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6 e Health Foundation's earliest days were not easy ones. Our founders – physicians affiliated with our predecessor organization, the Central Massachusetts Health Care nonprofit health main- tenance organization – volunteered countless hours to launch e Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts as one of the earliest health conversion foundations in Massachusetts and one of many formed across the country during a wave of conversions of nonprofit health care organizations. Our founders cared about getting it right. ey proceeded amidst intense scrutiny and community opposition, be- lieving that the eventual benefits would outweigh the initial toil – and they were right. In the years since its launch, e Health Foundation has pioneered a unique approach to grantmaking focused on community-defined needs and strate- gies that foster long-term sustainability. Health is defined broadly, and evalua- tion and advocacy are seen as essential tools for achieving necessary policy and systems changes to improve health and advance health equity. Grantees are supported in a hands-on way, with e Health Foundation accompanying them through whatever trials and tribulations may come in order to maximize their chances of success. In the pages that follow, we pay homage to our founders and our partners as we paint in broad strokes the rich history and unparalleled impact of this founda- tion. e book is a reminder that e Health Foundation's existence should not be taken for granted and that we should continue to strive to be the best stewards of these community assets that we can be. n It is amazing how quickly a quarter century can pass by when you are engaged in interesting and meaningful work. As we celebrate The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts' 25th anniversary in 2024 and look ahead to the next 25 years, we take a moment to pause, look back, and reflect on what this foundation has enabled throughout Central Massachusetts and beyond. Message from the President and CEO Introduction Dr. Amie Shei President and CEO