WORCESTER, Mass. (Dec. 16, 2025) – The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts today announced it has awarded $250,000 in emergency financial assistance grants to three nonprofit organizations serving the region during this time of economic uncertainty and growing need.
The grants were awarded proactively by The Health Foundation in response to rising demand for emergency assistance amid unpredictable federal funding and shifting policies that are threatening safety net programs. The funding will support emergency finance assistance for basic needs such as housing, utilities, and food, with an emphasis on reaching individuals and families who may not qualify for other assistance or who live in communities with fewer available resources. The grants are intended to provide agencies with the ability to respond immediately to urgent needs.
“In this time of great need, The Health Foundation is committed to partnering with three trusted community action agencies to provide financial assistance that will address important basic needs throughout Central Massachusetts,” said Amie Shei, president and CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. “These organizations share a commitment to underserved populations, and their expertise and compassion will ensure that critical financial assistance reaches those who are struggling to make ends meet.”
Community action agencies serve as trusted, locally-based organizations that administer federal and state funding programs aimed at helping residents overcome barriers to economic stability. By working through these agencies, The Health Foundation aims to ensure that funds reach households facing financial hardship.
Allocation of funds between the three agencies is based on a rough estimate of the portion of The Health Foundation’s geographic service area that each agency covers. The grant awards will support emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in the region. The recipient organizations are:
Worcester Community Action Council – $100,000
Making Opportunity Count – $100,000
South Middlesex Opportunity Council – $50,000
“These resources arrive at a pivotal moment for the neighbors we serve,” said Marybeth Campbell, CEO of Worcester Community Action Council. “Rising costs for basic essentials and diminishing public supports have created a perfect storm of economic insecurity. This generous philanthropic investment will make a meaningful impact when it’s needed most.”
“The need for emergency assistance is especially acute now, and having flexible resources means that we can respond quickly and thoughtfully to what people coming to us need in that moment,” said Kevin Reed, executive director of Making Opportunity Count. “We are deeply appreciative of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts for this generous support that will make a huge difference for the individuals we serve.”
“We are incredibly grateful to The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts for recognizing the acute need across the region as costs continue to rise and resources for assistance are threatened,” said Susan Gentili, president & CEO of South Middlesex Opportunity Council. “The stress created by financial hardship can be overwhelming. This emergency assistance grant comes at a critical moment and will serve as a lifeline for people across our region as they work to meet their basic needs.”
About The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts
The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs. Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity. As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care Inc., The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $60 million to more than 240 unique organizations over its history. For more information, visit www.thfcm.org.
