Determination of Needs (DoN) Funding Requests for Proposal
Frequently Asked Questions
The Public Health Council of the Department of Health and Human Services accepts, reviews and approves all DoN applications within the Commonwealth.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital’s most current Community Health Needs Assessment
- 2022-2024 Community Benefits Strategic Implementation Plan
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for the DoN Funds.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the organization would be eligible to apply for funding.