Partnership for Better Health is a public charity based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It funds grants and initiatives to improve health and advance health equity in its region, with an emphasis on social determinants of health and the root causes of poor health among underserved or marginalized populations.
Key facts about Partnership for Better Health
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.
- EIN
- 23-1352161
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,719,149
- Grants made (2025)
- 54
- Average grant
- $50,355
- Median grant
- $36,250
- New grantees (estimate)
- 39% first-time grantees (21 of 54, 2025)
- Total assets
- $107,751,581
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Applications are submitted through the Partnership’s online grants system. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The listed application deadlines are August 3, December 1, and March 1, with decisions by November 15, March 15, and…
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$107.8M
+8.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.7M
+10.4% YoY
Grant Count
54
+17.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$50K
-5.9% YoY
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Partnership’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.
Funding priorities include health equity, social determinants of health, and addressing root causes of health inequities. The foundation identifies social determinants funding areas including health care access and quality; social and community context; economic stability; education access and quality; and neighborhood and the built environment. Project grants may support such work as service navigation, behavioral health prevention and services, direct health services not otherwise funded through reimbursement, language access, staff development, and eligible capital projects.
The grantees’ own mission statements illustrate the kinds of organizations supported. Sadler Health Center Corporation says it advances community health through inclusive, high-quality, compassionate care. Employment Skills Center describes its work as adult education and training, including occupational skills training and supportive services. Carlisle Cares says it provides emergency shelter, resources, and supportive services to people and families experiencing homelessness in Cumberland County. Perry Housing Partnership says it develops and preserves housing for low- and moderate-income households in Perry County.
Grantmaking
In fiscal 2024–2025, the Partnership reported awarding $2,455,196 for 85 grants and other assistance to local organizations. Its program figures for that fiscal year were:
Review Cycle
; applicants may apply for General Operating Support but no other grant type for that deadline. Grants cannot fund, among other things, annual fund drives, loans, electoral activities, endowment drives, individual scholarships or medical bills, operating deficits, retroactive expenses, or capital expenditures over $50,000 for program-related needs.
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
Rolling / Open
General Operating Support Grants
Partnership for Better Health
Amount
$10,000 - $50,000/year
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Health Justice Initiative Grants
Partnership for Better Health
Amount
$25,000 - $50,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Partnership for Better Health?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Partnership’s defined service area includes all of Perry County, western and central Cumberland County, northern Adams County, and greater Shippensburg. Its grants must benefit residents of this area.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 54 itemized grants.
States
Cities
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.
Grant Insights
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.
Grant Size Distribution
220 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 143 grants of 220 (65%).
Giving History
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 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $107,751,581 | $5,818,512 | $4,110,896 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | $99,366,496 | $6,556,664 | $3,724,661 | $2,461,919 | 46 |
| 2023 | $91,499,514 | $3,739,001 | $3,418,028 | $2,020,338 | 34 |
The 2024–2025 fiscal-year grant and other assistance total reported by the Partnership is separate from the filing-year figures above.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $107,751,581 | $99,366,496 | $91,499,514 |
| Revenue | $5,818,512 | $6,556,664 | $3,739,001 |
| Expenses | $4,110,896 | $3,724,661 | $3,418,028 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,395,412 | $4,893,283 | $1,500,610 |
Data update history
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
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; Gail Wenk Du Pont as secretary; and Joyce Bylander as the fifth member of the executive committee. Other listed board members are Katie Crane, Bradley Griffie, Esq., Sherry Knowlton, Michael Lyman, PhD, and Laura Megivern.
Carol Thornton is identified as the Partnership’s Director of Grants and Public Policy.
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 274 Wilson Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Phone: (717) 960-9009
Website: https://forbetterhealthpa.org
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 (11 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. 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 Partnership’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?
Applications are submitted through the Partnership’s online grants system. 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 September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Partnership for Better Health by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Partnership for Better Health's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
John Crain Kunkel Foundation
Mechanicsburg, PA
The John Crain Kunkel Foundation funds health care, arts and science, education, social services, and cultural organizations, primarily in Pennsylvania—especially Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Perry, and Juniata counties. Its 2025 grants ranged from $4,000 to $90,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts online applications from January 1 through September 1; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$13.5M
Grants
39
Total Given
$650K
United Way of the Capital Region
Enola, PA
United Way of the Capital Region funds programs addressing basic needs, health-care access, school readiness, workforce development and community resilience, primarily in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties, Pennsylvania. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,183 to $160,751, with a median of $9,231. It directs agencies to submit funding proposals through its e-CImpact system; the information does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$30.6M
Grants
67
Total Given
$1.0M
Community Aid Inc
York, PA
CommunityAid Foundation funds central Pennsylvania nonprofits addressing housing, food, and basic needs, including urgent needs and organizational growth. Its 2025 itemized grants ranged from $5,003 to $30,000, with a median of $8,150. The Foundation says its monthly grant cycles are always open for applications.
Assets
$44.1M
Grants
38
Total Given
$403K
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Harrisburg, PA
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities funds nonprofit work across areas including health and human services, education, arts and culture, community development, workforce development, mental health, and the environment, with priorities varying by grant opportunity and service area. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,001 to $1,238,450, with a median of $12,996; most funding went to Pennsylvania, though recipients in other states also received grants. It offers competitive grant opportunities with online applications, but the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$161.0M
Grants
285
Total Given
$7.7M
Members 1ST Charitable Foundation
Enola, PA
The foundation supports local grassroots nonprofits in South Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania, with interests including arts and culture, education, financial literacy, health, social services, diversity and inclusion, and veterans’ services. Recent grants ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts online applications on a rolling basis, with listed 2026 deadlines of February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Assets
$178K
Grants
41
Total Given
$186K
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County
Carlisle, PA
United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland funds local human-service programs focused on health, education, financial stability, and safety-net needs in Carlisle and Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,123 to $102,283, with a median of $19,682. Eligible nonprofits may apply to become partner agencies; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$3.1M
Grants
42
Total Given
$1.2M
Airie Knipel Harry V and J William
Hanover, PA
The J. William Warehime Foundation funds charitable organizations, educational bodies, and government agencies for basic-needs services and specific projects, with a focus on York and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,500 to $1 million, with a median award of $25,000; operational grants are typically $2,500–$50,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$125.4M
Grants
93
Total Given
$5.9M
Stewart Alexander MD Fdn Tr Udeed
Pittsburgh, PA
This Pennsylvania foundation supports legal services, food access, human services, recreation, emergency services, and community organizations; its 2025 grants went to Pennsylvania recipients. Grants ranged from $3,000 to $30,000, with a median of $8,000. The 2024 filing says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations and refers applicants to attached materials for application details, but does not explicitly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8.8M
Grants
46
Total Given
$436K
Kenneth Bankert Foundation Inc
Hummelstown, PA
The Kenneth Bankert Foundation primarily funds Central Pennsylvania organizations serving student athletes, children with cancer, veterans, people with disabilities, and children, as well as efforts to prevent child abuse; it says all requests will be considered. Recent grants ranged from $5,000 to $25,000, with a median of $15,000. Its filing says eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may submit requests, which are reviewed at quarterly meetings.
Assets
$2.6M
Grants
21
Total Given
$289K
McCormick Family Fdn Agent 80397
Buffalo, NY
The foundation supports charitable organizations across areas including education, arts and culture, and human services, with nearly all 2024 grant dollars going to Pennsylvania recipients. Its 56 grants ranged from $1,000 to $40,000, with a median of $5,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1K
Grants
56
Total Given
$523K
Aetna Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
Aetna Foundation supported health and wellness, access to health care, and related community needs; its 2021 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to organizations across multiple states, especially in D.C. and Connecticut. Its 2021 filing was marked final, so it appears to have ended or be winding down grantmaking; that filing said there were no restrictions on who could apply and pointed applicants to its website for application materials.
Assets
—
Grants
65
Total Given
$7.2M
Rice Family Foundation
Hanover, PA
The Rice Family Foundation funds eligible organizations working in education, health, and family well-being, primarily in the greater Hanover, Pennsylvania area, with some grants beyond it. In 2025, grants ranged from $500 to $320,000, with a median of $5,000; it accepts applications online or by mail and does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$21.7M
Grants
70
Total Given
$710K
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Partnership for Better Health down — hundreds of funders to go?