Southcoast Health and United Way of Greater New Bedford announced they are teaming up to launch the Healthy Community Fund. This innovative partnership is designed to strengthen support for local non-profit organizations working in the health and wellness sector across the South Coast region.
Through combining resources, this collaborative initiative 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.
"This partnership brings together two of the region's trusted legacy organizations with a shared commitment to building a healthier community. By combining our strengths, we can expand our reach, invest more strategically in local nonprofits, and create an even greater impact for the people and communities we proudly serve," said Michelle N. Hantman President & CEO of United Way of Greater New Bedford.
With this new opportunity, 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 wellbeing.
The Healthy Community Grant will accept letters of interest (LOI) from August 17 – September 28, 2026, with virtual information sessions offered on August 19 and 20.
The program will provide grants up to $25,000 to support programs benefiting residents in the Southcoast Health and/or the United Way of Greater New Bedford service areas in Massachusetts.
Southcoast Health serves over 50 communities across the region, and this partnership further demonstrates the system’s commitment to investing in the health and well-being of everyone in our community.
“Our continued partnership with United Way of Greater New Bedford reflects a shared commitment to advancing health and well-being across our region. By bringing together our unique strengths and expertise, we are investing in programs that address critical community needs and reduce barriers to care. Together, we are supporting healthier, more equitable outcomes for vulnerable populations and building stronger communities for the future,” said Lauren Melby Nieder, Vice President of Population Health at Southcoast Health.
To learn more and apply please visit Healthy Community Fund - Southcoast Health or Healthy Community Fund | United Way of Greater New Bedford.
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About Southcoast Health
Founded in 1996, Southcoast Health serves communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region. The not-for-profit, charitable system includes three acute care hospitals – Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford (a Level II Trauma Center), and Tobey in Wareham, Massachusetts with a physician network of more than 1,000 providers.
The system has established more than 75 service locations across the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including seven urgent care locations, Southcoast Health at Home, two cancer care locations, the region’s only Level II Adult Trauma Center and numerous ancillary facilities.
Southcoast Health has been recognized consecutively for eight years in a row as a Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospital from 2019-2026 and was named a Maternity Care Access Hospital from 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report. The organization was additionally recognized as a best place to work for the eighth consecutive year by SouthCoast Media Group’s Community’s Choice awards.
With nearly 8,600 employees, Southcoast Health is the largest employer in southeastern Massachusetts, and one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth, according to the Boston Business Journal. More information is available online at southcoast.org.
About United Way Greater New Bedford
United Way of Greater New Bedford (UWGNB) brings people, organizations, and resources together to improve lives across the South Coast. Since 1953, we have united our community to address its greatest challenges and create lasting change.
Through strategic investments, direct services, and cross-sector partnerships, United Way advances healthy communities, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. UWGNB invests in local nonprofits while leading initiatives that address urgent community needs, strengthen systems, and expand opportunity for everyone. Together with donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners, United Way creates lasting change across the South Coast.
As both a funder and direct service provider, UWGNB operates initiatives including the Family Resource & Development Center, Hunger Commission, New Bedford Community Connections Coalition, Financial Wellness programs, Volunteer SouthCoast, and competitive grant programs. Together with community partners, United Way creates lasting solutions that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.