Healthy Community Fund

Healthy Community Fund is sponsored by United Way of Greater New Bedford and Southcoast Health. This collaborative grant opportunity invests in nonprofit organizations that are improving health and well-being, addressing barriers to care, and creating healthier futures for local residents within the Southcoast Health and/or United Way of Greater New Bedford service areas.

Healthy Community Fund | United Way of Greater New Bedford Southcoast Health and United Way of Greater New Bedford have partnered to strengthen support for local organizations working in the health and wellness sector. Through this collaboration, both organizations will invest resources and make collaborative decisions to maximize the impact of their collective funding.

This partnership reflects a shared understanding that community health extends beyond clinical care. Factors such as housing stability, food access, economic opportunity, and environmental conditions all play a critical role in shaping health outcomes.

Southcoast Health and United Way of Greater New Bedford aim to create a more unified, effective approach to funding health-focused nonprofits and advancing long-term community well-being across the region. The Healthy Community Grant will accept Letters of Interest (LOI) from August 17 – September 28, 2026. Applicants selected to submit a Request for Proposal will be notified mid-October with more information about next steps.

Virtual information sessions will be hosted on August 19 and 20 - both at 5 pm . We strongly encourage organizations interested in submitting a LOI to attend one of the two info sessions. Register for an info session below, you can also submit specific questions about the grant as part of registration.

Register for the August 19 Session Register for the August 20 Session Southcoast Health and United Way of Greater New Bedford will focus their investment based on the Southcoast Health Alliance 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

Focus areas include: Completed Letter of Interest Completed Request for Proposal (by invitation) Participation in interview and/ or site visit, if required Non-profits and public entities are eligible to apply for funding for one program. Only one application per organization, some exceptions may apply. Proposed programs must benefit Southcoast Health and/or United Way of Greater New Bedford service areas located in Southeastern MA.

Proposals representing partnerships or collaborations are welcome. A clear backbone or lead fiscal agent must be identified and be responsible for monitoring and reporting on outcomes. Applicants may apply for up to one year of funding.

If your organization is currently receiving Community Impact grant funding, you are eligible to submit a new application if you have completed all required reporting. Proposals must directly align with the South Coast Health Alliance 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (see above).

Southcoast Health and United Way of Greater New Bedford are seeking to support the most impactful programs that have existing infrastructure to track specific program success. Grants can be for a specific program or for operational support including funding to for staff salaries, associated benefits and taxes, supplies and materials for program, and other direct and indirect costs as reasonable for the success of the program.

Grants for capital projects will not be considered. Maximum: $25,000, minimum: $10,000 Program Alignment with the South Coast Health Alliance 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Applicants must aim to address at least one of the identified issue areas.

Applicants must properly project how they will address an issue area and report on their successes in achieving their outcomes at the end of the grant period: Quality of Program: Based on the projected number of beneficiaries achieving program indicator(s) and other supporting evidence, the applicant makes a clear case for the effectiveness of the program.

Partner credibility, leadership, and staff time: The applicant is credible and is willing to allot the appropriate amount of staff time (including leadership time) to achieve the application’s goals. Evaluation & Program Improvement: The applicant has a plan to evaluate their program or service and use that information to continuously improve the program or service.

Budget: The budget is reasonable given the potential impact of the program. Furthermore, the funding is used appropriately and is an integral part of the budget. Program Sustainability: The program has a track record of success in receiving grant funding.

The funding for the program is diverse enough that sustainability of the program is not in question. Financial Health of Organization: The applicant has a healthy financial position as assessed through their organizational budget, audit, and financial statements. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the Healthy Community Partnership Fund?

The Healthy Community Partnership Fund is a collaborative grant program created by Southcoast Health and United Way of Greater New Bedford. The fund combines the resources and expertise of both organizations to support nonprofit programs that improve the health and well-being of residents throughout the South Coast region. Why are Southcoast Health and United Way partnering?

Our organizations share a belief that healthy communities require more than quality healthcare. Factors such as housing, food security, transportation, education, income, and behavioral health all influence health outcomes. By working together, we can make larger, more strategic investments and better support organizations addressing these community needs.

Who is eligible to apply? Eligible applicants include: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations Public entities (such as municipalities, schools, or public agencies) Programs must benefit residents within the Southcoast Health and/or United Way of Greater New Bedford service areas. Can my organization submit more than one application?

Generally, organizations may submit only one application. Limited exceptions may be considered for organizations operating distinctly different programs. Please contact United Way of Greater New Bedford before applying if you believe your organization qualifies for an exception.

Can organizations apply jointly? Yes. Collaborative applications are encouraged.

One organization must serve as the lead applicant (or fiscal agent) and be responsible for grant administration, reporting, and communication. What types of projects will be funded?

Expansion of successful programs Operating support directly related to program delivery Personnel costs (salary, benefits, payroll taxes) Program supplies and materials Other reasonable direct and indirect costs necessary for program success Capital campaigns, building projects, and major equipment purchases will not be funded. Must our program address every Community Health Needs Assessment priority?

No. Programs should demonstrate meaningful alignment with at least one priority identified in the South Coast Community Health Alliance (SoCHA) 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). What are the CHNA priority areas? Programs should address one or more of the following: Maternal and Child Health What makes a strong application?

Successful proposals generally: Clearly identify the community need. Explain how the program addresses that need. Demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Show evidence that the program is effective. Present a realistic budget. Describe how the organization evaluates and improves its work.

Demonstrate organizational and financial stability. What should be included in the Letter of Interest? The Letter of Interest is limited to two pages and should include: A concise description of the program.

How the program aligns with one or more CHNA priorities. The specific outcomes and performance indicators the organization will measure during the grant period. The Letter of Interest is intended to help reviewers understand your program without requiring a full proposal.

How are organizations selected to submit a full proposal? Letters of Interest are reviewed for alignment with the funding priorities, program quality, organizational readiness, and potential community impact. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full Request for Proposal.

Will every organization that submits a Letter of Interest be invited to submit a full application? No. Because funding is limited, only selected applicants will be invited to complete a full proposal. Will interviews be required?

Some applicants, particularly new applicants or organizations requesting clarification, may be invited to participate in an interview or site visit as part of the review process. What outcomes should applicants measure? Organizations should select outcomes that are meaningful for their program and demonstrate change in the lives of participants—not simply the number of people served.

Increased access to healthcare Increased employment or income Improved child development Increased recovery supports Can we include stories as well as data? Yes. Quantitative data are essential, but personal stories, participant testimonials, and photographs (with appropriate permission) help illustrate the impact behind the numbers.

What reports are required? Reports will include participant demographics, outcome data, financial reporting, lessons learned, challenges encountered, and stories of impact. Are organizations currently funded by United Way eligible?

Yes. Organizations currently receiving Community Impact funding may apply provided all required grant reports have been submitted. Can new organizations apply?

Absolutely. Both current and first-time applicants are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Where do we submit our application?

All Letters of Interest and invited proposals must be submitted through the CommunityForce online grant portal. Who should we contact if we have questions? Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions on August 19 or August 20 at 5:00 p.

m. Additional questions may be directed to srose@unitedwayofgnb. org before the Letter of Interest deadline.