Chief Strategy Officer at Emerson Health for over 25 years before her passing. Her commitment to advancing community health needs and healthcare accessibility is continued through this grant program.

Emerson Health serves over 300,000 people across 25 towns in Massachusetts, operating Emerson Hospital in Concord along with health centers in Bedford, Westford, Groton, Sudbury, and Concord, plus urgent care centers in Hudson, Maynard, and Littleton.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Christine Gallery Community Benefit Grant Program: Up to $7,500 per project

  • Annual competitive grant cycle
  • Supports nonprofit initiatives that improve community health
  • Deadline: November (typically first week)
  • Awards announced: December
  • Funding period: January through December

Priority Areas

Mental Health

  • Expanding awareness of mental health support services
  • Reducing stigma surrounding mental health treatment
  • Combating social isolation
  • Addressing substance use, particularly alcohol and marijuana
  • Supporting youth mental health initiatives

Financial Stability

  • Improving food access connections
  • Enhancing safe housing assistance
  • Increasing employment and financial literacy resources

Populations Prioritized

  • Low-income households
  • Migrant populations
  • Older adults
  • People of color
  • People with disabilities
  • Youth
  • LGBTQIA+ communities

What They Don't Fund

  • Fundraising efforts or fundraising events
  • Projects not serving Emerson Health communities
  • Repeat projects from previous grant recipients (new projects only)

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Leadership

  • Karl Kussin – Vice President of Development and Chief Philanthropy Officer
  • Jennifer Manickam – Director of Annual Giving
  • Amy Sagalyn – Director of Major Gifts
  • Amy Caggiano – Director of Friends Engagement and Run~Walk for Cancer
  • Christine Kielar – Director of Corporator and Community Engagement
  • Lisa Osgood – Philanthropy Specialist

Board of Directors

The Foundation Board includes 23 members:

  • Chair: Charles Denault
  • Vice Chair: Kenneth Anderson
  • Treasurer: Phil Lotane
  • Secretary: Sandra Schelzi
  • President & CEO (ex officio): Christine C. Schuster

Related Quote on Grant Philosophy

Christine Gallery, whose legacy the grant program honors, stated: "These organizations are working hard to improve the health of their communities through impactful programs and education. A vital part of Emerson's mission is to serve the health needs of everyone in the region. We are pleased to partner with local organizations that are intrinsic to our mission."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Download the grant application and appendices from the program website
  2. Review Appendix A to confirm your service area falls within Emerson Health communities
  3. Complete the application addressing at least one priority focus area
  4. Email completed proposal to CommunityBenefits@emersonhosp.org by the deadline

Key Dates (2025 Cycle)

  • November 7, 2025: Proposal submission deadline
  • December 12, 2025: Award announcements
  • January 1, 2026: Project start date
  • January 31, 2027: Final report due

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, public entity (municipality, school), or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status
  • Must serve residents in one or more Emerson Health communities
  • Project must address at least one priority focus area
  • Previous grant recipients may apply only for NEW projects

Eligible Applicant Types

  • Nonprofit service providers
  • Health and community-based organizations
  • Community coalitions
  • Municipalities
  • Schools
  • Communities of faith

Reapplication Policy

Previous Community Benefit Grant recipients are eligible to reapply, but only for a new project. Repeat funding for previously funded projects is not permitted.

Application Success Factors

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Alignment with Strategic Implementation Plan: Projects must align with objectives from Emerson Health's current Strategic Implementation Plan and serve populations most impacted by health disparities.

Addressing Priority Populations: Successful applications demonstrate clear focus on serving prioritized populations: low-income households, migrant populations, older adults, people of color, people with disabilities, youth, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Collaboration: Multi-partner projects involving two or more organizations are highly encouraged, though not required.

Types of Projects Funded (Based on Recent Recipients):

  • Social-emotional learning programs for youth (Boys and Girls Club of Assabet Valley, ThinkGive)
  • Mental health awareness and dementia education (Acton Health Division)
  • Support programs for veterans (Clear Path for Veterans)
  • English Language Learner classes (Concord-Carlisle Adult and Community Education)
  • Accessible programming for children with disabilities (Discovery Museum)
  • Food security initiatives (First Connections, Gaining Ground)
  • Senior services and programs (Minuteman Senior Services)
  • Digital wellness programs for schools (Turning Life On)
  • Cancer survivorship programs (Virginia Thurston Healing Garden)

Emerson Health Service Area Communities

Primary service area includes 18+ towns: Concord, Carlisle, Lincoln, Maynard, Acton, Boxborough, Harvard, Bedford, Westford, Littleton, Stow, Bolton, Sudbury, Hudson, Groton, and surrounding communities. Full list available in application Appendix A.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Grant amounts are modest but accessible: Up to $7,500 for community health initiatives—suitable for specific programs rather than general operating support
  • Strong alignment required: Projects must clearly address mental health OR financial stability priorities AND serve identified underserved populations
  • Geographic focus is strict: Applicants must serve Emerson Health communities (25 towns surrounding Concord, MA)—confirm eligibility in Appendix A before applying
  • New projects only for past recipients: If you've received funding before, you must propose an entirely new initiative
  • Collaboration is valued: Multi-partner proposals are encouraged and may strengthen applications
  • Established annual cycle: Apply in November for funding beginning January of the following year
  • Review recent recipients: Past funded organizations include youth-serving nonprofits, senior services, veteran organizations, museums, and community education programs—similar organizations have demonstrated track records of success

References

Accessed December 2025

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