WATERTOWN, Mass -- December 5, 2012 -- The Tufts Health Plan Foundation announced today nearly $1 million in new funding to 31 Massachusetts and Rhode Island-based organizations as part of its second cycle of funding for 2012. In total, the foundation distributed approximately $2.8 million in grants to 77 non-profit organizations in 2012.

Since 2009, when the Tufts Health Plan Foundation began focusing its grantmaking on healthy aging programs, the foundation has given approximately $10 million to programs that support the cause. As the foundation enters into its fifth year of grantmaking, it will support healthy aging programs that fall into one of three areas: Health & Wellness, Purposeful Engagement and Empowerment. It will also work more closely with a select group of grantees on Capacity-Building strategies to enable growth.

"This is a critical time for healthy aging programs as the population of older adults rises exponentially and, as a result, more family and friends are devoting their time to informal caregiving," said David Abelman, president of the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. "Our grantees are doing outstanding work in their communities through a wide variety of programs that improve the lives of older adults. It is an honor to stand by their side as we work together to make a meaningful difference in the coming year."

2012 grantees provide a range of programs and services that enhance the lives of older adults both physically and mentally. For example, programs range from health and wellness activities to self-management and chronic disease prevention to fall prevention and caregiver support. The foundation also supports many programs that get older adults out into the community through transportation assistance, volunteerism, encore careers and/or collaboration with young people. For a full list of 2012 grant recipients, please visit: http://www.tuftshealthplanfoundation.org/pdf/2012_Grants.pdf