The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), through its Division of Chronic Disease Prevention, invites applications for the Physical Activity and Nutrition Center of Excellence (PANCE) under Component B of the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) initiative. This competitive opportunity aims to fund one organization to serve as the statewide technical assistance and training hub to support Component A grantees working across schools and communities to implement physical activity and nutrition-focused policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies.
PANCE will be responsible for providing evidence-based guidance and subject matter expertise to support grantees in implementing statewide efforts that address chronic disease prevention through improved nutrition and physical activity. The funded Center will deliver technical assistance, identify training needs through structured assessments, coordinate Communities of Practice, support policy implementation, and help build sustainability. Key tasks include providing resources tailored to health equity and racial justice, coordinating statewide early care and education technical support, and facilitating annual grantee convenings in collaboration with the Department. The grantee must employ or contract experienced professionals capable of delivering high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive support.
The contract will run for a five-year period, from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2031, with annual funding of up to $399,482. Funding is provided through state resources and is contingent on continued legislative appropriations and satisfactory program performance. Applicants may subcontract work but must retain at least 30% of the total budget. Subcontractors must be identified and approved post-award, and the lead applicant remains ultimately responsible for all deliverables and communication with the Department.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations such as academic institutions, public health organizations, and professional associations. Applicants must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS), authorized to do business in New York, and submit a signed eligibility attestation and at least one letter of commitment from a partner organization with demonstrated relevant experience. A minimum of one full-time employee must be funded under this award, and the project director must have experience managing large public health grants and technical assistance programs.
Key dates include the release of the RFA on October 22, 2025, with questions and letters of interest due by November 5, 2025. Answers to submitted questions will be published around November 19, 2025. Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System no later than December 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET. Awards are expected to begin June 1, 2026. Applications must comply with formatting and submission guidelines outlined in the RFA, including digital submission, adherence to MWBE contracting goals, and participation in mandatory reporting and evaluation activities.
PANCE will play a central role in shaping the success and consistency of community- and school-based interventions funded through Component A of the CHSC program. The selected grantee will be a statewide leader in chronic disease prevention, equity-focused systems change, and capacity building in nutrition and physical activity policy implementation.
