Community Grants Program
In 1990, Dignity Health, the parent organization of the local Mercy hospitals, launched a community grants program to support nonprofit organizations addressing critical health and human services in areas served by Dignity Health. Each fall, Sacramento and other Dignity Health service areas distribute community grants to deserving, eligible nonprofit groups.
Dignity Health's role
Since 1990, Dignity Health has distributed $5.3 million to 247 local organizations and $27.7 million in community grants throughout the Dignity Health system. In the Sacramento area, Dignity Health's 2009 community grants totaled $576,374 and were distributed to 31 local nonprofit agencies in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and Nevada counties. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 and were awarded to agencies attempting to address the underlying causes of illness - such as homelessness, violence, hunger - as well as specific health issues.
