Partnership for Better Health
Partnership for Better Health is a public charity based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, formed in 2001. It funds grants and initiatives intended to improve health and address health disparities and their root causes among people and communities in its region.
Partnership for Better Health at a glance
In short: Partnership for Better Health gave $2.7M across 54 grants in 2025 (avg $50K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 39% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,719,149
- +10.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 54
- +17.4% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $50,355
- -5.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $36,250
- Total assets
- $107,751,581
- +8.4% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 39% first-time grantees (21 of 54, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Partnership for Better Health
- How to Apply
-
The Partnership provides an online application process for its grant programs.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists general application deadlines of August 3, December 1, and March 1; the August 3 date had passed as of October 2, 2026. The Spark Grants listing gives a deadline of December 1, 2026.
- Deadline
- The website lists general application deadlines of August 3, December 1, and March 1; the August 3 date had passed as…
- Contact
Mailing address: 274 Wilson Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Phone: (717) 960-9009
Website: https://forbetterhealthpa.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Partnership for Better Health
Foundation Initiatives - Housing/Homelessness, Food Systems, Home Health Care, Wellness@Work, Perry County Health Coalition
Partnership for Better Health
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
General Operating Support Grants
Partnership for Better Health
Amount
$10,000 - $50,000/year
Deadline
Deadline not published
Health Justice Initiative Grants
Partnership for Better Health
Amount
$25,000 - $50,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Partnership for Better Health funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Sadler Health Center Corporation ($545K). Together the top 10 received $1.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($16,825), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
220 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 143 grants of 220 (65%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Partnership’s stated service area comprises all of Perry County, western and central Cumberland County, northern Adams County, and greater Shippensburg. Its 2025 reported grants went entirely to Pennsylvania recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 54 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Partnership for Better Health open to new grantees?
39%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 21 of 54 grantees (39%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $30K; repeat grants $64K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $44K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.8M (2021) to $2.7M (2025). In 2025 it made 54 grants totaling $2.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sadler Health Center Corporation Carlisle, PA | Support the provision of dental services and community health worker support in addressing social determinants of health regardless of patients' ability to pay. | $545,000 |
| NLC Lifeworks Carlisle, PA | To advocate and coordinate services for underserved community members in need of services to address social determinants of health; housing coalition of Cumberland county & housing strategic plan | $165,000 |
| Carlisle Cares Carlisle, PA | Coordinated entry;assist with the operations and improvements at our family shelter located in shippensburg, pa serving hundreds each year. | $135,000 |
| Tomorrow's Neighbors Carlisle, PA | Tomorrow's Neighbors - General Operating Support | $100,000 |
| YWCA Carlisle Carlisle, PA | General operating support; second season: a gathering for women; establish and manage a county-wide human trafficking coalition to improve survivor support, education for caregivers and direct service Providers, and county-wide resource coordination. | $97,280 |
| Substance Abuse Services Inc Harrisburg, PA | Provide Substance Use Disorder Services and Supports. | $90,000 |
| Church World Service Harrisburg (PA) Harrisburg, PA | The purpose of this grant is to ensure refugees have access to stable, permanent housing at a fragile time when the federal funding freezes have disrupted housing assistance for new neighbors throughout our region. | $75,000 |
| Pa Community Health Worker Collaborative Pittsburgh, PA | To empower community health workers through training, advocacy, and collaboration to improve health outcomes and advance equity, as well as achieve sustainable financing for chws in Pennsylvania. | $69,250 |
| Leaf Project Inc Landisburg, PA | General operating support; to grow leaf's kitchen capacity in order to meet the needs of our community for healthy convenient food. | $65,000 |
| The Harbor Church of the Nazarene Inc Shippensburg, PA | To expand recovery resources to our community beyond our own recovery house | $60,776 |
Ready to take the next step with Partnership for Better Health?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $107,751,581 | $5,818,512 | $4,110,896 | $2,719,149 | 54 | $3,395,412 |
| 2024 | $99,366,496 | $6,556,664 | $3,724,661 | $2,461,919 | 46 | $4,893,283 |
| 2023 | $91,499,514 | $3,739,001 | $3,418,028 | $2,020,338 | 34 | $1,500,610 |
| 2022 | $86,864,205 | $4,189,583 | $3,555,363 | $2,250,128 | 37 | $1,537,917 |
| 2021 | $107,369,093 | $3,866,688 | $2,950,771 | $1,786,927 | 49 | $1,516,115 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to champion and invest in ideas, initiatives, and collaborations that advance equity and improve the health of people and communities in its region. Its stated values include equity, advocacy, collaboration, stewardship, and innovation.
Its funding opportunities include flexible general operating support for existing grantees working on health equity, project grants addressing root causes of poor health, and Spark Grants for emergent community needs. The website highlights issues including service navigation, behavioral health, direct health services not otherwise funded through reimbursement, language access, and community-based solutions. It also gives priority consideration to work that centers people with lived experience.
Grantees’ missions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Sadler Health Center Corporation says it advances community health through inclusive, high-quality, compassionate care. Carlisle Cares describes its work as providing emergency shelter, resources, and supportive services to people and families experiencing homelessness in Cumberland County. Tomorrow’s Neighbors says it provides re-entry services and supportive, affordable housing for people returning from incarceration. The LEAF Project describes connecting youth to food, land, and one another through farm work, culinary skills, and community outreach.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Partnership reported 54 grants totaling $2,719,149. Grants ranged from $7,200 to $545,000, with a median of $36,250. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania.
The largest reported grants included $545,000 to Sadler Health Center Corporation for dental services and community health worker support; $165,000 to NLC LifeWorks for services addressing social determinants of health and housing work; $135,000 to Carlisle Cares for coordinated entry and family shelter operations and improvements; and $100,000 to Tomorrow’s Neighbors for general operating support. Other large grants included $97,280 to YWCA Carlisle, $90,000 to Substance Abuse Services Inc., and $75,000 to Church World Service Harrisburg.
The website lists general operating grants of $10,000–$50,000 per year, project grants of $5,000.01–$100,000 per year, and Spark Grants of up to $5,000 per year. General operating grants are for eligible existing grantees; first-time awards are one year, with successful applicants eligible to apply for multi-year grants. Project grants are one year for first-time applicants, with prior recipients invited to apply for two-year grants for the same project. Applicants must meet the applicable nonprofit and geographic eligibility requirements. Applications are submitted online. The guidelines exclude uses such as annual fund drives, operating deficits, retroactive expenses, and capital expenditures over $50,000 for program-related needs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Trish Niemitz RN as chairperson; Roderick Frazier DDS as vice chair; Marisol Barber as treasurer; and Gail Wenk Du Pont as secretary. Other listed board members are Joyce Bylander, Katie Crane, Bradley Griffie Esq, Sherry Knowlton, Michael Lyman PhD, and Laura Megivern.
Partnership for Better Health is led by Rebecca H. Raley Ma, Executive Director on every filing since 2023; 3 of 16 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Rebecca H. Raley Ma
Executive Director
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$124K (2023) → $27K (2025)
Carol Thornton Mpa
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
$111K (2025)
Trish Niemitz RN
Chairperson
Secretary → Board Member, 2023
Board Member → Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ann Carney
Finance Director
On filings since 2024
30 hrs/week
$20K (2024) → $70K (2025)
Lakshmi Polavarapu MD
Board Member
Board Member → 5th Member -Exec. Committee, 2023
5th Member -Exec. Committee → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark Price PhD
Board Member
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marisol Barber
Treasurer
Board Member → Secretary, 2024
Secretary → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joyce Bylander
5th Member Exe. Committee
Board Member → 5th Member Exe. Committee, 2025
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Katie Crane
Board Member
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bradley Griffie Esq.
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gail Wenk Du Pont
Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Megivern
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Lyman PhD
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Myers Msw
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roderick Frazier DDS
Vice Chair
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sherry Knowlton
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (24)
- Former: Barbara Kirk (2021–2024) — Int. Finance Director · Filing note: Retired 11223
- Former: Benjamin Dum Jr. (2021–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Molly Fortney (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Win Cleland PhD (2021–2024) — 5th Member -Exec. Committee
- Former: Medha D. Makhlouf JD (2022–2024) — Vice Chair
- Former: Rebecca Myers (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Robert Frazier DDS (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Stephen Bartoli Cima (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Taro Landis Chief (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Carol Thornton (2024) — Int. Executive Director
- Former: Gail Wenk Dupont (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Christopher Farrands CPA (2021–2023) — Chairperson
- Former: George Pomeroy PhD (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Helen Houpt Mls (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jennifer Byers (2023) — Finance Director
- Former: Alvin Blitz (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Ellen Peters (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Helen Houpt (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Rebecca H. Raley (2021–2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Stephen Bartoli (2021–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Taro Landis (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Deborah Fulham Winston (2021) — Chairperson
- Former: Lori Amey (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Nancy Gregor (2021) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $111K, to Carol Thornton MPA (Exec. Director (Beg. 1/14/24)). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Partnership for Better Health
How much does Partnership for Better Health give each year?
Partnership for Better Health gave $2.7M across 54 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $2.5M across 46 grants.
What is Partnership for Better Health's typical grant size?
Partnership for Better Health's median grant in 2025 was $36,250, and its average grant was $50,355, across 54 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Partnership for Better Health that year got $30K on average.
Where does Partnership for Better Health give grants?
Partnership for Better Health gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Carlisle, PA (14 grants), Shippensburg, PA (10 grants), Harrisburg, PA (5 grants) and Gettysburg, PA (3 grants).
Does Partnership for Better Health give general operating support?
Yes: 30% of Partnership for Better Health's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (16 of 54) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Partnership for Better Health's largest grantees?
Partnership for Better Health's largest 2025 grantees include Sadler Health Center Corporation ($545,000), NLC Lifeworks ($165,000) and Carlisle Cares ($135,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($16,825), which are not listed by name. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Partnership for Better Health?
Partnership for Better Health reported $107.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.8M.
What does Partnership for Better Health fund?
The organization’s mission is to champion and invest in ideas, initiatives, and collaborations that advance equity and improve the health of people and communities in its region. Its stated values include equity, advocacy, collaboration, stewardship, and innovation. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Partnership for Better Health?
The Partnership provides an online application process for its grant programs. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Partnership for Better Health's EIN?
Partnership for Better Health's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-1352161. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 2, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 23, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 10, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Live grants for the work Partnership for Better Health funds
Health Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Partnership for Better Health's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Partnership for Better Health funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/partnership-for-better-health-morg_731900bf1ce642b197f20810d94d244a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_231352161_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Partnership for Better Health funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/partnership-for-better-health-morg_731900bf1ce642b197f20810d94d244a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
} The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Partnership for Better Health's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Partnership for Better Health down — hundreds of funders to go?