Community-based Health Care Program

The Community-based Health Care Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as part of its broader mission to improve public health outcomes and expand access to essential health services across the state. Through this Request for Applications (RFA #67-202), the Department seeks to fund community-based health care initiatives that strengthen primary care delivery systems, particularly for underserved, uninsured, and underinsured populations. The program reflects the Department’s strategic focus on preventive care, chronic disease management, and reducing reliance on emergency departments by enhancing access to comprehensive, community-centered care. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to promote, expand, and improve access to primary health care services across Pennsylvania. Funded projects are expected to provide or enhance services such as preventive care, chronic disease management, maternal and child health services, behavioral health care, dental services, and pharmacy services. In addition to expanding access, the program emphasizes the development of collaborative relationships among community-based clinics, hospitals, and other providers to improve care coordination and reduce unnecessary emergency room utilization. The program supports multiple project categories, including new clinic development, service expansion, specialized maternal care, alternative care delivery systems, and collaborative care coordination models. Funding for the program totals $2,000,000 and is distributed across multiple project categories, each with defined maximum award limits over a 24-month grant period. Individual awards vary depending on the project category, with ceilings ranging from $50,000 to $300,000. Funds may be used for personnel salaries, equipment, supplies, facility modifications, and other costs directly related to delivering primary health care services. However, there are strict limitations on use of funds, including prohibitions on construction of new buildings, real estate purchases, direct patient care costs such as hospital bills, and other non-allowable expenses. Additionally, infrastructure-related costs are capped as a percentage of the total award depending on the category. A mandatory matching requirement applies to all applicants, requiring a contribution ratio of one dollar in matching funds for every four dollars of Commonwealth funding. Matching contributions may be in the form of cash or in-kind services and must be documented through signed letters of financial commitment at the time of application. Applicants must demonstrate how both grant funds and matching contributions directly support the project’s goals and align with the proposed logic model, including inputs, activities, outputs, and expected outcomes. Eligibility is limited to Pennsylvania-based community health care clinics that provide comprehensive primary care services and meet all outlined requirements. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and must either be enrolled in or commit to enrolling in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs. Additional requirements include implementation of a sliding fee scale to ensure services are accessible regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Applicants must also demonstrate organizational capacity, including governance structure, staffing plans, financial stability, and sustainability strategies to maintain operations beyond the grant period. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal via email, including a structured work statement, budget and justification, certifications, and supporting documentation. Applications must be submitted by 1:30 PM ET on November 17, 2025, with no exceptions for late submissions. A pre-application conference is offered but not required, and applicants may submit questions via email prior to the deadline for clarification. Applications are evaluated by a review committee based on criteria including understanding of the program, feasibility, soundness of approach, and budget justification. Award decisions are expected within approximately eight weeks after the submission deadline. The anticipated grant period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with potential extensions at the Department’s discretion. Awardees are required to provide ongoing reporting, including progress reports every 120 days, annual assessments, and a final report at the conclusion of the grant. These reporting requirements ensure accountability and allow the Department to monitor program effectiveness and outcomes. Overall, this program represents a significant investment in strengthening Pennsylvania’s primary health care infrastructure and improving access to care for vulnerable populations.

Ensure strong alignment with evaluation criteria including feasibility and budget justification; clearly demonstrate community need and measurable outcomes; submit early to avoid technical delays