Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $5+ million
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Approximately 2-3 months after application deadline
- Grant Range: $1,000 - $500,000 (typical grants $8,000-$30,000)
- Geographic Focus: 25 MetroWest MA communities
Contact Details
Website: https://mwhealth.org/
Phone: (508) 879-7625
Email: info@mwhealth.org
Grant Questions: Rebecca Donham - rdonham@mwhealth.org or (508) 879-7625 x202
Overview
The MetroWest Health Foundation is an independent health philanthropy established in 1999 from the proceeds of the sale of a non-profit medical center. With total assets of approximately $108 million, the foundation provides over $5 million annually in financial support to nonprofit and governmental organizations addressing unmet health needs in 25 MetroWest communities in Massachusetts. Since inception, the foundation has provided over $50 million in grants, with particular concern for vulnerable populations. Their mission is to improve the health status of the community through informed and innovative leadership, serving as both a grantmaker and convener working to provide resources, information, ideas and advocacy for community change.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Health Equity Grants: Up to $30,000 - Supporting programs that decrease health disparities for immigrants and refugees, mental health, and vaccine equity (Spring and Fall cycles)
- Health and Housing Stability Grants: Up to $30,000 - Addressing housing insecurity and supporting older adults, families with children, and recent immigrants (Spring and Fall cycles)
- Girls' Mental Health: Up to $30,000 - Promoting healthy lifestyles and environments to manage stress, anxiety and depression
- Innovative Action Grants: Up to $30,000 - Addressing community health priorities from 2023 Community Health Assessment
- Basic Health Needs Grants: Various amounts (invitation-only program)
- Scholarship Program: Multiple scholarships available (Applications April 15 - May 31)
Priority Areas
- Health equity with focus on immigrant and refugee health
- Mental health, particularly for girls and young women
- Housing stability and homelessness prevention
- Food security and nutrition
- Vaccine equity and access to care
- Maternal health outcomes
- Chronic disease prevention
- Workforce development in health and social services
What They Don't Fund
- Organizations that discriminate in provision of services based on race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation or veteran status
- Organizations outside the 25-community service area
- Organizations not qualifying as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or government instrumentalities
- Multi-year commitments (grants are for one year only with no continuation funding)
Governance and Leadership
Board of Trustees (12 members):
- Claire Levesque, M.D. - Chair
- Gillian Rattray Carcia, Esq. - Vice Chair
- John Corron, CFP - Treasurer
- Carol Gloff, Ph.D. - Clerk
- Plus 8 additional trustees including healthcare, finance, and community leaders
Senior Staff:
- Phillip González - President/CEO
- Maria Panasian - Director of Administration and Finance
- Kate Baker - Research Director
- Rebecca Donham - Senior Program Officer
- Angela Castrillo Vilches - Program Officer
CEO Marty Cohen (previous CEO) noted the foundation's commitment to community partnerships, stating the foundation acts as "a grantmaker, convener and facilitator" focused on innovative solutions to health challenges.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Blackbaud Grantmaking online portal. The foundation uses a two-step process:
-
Concept Paper Submission (strongly encouraged by September 26 for October 17 deadline)
- One-page concept paper with cover sheet
- Logic model required
- Early submission allows for feedback from foundation staff
-
Full Application (if concept paper approved)
- Online application via Blackbaud portal
- Required documents include:
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Logic Model
- Board of Directors list
- Financial Statements (990 or audit)
- Letters of Collaboration (if applicable)
- Superintendent's letter (for school-based projects)
Decision Timeline
- Spring Cycle: Applications typically due in March/April with decisions in June
- Fall Cycle: Applications due October 17, decisions announced in December
- Total timeline: Approximately 2-3 months from submission to decision
- Grant period: One year from award date
Success Rates
Specific success rates are not publicly available. However, the foundation:
- Awards approximately 160-175 grants annually
- Distributes over $5 million per year
- Median grant amount is approximately $8,000
Reapplication Policy
Grants are for one year only and are not eligible for continuation funding through the responsive grantmaking program. Organizations may reapply in subsequent grant cycles with new proposals.
Application Success Factors
Based on foundation guidance and recent grant patterns:
- Submit concept papers early - The foundation strongly encourages early submission to allow time for feedback before the deadline
- Include required logic model - This is mandatory and helps demonstrate clear project planning and evaluation methods
- Align with priority populations - Focus on immigrants, refugees, older adults, families with children, and other vulnerable groups specifically mentioned
- Demonstrate collaboration - Include letters of support and show partnerships with other organizations
- Address 2023 Community Health Assessment priorities - Reference specific health challenges identified in their assessment
- Be specific about MetroWest impact - Clearly identify which of the 25 communities will benefit and how
- Meet all technical requirements - Incomplete applications are automatically rejected; ensure all documents are uploaded in correct formats
- Contact program staff with questions - Rebecca Donham is available to assist applicants and clarify requirements
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Two grant cycles annually (Spring and Fall) with responsive grants up to $30,000 for most programs
- Geographic restriction is strict - Must serve one or more of the 25 specified MetroWest communities
- Health equity is paramount - Foundation prioritizes reducing disparities for immigrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations
- One-year funding only - No multi-year commitments; plan for sustainability beyond grant period
- Early concept paper submission recommended - Allows for feedback and increases chances of success
- Basic Health Needs program is invitation-only - Focus applications on open grant programs
- Strong emphasis on collaboration - Multi-sector partnerships and letters of support strengthen applications
References
- MetroWest Health Foundation official website (https://mwhealth.org/) - Accessed January 2025
- MetroWest Health Foundation Grant Application Page (https://mwhealth.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant) - Accessed January 2025
- MetroWest Health Foundation Governance Page (https://mwhealth.org/who-we-are/governance) - Accessed January 2025
- 2024 MetroWest Health Foundation Grant Program listing on GrantExec - Accessed January 2025
- MetroWest Health Foundation profile on Inside Philanthropy - Accessed January 2025
- Foundation announcements of recent grant awards (mwhealth.org/stories/) - December 2024 and Spring 2024
- MetroWest Health Foundation LinkedIn Company Page - Accessed January 2025
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer for EIN 42121342 - Accessed January 2025