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Determination of Needs (DoN) Funding Requests for Proposal
UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital works with and reports to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). The Determination of Need law and regulation governs Health Care Facilities as that term is defined in M.G.L. c 111, § 25B. Under Massachusetts law M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 25C and 51, proposals for a Substantial Capital Expenditure, Substantial Change in Services and Original Licensure as well as many Transfers of Ownership and Changes in Site for Health Care Facilities must be reviewed and approved under the DoN Regulatory scheme.
The purpose and objective of the DoN program is to encourage competition with a public health focus; to promote population health; to support the development of innovative health delivery methods and population health strategies within the health care delivery system; and, to ensure that resources will be made reasonably and equitably available to every person within the Commonwealth at the lowest reasonable aggregate cost. To that end, health care organizations must file a Determination of Need (DoN) application with DPH when capital improvement projects are planned for its facilities. New capital improvement projects (new construction and purchases) must be approved by the state’s Public Health Council, and five percent of expenses must go to community health. DPH has developed requirements and has issued guidelines on how these funds are distributed and monitored.
Since 2020, UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital has been distributing $2,350,000 in community benefits through the Determination of Needs (DoN) funding from our emergency department capital project. These funds represent 5% of the total cost of the ED renovation as approved by the Department of Public Health January 17, 2017.
HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital FY20 – FY24 DoN Program
Total amount to be distributed: $2,354,926
Term: FY20 – FY24 (October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2024)
Type of Distribution: RFP (Request for Proposal)
Criteria (revised as of 2022) is Based on:
- HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital’s most current Community Health Needs Assessment
- 2022-2024 Community Benefits Strategic Implementation Plan
Criteria Committee: Comprised of hospital officials, the Executive Director of the CHNA9 (Health Equity Partnership) and members of the Community Health Advisory Board
Distribution Committee: Comprised of hospital officials and community members unaffiliated with organizations completing the RFP to ensure transparency and eliminate conflicts of interest
Funds distributed to date: $1,928,211.38
For additional information on prior funding opportunities:
Tier 2 Funding: Requests of $50,000 or less
Prenatal, Postnatal, and Infant (PPI) Services Request for Proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who oversees the DoN program and the application process?
Who oversees the DoN program and the application process?
The Public Health Council of the Department of Health and Human Services accepts, reviews and approves all DoN applications within the Commonwealth.
Was it necessary for the UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Emergency Department Expansion to submit an application through the DoN program?
Was it necessary for the UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Emergency Department Expansion to submit an application through the DoN program?
Based on the Scope of the project, UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital did submit an application for not only the expansion but also the merger with Clinton Hospital. Both projects were approved by the Public Health Council which was announced in a press release on February 8, 2017.
What health care delivery strategies are required with the approval of the expansion application?
What health care delivery strategies are required with the approval of the expansion application?
Upon completion of the expansion project, UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital through its Foundation will be required to distribute $2,354,926 over a five-year period that will support programs which provide primary and preventative health services to underserved populations in our service area.
Why is this important?
Why is this important?
In accordance with the purpose and objectives of the DoN program, we are committed to support programs that will help promote population health and address the critical health care issues in our community. This will be done by providing funding within the community to our community partners.
What kind of health issues will be addressed?
What kind of health issues will be addressed?
Seven priority areas* have been identified as health indicators and social determinants of health, based on feedback from community stakeholders:
Health indicators:
- Behavioral health and substance abuse
- Chronic disease (heart disease, diabetes and cancer)
Social determinants of health:
- Healthy food and nutrition
- Economic stability
- Housing, neighborhood and built environment
- Social and community context
- Health care access and quality
Updated as of 2022 based on:
Who are the target populations and what is the geographic focus?
Who are the target populations and what is the geographic focus?
Target Populations: Black, Indigenous, and other people of color; recent immigrants and non-English speakers; people and families with low income; older adults, veterans; homeless people, children and adolescents; people who identify as LGBTQIA+
Focus Area: For the purposes of this RFP, the region is comprised of the cities and towns of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Clinton, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, and Winchendon.
What will the process look like when distributing funds?
What will the process look like when distributing funds?
An allocation committee will be established and will include members of the UMass Memorial Health – Health-Alliance-Clinton Hospital Community Benefits Advisory Committee, representation from the Community Health Network Area 9 (CHNA9/Health Equity Partnership) Committee along with local health members from UMass Memorial Health-HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital and key leadership from the community. On an annual basis, a formal RFP will be issued to all 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving in the North Worcester County. In coordination with HealthAlliance- Clinton leadership, the designated allocation committee will review, score, discuss and recommend final funding on an annual basis for all Tier 2 funds. Tier 1 funding will be reviewed by an internal committee and reported to the designated allocation committee on a biannual basis.
Where will the money come from to fund DoN grants?
Where will the money come from to fund DoN grants?
UMass Memorial Health – Health-Alliance-Clinton Hospital remains committed to the delivery of strategies to improve health and wellness within vulnerable populations. As a result, the hospital will set aside sufficient funds to successfully meet the DoN grant requirements. Over a five-year period, the hospital will have allocated a total of $1,352,002 to the community. To date, over $988,064 has been granted to community projects.
How much funding is available and how will it be distributed over the next few years?
How much funding is available and how will it be distributed over the next few years?
Approximately $1.5 million is available between 2022-2024. It is anticipated that approximately 40% will be made available in 2022, 30% in 2023 and 30% in 2024.
Are universities eligible entities?
Are universities eligible entities?
Yes, institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for the DoN Funds.
Are their indirect cost limitations on proposals?
Are their indirect cost limitations on proposals?
It is recommended that no more than a 15% of eligible expenses be requested to support indirect costs. Projects exceeding that amount should provide strong justification in their applications.
Can you submit to tier 1 and 2 AND be awarded both?
Can you submit to tier 1 and 2 AND be awarded both?
Yes, technically an organization can apply for Tier 1 and Tier 2. However, the distribution committee will seek to provide equitable distribution of the funding.
Do you accept collaborative grants?
Do you accept collaborative grants?
Yes, we urge applicants to develop rich collaborations with other organizations and entities to further leverage the DoN resources and create sustainability for their programming and projects.
If an organization is not located with the hospital’s service area but serves communities within the Hospital’s service area, is that organization eligible to apply for the DoN funds?
If an organization is not located with the hospital’s service area but serves communities within the Hospital’s service area, is that organization eligible to apply for the DoN funds?
Yes, the organization would be eligible to apply for funding.
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