Community Support Grants

In response to the long-lasting and substantial social and economic consequences facing Boston residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tufts Medical Center is launching a competitive grant program to community-based organizations serving the Chinatown and local Asian community, Dorchester, South End and South Boston, starting in July, 2021. The grant initiative, which features pledged support of $700,000, is designed to address the financial stress intensified by the pandemic and combat pre-existing wealth gaps in Boston communities. The grants support community-based organizations and their programs and improve residents’ economic situations with sustainable, long-term pathways to economic well-being and prosperity.

“Over the past year, we have heard from many members of our local Chinatown, South End, South Boston and Dorchester neighborhoods about the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives,” said Michael Tarnoff, MD, President and CEO of Tufts Medical Center and Tufts Medical Center. “Rampant job loss and reduced work hours continue to persist within the community more than a year later. Additional stressors of social determinants of health, such as food and housing insecurity, remain serious problems as well. Tufts Medical Center is proud and honored to give back to our friends and neighbors and do our part to help these community-based organizations in their invaluable work to support sustainable local economic recovery and stability.”

Many of the communities that suffered the greatest strain historically also have been marginalized, without adequate resources and opportunities to quickly recover economically. While the economic situation in Boston has improved for some residents, many continue to face the same financial hardships caused or exacerbated by the pandemic and pre-existing wealth gaps across racial/ethnic groups, gender, education level, immigration status and socio-economic status. As a result, the Tufts MC grant initiative targets support to a great range of activities: workforce development and training programs with career pathways and pipelines; housing and financial literacy workshops; 1:1 financial coaching; transitional employment; local small business support and coaching; recovery services and support; ESOL classes and many more.

Tufts Medical Center is proud to partner with the following twenty-two community-based organizations: Asian American Civic Association, Asian Community Development Corporation, Bikes not Bombs, Black Economic Justice Institute, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Boston Little Saigon, Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, Castle Square Tenants Organization, Center for Teen Empowerment, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, Community Work Services, Compass, Found in Translation, Four Corners Main Street, Gavin Foundation, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, Kwong Kow Chinese School, Parents Management, South Boston NDC, St. Mary's Center, United South End Settlements, Wang YMCA.

“Asian American Civic Association (AACA) is pleased to partner with Tufts Medical Center and Wellforce to pilot a new workforce development program to train participants to navigate and utilize Epic databases,” said Mary Chin, CEO of the Asian American Civic Association. “This free training will empower students and clients at AACA to learn new skills that will enable them to start new careers at major hospital systems and insurance companies. Immigrants and economically disadvantaged individuals from across Boston neighborhoods and beyond will get specialized training, wraparound support services and direct placement into significantly higher-paying jobs. This partnership will enable these individuals to attain better, more sustainable futures.”