WENATCHEE — Applications are being accepted for a grant to help community-based initiatives that promote better health and better access to healthcare in North Central Washington. The Community Health Partnership Fund is a joint project of Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group. 

The fund awards up to $500,000 to recipients, according to a press release from Confluence Health. The program is open to organizations in Grant, Okanogan, Douglas and Chelan counties, said Adam MacDonald, Confluence Health corporate communications program manager.  

Confluence Health CEO Dr. Andrew Jones said medical professionals know good health is more than treatment. 

“Through the Community Health Partnership Fund, we’re able to support organizations that are doing meaningful work to improve lives throughout the region we serve,” Jones said in the release. “Health is shaped by far more than just what happens inside hospitals and clinics. It grows from partnerships and a shared commitment to our community.”  

Grants focus on two main areas, MacDonald said. Health and wellness grants are awarded to projects that expand access to care, disease prevention and activities that promote wellness. Social determinants of health grants go to support initiatives related to food and housing security, community support systems, early education and economic stability. 

Suzanne Carte-Cocroft, chief philanthropy officer for Confluence, said the goal is to get the biggest return for every dollar.  

“Our goal is to support initiatives that create lasting, measurable impact in our region,” she said. “These focus areas help ensure we’re directing resources to programs that strengthen both individual and community health as we partner together to make the greatest impact possible.” 

Wenatchee Valley Medical Group President Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen said the applicants are working to improve the health of people in the region. 

“These grant applications come from a wide variety of organizations, but each shows a commitment to advancing and promoting the health and welfare of our region. We are looking forward to great submissions this year and encourage eligible organizations to apply, sharing how their work will improve health and wellbeing across our region,” Jorgensen said.  

Carte-Croft oversees the Confluence Health Foundation, which awards the grants. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or qualifying government agencies. 

Applications are being accepted through July 31 and are available on the Confluence Health Foundation website. An informational webinar is scheduled for 1 p.m. on June 10. People can register for that at the foundation website.