Background

This Request for Proposals (RFP) invites community partners to apply for $2 million in Community Health Impact Funds. These funds, originating from Mass General Hospital's investment in the new Phillip and Susan Ragon Building, are specifically dedicated to supporting the Food and Nutrition Security priority identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Advisory Board (CAB) to create lasting improvements in the health and wellness of the communities we serve.

Access to food and healthy nutrition are part of the social determinants of health (SDOH)--those social and economic factors that have an enormous impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. Strategies that improve access to food and nutrition are crucial to support people's health and well-being; allow them to engage in education and employment; and improve their mental health- enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities.

The three Food and Nutrition Security strategies approved for funding include: 

A. Policy & System Change: Support policy, systems, and environmental changes to increase access to affordable, healthy foods and physical activity in communities and school environments (e.g., fund Mass in Motion collaborations).

B. Address local access to healthy food in Suffolk County through investments that support the infrastructure of market outlet for farms including the local food for schools' program. 

C. Create new Innovative Systems for Food Growth: Create and support hydroponic and new green technologies for growing, rooftop gardens, vertical food farming, etc. 

Purpose

The current funding opportunity is for Strategy B, and it aims to increase access to nutritious and fresh food by supporting the procurement and distribution of local Massachusetts farm foods to food pantries, food hubs, other distribution partners, and schools; strengthen local farm economies through guaranteed purchases; and support equitable, sustainable food distribution systems. 

We are pleased to announce that the Request for Proposals (RFP) process is now open for the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Community Health Impact Funding, Food and Nutrition Security, strategy B- Address local access to healthy foods. 

B. Access to Healthy Foods: Address local access to healthy foods in Suffolk County through investments that support the infrastructure of market outlet for farms including the local food for schools’ program. $2M

Details on the RFP process for this priority can be found below:

Funding Description

For this round of funding, the proposed project will address only Strategy B: Address local access to healthy food in Suffolk County through investments that support the infrastructure of market outlet for farms, including the local food for schools' program. The focus is on supporting projects that strengthen local food systems and increase access to healthy, affordable food for communities across our region, as identified through Mass General Brigham’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Advisory Board (CAB). Funding will be prioritized for those applicants who clearly demonstrate organizational and operational readiness such as established partnerships and infrastructure to purchase from Massachusetts farms and initiate work immediately upon award helping to advance timely and sustained impact in addressing food security needs.

Levels of funding and funding amounts:     

A competitive allocation of $2 million through an opened RFP for food distribution centers and school food coordinating entities, to support the purchase of Massachusetts- grown farm produce to be distributed to food pantries, local food hubs, schools or other distribution partners, or by the entity itself, in Suffolk County (Boston, Revere, Chelsea, Winthrop).

Applicants are asked to request only what they need to supply their partners in Suffolk County (Boston, Revere, Chelsea, Winthrop). Proposals may request up to $500,000 for 1–2-year projects.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this funding the following criteria must apply: 

• Only Massachusetts-based not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions, and municipalities serving Suffolk County are eligible for the funds (per MA Department of Public Health requirements).
• All proposed projects must be carried out in one or more of the approved regions of Suffolk County (all of Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop), and community members (residing, working, or going to school) in those neighborhoods must benefit from the proposed project. This means that 100% of this grant funding must be spent on initiatives that impact the noted regions and residents.
• Projects must entail:
  • Direct sourcing from local Massachusetts farms.
  • Clear plan for distribution to schools, food pantries, food hubs, and/or distribution partners in Suffolk County.
  • Established partnerships with both producers and local community food providers.
  • Capacity to track volume, sources, and impact.

Guidelines on Use

Preferably, grant funds should be used for the purchase of food from farms, but may be used, in smaller proportion for staff salaries, consultant fees, operating expenses, and indirect costs associated with the strategy. Indirect costs may not exceed 20% of the direct expenses.

Funds may not be used for clinical or medical care, to build endowments, fund operating deficits, or influence elections or lobbying. Requests will not be considered for construction of new facilities, substantial renovation of existing facilities, or to support capital campaigns. No grants will be made to individuals.

As a condition for accepting grant monies, grantees must commit to completing annual and final programmatic and expenditure reports detailing the use of the funds and the impact achieved. Grantees will also need to work with an external evaluator hired for this Community Health Impact process, who will be identified by MGB Equity and Community Health and paid using other funds. 

Application Process

Applicants must complete and submit this Request for Proposals (RFP) through the SurveyMonkey Apply portal. The Allocation Committee will review, score and award the funding.

Dates and Deadlines

Scored Criteria

Each application will be reviewed and scored based on the following components:

1. Organizational alignment with the goals and priorities of this funding opportunity.

2. The degree to which the applicant demonstrates a strong, trusted role within the community it serves. This includes evidence of established partnerships, engagement with community members- particularly those impacted by food insecurity- and a track record of collaborative, community-centered work.

3. How well the proposed project addresses and advances the specific strategies outlined in the funding opportunity. 

4. The applicant's ability to collect, track, and evaluate data related to project outcomes. Note: Awardees will receive evaluation support from out consultants, the Institute for Community Health. 

5. Budget feasibility and justification. Reviewers will evaluate whether the budget aligns with the project scope and demonstrates responsible stewardship of funds.

Questions?

There are several ways to learn more about the RFP process, eligibility, application process, and other questions and concerns. We encourage applicants to:

Review the FAQs. Submit a specific question by emailing srchiang@mgh.harvard.edu . All questions and answers will also be added to the FAQs, so check back to the link frequently. Register for the information session here: Information Forum Registration. It will take place through TEAMS on Wednesday, June 18 from 11-12:30 p.m.

Feedback on Applications

Due to limited staff capacity, we are unable to provide written comments or feedback to all unsuccessful applicants. Feedback will be available by request only. If you would like to receive feedback on your application, please contact us at srchiang@mgh.harvard.edu between 10 and 30 days after receiving your notification.