Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Announce 2026 Award Recipients to Strengthen Community Health Across North Central Washington

Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group today announced the recipients of the 2026 Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Community Health Partnership Fund grants. In total, 75 organizations received a combined $505,474 for community-focused projects that support the health and well-being of people across North Central Washington.

Funded jointly by Confluence Health and the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, and administered by the Confluence Health Foundation, the fund was created to help support causes and organizations in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties. The fund annually awards approximately $500,000 in grants that serve the community with a focus on two key areas: health and wellness, and the social determinants of health. The 2026 cycle received nearly $1.8 million in requests, underscoring the growing demand for community-based health initiatives and the importance of investing in local health.

“Every year, these grants highlight the incredible work being done across North Central Washington to improve the health and well-being of our community,” remarked Dr. Andrew Jones, CEO of Confluence Health. “We are proud to support organizations that are creating meaningful change, strengthening local resources, and making a lasting difference for the people they serve.”

“Healthy communities grow stronger when local partners come together with compassion, purpose, and a shared commitment to helping residents thrive,” said Suzanne Carté-Cocroft, chief philanthropy officer for Confluence Health. “The Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Community Health Partnership Fund allows us to invest in programs that advance health and wellness while addressing the broader social factors that shape well-being for residents of our region.”

“This year’s recipients are doing remarkable work, and we are thrilled to support their efforts,” she added. “Together, we are helping carry forward the generosity of Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group by investing in community organizations that are improving lives and building a stronger future across North Central Washington.”

Grant recipients are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Chelan, Douglas, Grant, or Okanogan counties. Each organization may submit one proposal per annual funding cycle. Previously administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, the Confluence Health Foundation began managing the fund directly starting May 1, 2025.

Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen, president of the Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, added, “One of the most rewarding parts of this program is seeing the creativity, dedication, and passion these organizations bring to improving life in our region. We look forward to seeing how this year’s grants will support projects that strengthen health and wellbeing and create a positive impact for years to come.”

Each of the 75 funded organizations is advancing health and well-being in its own way through one or both of the fund’s two focus areas. Among this year’s grant recipients, three organizations received the largest individual awards of $20,000 each: NCW Tech Alliance, North Central Washington Peer Connection, and Small Miracles.

NCW Tech Alliance received funding to continue its Confluence Access Navigator Network, which works to improve digital health access across four rural counties. The project will support community-based digital navigators, update bilingual resources, provide assistance related to Medicaid enrollment and verification, and introduce a virtual learning series focused on rural medicine for young people. These efforts are intended to reduce digital barriers and help people more confidently use tools such as MyChart and telehealth.

North Central Washington Peer Connection was awarded funding for Bridges to Stability, a program providing peer support and connections to housing, education, employment, and recovery resources. The organization also offers meals, showers, laundry, community groups, and emergency financial assistance to help people address immediate needs and move toward greater stability and wellbeing.

Small Miracles also received funding to provide food for students through its summer lunch program, after-school snacks, and open pantries in local school districts. The grant will help the organization stock essential food items, respond to requests from additional schools, and ensure students have access to food during the summer and throughout the school year.

“These projects and all this year’s recipients reflect the purpose of these grants: investing in local organizations that are improving health and strengthening our community,” said Dr. Jones. “We are proud to support their work and grateful for the lasting impact these programs will have across North Central Washington.”

More information about the Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Community Health Partnership Fund and other community support programs is available on the Confluence Health community support page.