August 14, 2019, Worcester, MA —The Diocese of Worcester has announced that applications are now available for the St. Vincent Community Healthcare Fund grants. This is the twenty-first year for grants since it was established in June 1998. Forms with eligibility requirements are available through the Office of the Chancellor, Diocese of Worcester, 49 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609, phone 508-929-4345 or fax at 508-754-2768 or email [email protected] . Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2019.
Since 1999 a total of more than $1.2 million has been awarded for a variety of uses, including free health clinics, mental health and substance abuse counseling, nursing care, and medication for homeless families and residents of shelters. Each year more than 30 grants have been made totaling between $50,000 and $70,000. In 2018, 34 programs received a total of $64,050.
The Fund was announced in June 1998 and was started with $1.6 million that had been raised by the St. Vincent Development Foundation prior to the sale of the
St. Vincent Hospital to OrNda Healthcorp in 1996. At that time the Foundation ceased its operation. During the oversight process by the Attorney General’s Office, it was determined that the funds that had been raised by the Foundation would be given to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester to support health care programs and services in the community. These funds are to be used in accordance with the original wishes of the donors and with the original mission of the Foundation, namely that it be a nonprofit organization directly benefiting residents of Worcester County in healthcare; work for the development of medical and healthcare services by supporting and strengthening the services provided by nonprofit health care providers which provide services to residents of Worcester County; provide for the needs of Worcester County residents through the purchase of medical and other health care services or supplies; and the organization and its activity for which funding is requested must conform to the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Recipients must provide a completed Evaluation of Grant form to the Fund Allocations Committee at the end of the program funding.