Since 1998, Allegany Franciscan Ministries has supported programs assisting underserved and economically poor residents in Palm Beach , Martin and St. Lucie Counties , continuing the work begun by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany when they arrived in West Palm Beach in 1939. Through investing in efforts to increase the cultural competency of health care providers and in health promotion and health education with racially and ethnically diverse individuals, we strive to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities, increase access to health services and improve the overall health status of underserved populations in the greater Palm Beach area.

We are committed to engaging and seeking the advice of community partners including those we seek to serve, so that our strategic objectives and grantmaking activities are aligned to effectively meet the needs of the local community. To date, we have awarded over 400 grants totaling more than $8,000,000 to community-based organizations in cultural competency, healthcare, community organizing, education, advocacy, and non-profit capacity building efforts.

In the spirit of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and Catholic Health East, our intent is to provide resources in a way that creates an atmosphere of healing for those most in need. We also strive to partner effectively with other local foundations, grass-roots organizations, and service providers to achieve systemic change and advance the cause of social justice and community health and wellbeing.

We provide funding through several grant programs, with different guidelines and processes. Major Grants, Tau Grants, and Capacity Building Scholarships are provided to community organizations to help achieve our goal of increasing access to healthcare and improving the overall health status of the Palm Beach Region’s underserved populations. In partnership with Palm Healthcare Foundation, we also offer grants through the Lorraine Gallagher Freimann Healthcare Initiative.

A Regional Commission, composed of a dedicated and experienced group of community volunteers, meets on a regular basis to assist staff in setting funding priorities, identifying potential investment opportunities, and selecting proposals for funding. Final funding decisions are made by Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ Board of Trustees.

For more information about funding and partnership opportunities within the Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ Palm Beach Region, please contact Eric Kelly, Regional Vice President here.