MetroWest Health Foundation Grant Program

The MetroWest Health Foundation seeks to improve the health status of individuals and families in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts. With a longstanding commitment to community well-being, the foundation provides grants to eligible nonprofit and government entities for initiatives aligned with its strategic priorities. The Fall grant cycle of 2025 marks the final round under the current strategic plan adopted in 2018, with a focus on pressing health issues identified through local assessments and community needs. Three key initiatives are prioritized for funding in this cycle: Improving Health Equity, Health and Housing Stability, and Addressing Food Insecurity. Under the health equity initiative, applicants may propose projects addressing disparities in immigrant and refugee health, mental health access and support, and vaccine equity. Examples of eligible projects include school-based health services, domestic violence programs, and outreach for LGBTQ+ youth. The housing initiative supports efforts to prevent eviction, assist newly arrived immigrants and older adults in finding or maintaining housing, and provide relevant support services, though funds cannot be used for rental assistance or home repairs. For food security, the foundation will support culturally appropriate and healthy food provision through client choice models, mobile or neighborhood-based delivery, and assistance with enrolling in programs like SNAP or WIC. The foundation requires submission of a concept paper before a full proposal. Concept papers, which include a summary, cover sheet, and logic model, must be submitted by September 26, 2025, with earlier submissions encouraged for feedback. Full proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on October 17, 2025. Applications must be submitted online via the foundation’s Blackbaud Grantmaking portal. A webinar to guide applicants in using the portal will be held on September 18, 2025, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits and instrumentalities of state or local government serving the 25 municipalities within the foundation’s service area. Organizations must not discriminate in service delivery and cannot request funds for political activities, debt retirement, or hospital-operated programs. Award amounts can reach up to $40,000 annually for up to two years, though food costs in food security proposals are capped at 50% of the total request. Matching funds are not required. Throughout the grant term, the foundation supports grantees through technical assistance, evaluation support, and opportunities for collaboration. It emphasizes outcomes measurement and learning from funded projects. This grant program recurs semiannually, with future rounds expected to follow a similar cadence, though the foundation is currently revising its strategy through a new planning process. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed via the foundation’s website and e-newsletter.

Submit concept paper early to receive feedback; proposals must align with one of three specified initiatives; incomplete or late applications will not be considered.