← Well Summer 2020

Tufts Health Plan Foundation Gives Additional $1 Million to Community Organizations Affected by Coronavirus

Funding supports 49 nonprofits in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut

To aid communities facing unprecedented challenges resulting from coronavirus, Tufts Health Plan Foundation made an additional $1 million available to nonprofit organizations above its usual grantmaking.

“The resilience of our communities is inspiring,” said Tom Croswell, president and CEO of Tufts Health Plan. “Nonprofits are grappling with a shifting landscape and uncertain timelines, yet they continue to respond to emerging needs and deliver vital services. Our members and our communities depend on them, now more than ever.”

The Foundation worked with leaders from community, government and other key stakeholders across the region to coordinate distribution of funds. The $1 million dollars went to organizations working to improve access to food and address inequities in housing and services, and those working with older people and other populations at risk. It bolsters collaborative regional responses, particularly in communities reporting the highest rates of COVID-19 infection. You can see the full list of organizations here.

“As the coronavirus spreads throughout our region, it is clear communities of color and organizations serving older people are disproportionately affected,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, president of Tufts Health Plan Foundation and vice president for corporate citizenship at Tufts Health Plan. “Organizations working with those most at risk are a priority for the Foundation. More resources are essential to help all our communities face this public health crisis.”

To ease the pressures facing nonprofit organizations, the Foundation suspended reporting requirements, provided all grantees flexibility to adjust their budgets to support new work related to COIVD-19, and accelerated payments to current grantees. These advance payments gave community organizations an additional $1.5 million to support emerging priorities.

In addition, the Foundation is offering a two-for-one match to Tufts Health Plan employees and board members who donate to social justice organizations and those affected by the coronavirus. More than $200,000 has been contributed to nonprofits through this program since March.

Tufts Health Plan also has launched an Employee Relief Fund to support employees who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and are experiencing financial hardship, including the loss of a job by someone in their household.