Grant Initiatives: Healthy communities lead to lower health care costs, robust community partnerships, and an overall enhanced quality of life. The completion of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) enabled the Greater Milford Community Health Network (CHNA 6) to take an in-depth look at how it can positively impact the health of its community over the next three years. As part of this process, CHNA 6 undertook a comprehensive community health improvement planning process to measurably enhance the health of the network’s community residents. CHNA 6 also took a strategic look at itself as an organization, to commit to its purpose and mission, strengthen its foundation and operations, and create a sustainable and successful organization for the future. 

CHNA 6 contracted with Holleran Consulting (Holleran), an independent research and consulting firm located in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, to lead the creation of the CHIP. Holleran has over 30 years of experience in conducting public health research and community health assessments. 

CHNA 6’s member organizations were engaged throughout the process, identifying and addressing challenges facing their constituents. The results of the Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC)'s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) 2024 were incorporated into the process, shedding light on the perceptions of key stakeholders and community members. The CHNA 6 community health improvement process engaged its members, community members, public health partners, and members of local organizations.  The following priorities were selected as a result of this process:   

1.  Priority Area #1: Health and Social Service Access and Navigation:

• GOAL: To address barriers to accessing local health care and social services.

2. Priority Area #2: Mental Health and Substance Use:

• GOAL: To reduce social isolation and the stigma associated with mental illness and increase the availability of related resources.

3.  Priority Area #3: Essential Needs and Well-being: food and housing insecurity, and access to SNAP benefits & MassHealth or other health insurance. 

• GOAL: To promote the conditions that allow residents to access food, housing, and health insurance. 

For the complete CHIP with strategies and outcome measures, click here.

Application Information:

The maximum grant amount is $75,000. Funding cannot be used to retroactively cover expenses already incurred. Projects must be in line with one or more strategies included in the CHIP. Applicants must be active participants in CHNA 6 (must have attended at least one meeting).

CHNA 6 requires Letter(s) of Collaboration whenever the grantee’s proposal is dependent upon or requires the cooperation of another organization for the success or execution of the program. Letters should state explicitly how the organization plans to collaborate with the grantee on the requested project.  Letters are required from School Superintendents for projects that involve school districts.

All grant applicants are required to submit the following:

1. Form of Intent
2. Narrative (including cover sheet)
3. Project budget and budget narrative (using excel spreadsheet in Submittable)
4. Most recent audited financials or copy of Form 990 (not required for municipalities)
5. IRS 501(c)3 determination letter (not required for municipalities)
6. Letter(s) of collaboration (if applicable) 

Forms of intent and full proposals must be submitted via the online application portal by 4:00 p.m. on the respective due dates. Incomplete or late proposals will not be considered for review.

Important Dates 

• January 9, 2026 Bidders Conference 
• January 16, 2026 Required Form of Intent due
• February 6, 2026 Grant proposals due
• March 6, 2026 Grants announced

Communities Served by CHNA 6

Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge.