The program will award a total of up to $150,000 to not-for-profit organizations to help address unmet health needs across the region.

Grant proposals must align with the health priority areas identified in Southcoast Health’s most recent Community Needs Assessment. Past grantees represent a variety of programs ranging from outreach, care coordination and support groups for residents impacted by the opioid crisis, to building community gardens that provide nutrition education and access to fresh vegetables. Other applicable projects promote wellness through mindfulness and provide opportunities for physical activity.

The full list of criteria and more information about applying for the grant is available at www.southcoast.org/communitybenefits. The deadline for submission of a grant proposal is 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, March 31, 2019.

“We achieve life-long health in the community, not in a hospital.  As a not-for-profit healthcare system it is part of our mission to address the root causes of our region’s health needs, including social conditions that influence health,” said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Health. “We are excited to offer support for this important work to community organizations through this grant process.”

The annual Community Benefits Impact Opportunity program is part of a larger Community Benefits initiative, which improves the health quality of life for hundreds of thousands of residents on the South Coast. In the most recent report, for fiscal year 2017, Southcoast Health revealed it invested almost $19 million in community benefits activities, including charity care, hospital and community-based programs, and collaboration with regional health centers and health and human service agencies.

 “We understand that many factors can impact health,” noted Rachel Davis, Community Benefits Manager for Southcoast Health. “These include the social determinants of health such as access to nutritious and affordable food, safe and healthy housing, educational and work opportunities, and safe neighborhoods and outdoor spaces to engage in healthy activities.”

Community Benefits Impact Opportunity program has awarded 93 community impact grants totaling more than $409,565 since it began in 2016. For more information please visit www.southcoast.org/communitybenefits

community benefits