Types of organizations eligible for funding include:
- Non-profit organizations with a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) designation as determined by the Internal Revenue Service;
- Programs or coalitions operating under a fiscal sponsor* with verified tax-exempt status; and
- Government or quasi-government entities (e.g. municipalities, school districts).
*For more information on fiscal sponsorship and links to related resources, including sample agreements, please click here.
Geographic Requirements
Applicant organizations must either be located in or provide programs or services directly benefiting individuals who live or work in our geographic service area, which consists of 81 cities and towns in Central Massachusetts. Organizations located outside of the Foundation’s geographic service area seeking funding for projects focused in Central Massachusetts should contact Foundation staff at info@thfcm.org for guidance before applying, as additional information may be required.
Our Service Area
Our service area is comprised of the 60 cities and towns that make up Worcester County and 21 contiguous communities, for a total of 81 communities.
Funding Exclusions
In general, the following types of funding requests are not considered:
- Startup or seed funding to support general operations for newly established organizations;
- Endowments;
- Undesignated support for fundraising campaigns;
- Sponsorship of events;
- Scholarships;
- Recurring operating expenses (as the sole purpose of the grant); or
- Retirement of operating deficits/debt
In addition, by law, The Health Foundation is not permitted to provide direct support to individuals for projects, scholarships, or health care, nor may it fund electoral activities or candidates for public office.
Check Your Eligibility
If you are not sure if you meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements, take our eligibility quiz and contact Foundation staff for additional guidance, as needed.
Additional Funding Requirements
- Applicants selected for funding will be asked to provide evidence of liability insurance coverage as a provision in the grant agreement as an important business practice. Organizations without such coverage may include the cost of purchasing said policies as indirect costs. For more specifics, please see the Resources for Applicants & Grantees page.