Partnership for National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership

The Partnership for National Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership program, as outlined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), aims to enhance the capacity of various national MCH programs to better serve maternal and child health populations and improve overall health outcomes. This funding opportunity, identified as HRSA-25-028, will focus on building collaborative networks and providing strategic support across four distinct areas: State Title V MCH Services Block Grant (Focus Area 1), Urban MCH Programs (Focus Area 2), Healthy Start Programs (Focus Area 3), and Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Programs (Focus Area 4). The program is expected to provide four cooperative agreements, one for each focus area, with total funding of up to $3,122,500 for FY 2025. The expected funding ranges vary by focus area: up to $1,622,500 annually for State Title V MCH Programs, up to $700,000 annually for Urban MCH Programs, and up to $400,000 annually each for Healthy Start and MIECHV Programs. The performance period runs from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2030, and applicants can apply for only one focus area per application. The program requires awardees to build organizational capacity, foster collaboration, and address emerging needs through coordinated activities over five years. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, non-profits with or without a 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and Native American tribal entities. Each applicant must submit a separate application for each focus area they intend to apply for. The program does not have a cost-sharing requirement, though applicants may opt to contribute additional resources, which will be considered in accountability reporting but not in the merit review. The program's key objectives are designed to build leadership and capacity in the MCH sector through coordinated and collaborative support. This includes annual participation in peer learning, support for emerging public health issues, and training of the MCH workforce. Each focus area has unique program objectives. For instance, Focus Area 1 will require annual national convenings for Title V Directors and related workforce pathway programs. Focus Area 2 will focus on leadership programs for urban MCH professionals. Focus Areas 3 and 4 will facilitate discussions and training aimed at improving Healthy Start and MIECHV strategies. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive application that includes a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and various attachments, including staffing plans, biographical sketches, agreements with other entities, and a project organizational chart. The application is subject to a 50-page limit and must adhere to specific formatting requirements. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by January 3, 2025, and applicants must ensure their registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov are up to date prior to submission. The selection process involves a merit review, with evaluation criteria based on need, response, performance reporting, impact, resources and capabilities, and support requested. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear plan for collaboration, capacity-building, addressing emerging health issues, and workforce development. Each of these criteria will be scored, with a total possible score of 100 points. Post-award, recipients will be required to comply with administrative and policy requirements as outlined by HRSA. This includes the submission of annual progress reports, financial reports, and participation in regular reviews and meetings with HRSA. Awardees must also develop a cybersecurity plan if their project involves accessing HHS information or handling personal health data, in accordance with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.