Applications Are Now Closed

The 2026 Funding Cycle application period has officially closed.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. Announcements will be made in July 2026.

Not applying this cycle? Consider joining the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds Review Committee.

Visit the Way to Engage page to learn more.

This page is your central hub for the application process and includes everything you need to prepare and submit a strong application, including eligibility guidance, required materials, recorded webinars, and other technical assistance resources.

Need more help? For application portal assistance, please email [email protected]. For application questions, email [email protected].

Not applying for funding this cycle? Join the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds Review Committee! Please visit the Way to Engage Page to learn more

Applications are due on March 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

1

Understand the Funding Opportunity

Get started on successfully submitting your application by reviewing the Request for Proposals (RFP), grounding yourself in the core components of this funding approach, and checking your eligibility.

  • Download and review the full RFP or Large Font RFP.
  • Access the recording and slides from the Kickoff & Informational Session for an overview of the funding purpose, priorities, and requirements.

Understand our funding approach:

Please note: During our grantmaking cycle, we’re not able to offer individual consultations, meetings, or proposal-specific feedback. However, we’re here to support you through our webinars, office hours, and the FAQ section on our website, which cover many common questions and helpful tips.

2

Application Overview

Review application questions and expectations by funding stream.

PSE Change:  

Healthy Aging:  

CHIP:  

Please review the list of past and current grantees to get a sense of the types of projects we have funded. You can explore the full list here: MACHHAF Awardees

3

Submit a Strong Application

Get tools and guidance to strengthen your application.

  • Access the recording and slides from the Tips for Submitting a Strong Application session on for guidance on crafting strong responses and aligning your goals with each funding stream
  • The MACHHAF Team will be hosting drop‑in office hours as an opportunity for all applicants to ask questions about the application requirements for each funding stream. Additionally, we’ll be offering support for applicants interested in the Healthy Aging Full and Planning Grants. These sessions are designed to answer questions about PSE change approaches as they relate to this funding stream’s criteria. We strongly encourage anyone planning to apply to join us, it’s a great way to better understand why a PSE approach is so important for this work.
    • Register here for Office Hours #2 on Thursday March 26th, 2026 at 3:00PM EST
  • Smart Simple Technical Assistance Sessions 
    • These sessions provide quick, focused help for applicants experiencing technical issues in the Smart Simple application system. Support will answer technical questions such as login problems, navigation challenges, upload errors, or difficulties completing required fields. Please come having already started your Smart Simple application and with specific questions ready. Each appointment is a 15‑minute individual slot so we can assist as many applicants as possible 
    • Register Here for open time slots on Monday March 23rd, 2026 from 12:30PM-1:30PM | Wednesday March 25th, 2026 at 1PM-2PM | Monday March 30th, 2026 12PM-1PM
  • Get basic grant writing guidance to help organize your narrative Slides | Recording
  • Learn how to use data to tell a compelling story that demonstrates community need Recording

Please note: During our grantmaking cycle, we’re not able to offer individual consultations, meetings, or proposal-specific feedback. However, we’re here to support you through our webinars, office hours, and the FAQ section on our website, which cover many common questions and helpful tips.

4

Build Your Budget & Workplan

Complete the required budget and workplan templates and connect your activities to your intended outcomes.

  • Watch the this session for a walkthrough of how to complete the budget and develop a strong workplan that aligns scope, goals, and timeline Slides | Recording
  • Download the budget template
  • Download the workplan template

5

Understand the Review Process

All completed applications will be reviewed by a statewide review committee made up of a Massachusetts based group of residents with experience and/or subject matter expertise in a variety of social determinant of health (SDOH) related topics.  

  • Applications will be assessed and scored based on alignment with funding purpose and priorities, strength of partnerships, community engagement strategies, and feasibility of the budget. Learn more the review criteria in our full RFP or Large Font RFP. 
  • Access the recording and slides from the Tips for Submitting a Strong Application on to understand how to align your narrative, workplan, and budget with the review criteria and submit a compelling application.

6

Watch Learning Sessions

Access all recorded videos on PSE Change, CHIP Healthy Aging, and more.

7

FAQ

Find frequently asked questions sorted by topic here.

Please note: During our grantmaking cycle, we’re not able to offer individual consultations, meetings, or proposal-specific feedback. However, we’re here to support you through our webinars, office hours, and the FAQ section on our website, which cover many common questions and helpful tips.

8

Apply Now

Applications are submitted through the Smart Simple portal. The links below can help you get into the portal and understand how to navigate it.

  • We strongly encourage you to visit the portal and set up your organization in the system as early as possible to avoid issues submitting your application by March 31st, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.
  • Access the portal here
  • Get written instructions for navigating the application portal PDF