Fallon Community Health Plan now accepting applications for grant program
Grants to support community-based programs for children, seniors and improved access to good nutrition
Worcester, Mass., May 21, 2010―President and CEO Patrick Hughes announced today that Fallon Community Health Plan has expanded its Community Benefits Grant program to now include innovative, community-based programs aimed at improving access to good nutrition and promoting physical activity, and providing health and social services for seniors. In addition, eligibility criteria have been expanded to now include health and social services for children during the first five years of life, rather than in the first three years of life.
“Making our communities healthy is a mission that we take very seriously, and part of that commitment is providing organizations with the opportunity to strengthen current programs or support new, innovative programs through our Community Benefits Grant program,” said Hughes.
Organizations meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply for the grants, which will award nearly $100,000 to support programs.
“Every few years FCHP conducts a needs-assessment process to identify the most relevant and crucial health needs of our communities,” said Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations, FCHP. “Upon completion of this process, we have evaluated our funding priorities and are aligning them to address the needs of two extremely vulnerable populations—children in the first five years of life and our growing senior population. In addition, recognizing that nutrition, food security and physical activity are issues of growing concern in our communities, our grant program will also help organizations address these needs.”
Grants will be awarded to new or existing programs that serve the targeted populations in Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, northern Plymouth and Worcester counties.
Eligible organizations include, but are not limited to, non-profit health and social service agencies, public schools, city or town agencies, community health centers, community mental health agencies and hospitals.
Some of last year’s grant recipients included: Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, $24,000; Genesis Club, $15,000; Rediscovery, Inc., $15,000; Seven Hills Foundation, $20,000.
For more information, download a copy of the application or contact Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk, Senior Director of Community and Government Relations for Fallon Community Health Plan at 1-508-368-9834. Deadline for submissions is 3 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010.
Lauren M. Petit
lauren.petit@fchp.org
About Fallon Community Health Plan
Founded in 1977, Fallon Community Health Plan is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care services organization. From traditional health insurance products available throughout Massachusetts for all populations, to innovative health care programs and services for independent seniors, FCHP supports the diverse and changing needs of all those it serves. FCHP has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans, and is the only health plan in Massachusetts to have been awarded “Excellent” Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.