Mass General Brigham Announces $2 Million in Funding to Advance Economic Mobility and Behavioral Health

Mass General Brigham today announced a targeted round of Community Health Impact Funding awards, totaling $2 million, to five community-based organizations working to advance economic stability and mobility and expand access to mental and behavioral health services across Greater Boston.

The targeted funding approach delivers timely support to trusted organizations that address key areas prioritized by community members in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. Strategic funding and partnerships like this support and sustain a consistent flow of resources to improve health outcomes, access to care, economic opportunity and wellbeing in the communities Mass General Brigham collectively serves. 

This funding marks the latest award from the largest Determination of Need (DoN) investment in Massachusetts history—triggered by the construction of the Philip and Susan Ragon Building, a new state-of-the-art clinical facility on the hospital’s main campus, slated to open in 2027. These awards are part of a broader $62 million community investment and community collaboration.

"Improving health outcomes and advancing health equity require both strong community partnerships and sustained investment in the conditions that shape health and wellbeing," said Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, Chief Community Health and Health Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham. "We are proud to support and partner with organizations that offer deep expertise and trust within their communities and drive real progress in expanding access to mental health services and economic opportunities. This funding supports their continued impact and helps scale solutions that we know work."

Following analysis of community health needs data, interviews with organizational leaders, and review and approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the selected organizations will implement programs aligned with two priority areas: economic stability and mobility, and mental and behavioral health. 

The economic stability and mobility awardees are:

• Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción
• Immigrant Family Services (IFSI)
• North American Indian Center of Boston

The mental and behavioral health awardees are:

• Native American LifeLines
• Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts

These organizations were selected for their authentic community ties and ability to address the root causes of health inequities, including workforce access, financial instability, and barriers to culturally responsive care. Funding will support a range of community-driven strategies, including workforce development partnerships, culturally grounded mental and behavioral health services, financial empowerment programming, and expanded pathways to employment and long-term economic stability.