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AGENDA ITEM: Application to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for the 2024 Maternal and
Infant Health Initiative Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program
DEPARTMENT: Health & Human Services
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, January 18, 2024 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2023-3673
Motion to approve the grant application submission to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for the
2024 Maternal and Infant Health Initiative Program in the amount $200,000 for the period October 1,
2024 through September 30, 2025.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Grant Penny Luebs
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Oakland County Health Division is applying for the 2024 Maternal and Infant Health Initiative
grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund in the amount of $200,000 for the period October
1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The grant provides funding to address increased access to
protective and clinical intervention, including improved screening before, during, and after
pregnancy for health risks and connection to treatment or services to improve outcomes for
pregnant individuals and their infants.
The grant application has completed the Grant Review Process in accordance with the Grants
Policy.
POLICY ANALYSIS
This application and future acceptance of this grant does not obligate the County to any future
commitment and continuation of this program is contingent upon continued future levels of grant
funding.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.425.5572 or andrewsmb@oakgov.com, or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director Health & Human Services
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 1/18/2024
AGENDA DEADLINE: 01/18/2024 6:00 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Grant Application Sign Off
2. 2024 Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program MHEF Application
3. 2024-MIH-Application-Questions-Preview (1)
4. Concept Paper MHEF 2024 Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program
5. MHEF 2024 Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program MHEF Evaulation Approach
6. Michigan Endowment Fund 2024 MIH_2024_RFP (1)
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2024-01-09 Public Health & Safety - Recommend to Board
2024-01-18 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Ajay Raman
Seconded by: Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Christine Long, Robert
Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia Gershenson, William Miller III,
Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson, Ajay Raman, Ann Erickson Gault,
Linnie Taylor (17)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Kristen Nelson, Michael Spisz (2)
Passed
GRANT REVIEW SIGN OFF – Health & Human Services/Health Division
=======================================================================================
GRANT NAME: 2024 Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program Grant
FUNDING AGENCY: Michigan Health Endowment Fund
DEPARTMENT CONTACT PERSON: Stacey Sledge 248-452-2151
STATUS: Application (Greater than $50,000)
DATE: 12/19/2023
Please be advised that the captioned grant materials have completed internal grant review. Below are the
returned comments.
You may now obtain the Board Chair’s signature for submittal of the application. The grant application package (which
should include this sign-off and the grant application with related documentation) should be submitted to the Board of
Commissioners for placement on the next agenda(s) of the appropriate Board of Commissioners’ committee(s).
DEPARTMENT REVIEW
Department of Management and Budget:
Approved – Sheryl Johnson (12/19/2023)
Department of Human Resources:
Approved by Human Resources. No position impact. – Heather Mason (12/12/2023)
Risk Management and Safety:
Approved. No County insurance requirements. – Robert Erlenbeck (12/12/2023)
Corporation Counsel:
Approved. No legal issues with application language– Bradley Benn (12/14/2023)
Michigan Health Endowment Fund: 2024 Maternal & Infant Health Initiative
Project Information
Project Details
Title: Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program
Request Amount: $200,000
Project Start Date: 10/1/202
Project End Date: 9/30/2026
Geographic Reach: Pontiac, Michigan
Project Overview
Problem Statement: The Pontiac community experiences significant health disparities,
particularly in the infant mortality rate among non-Hispanic blacks/African Americans compared
to non-Hispanic whites. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality. The preterm live
birth rate in Pontiac is high compared to Oakland County and the State of Michigan. Black
infants were about two times as likely as white infants to be born prematurely. Conversely, this
community lacks access to comprehensive preconception nutrition and wellness guidance. This
gap in preventative health hinders the potential for optimal maternal and infant health and
necessitates the development of a structured and accessible program to address these challenges.
Key Partners: Oakland County Health Division, Great Start Collaborative and Executive Group,
Oakland County Best Start for Babies Collaborative and Breastfeeding Friendly Collaborative,
Oakland County Local Leadership home visiting group, Nurse Family Partnership, WIC, Trinity
Health, and Honor Community Health. None of the partners will receive direct financial support
through this project.
Potential Impact: Through health education and other program activities, we anticipate seeing
increased self-efficacy around healthy eating, optimized intake and status of the micronutrients
iron and folate through food and dietary supplementation, and modified body weight from
improved diet, lifestyle, and physical activity. Several far-reaching impacts of the program
include optimized health status among the participants, healthier pregnancies, and enhanced
community wellbeing. Utilizing upstream initiatives to empower individuals to make informed
choices will create an enduring positive impact on the health trajectory of future generations.
Project Narrative
Project Significance
Preterm birth has profound effects on the infant, the family, and society. While survival
rates of preterm birth have improved over the years, it remains the single leading cause of death
for children under five years of age.1 Preterm infants have an increased potential for short- and
long-term health challenges. Families bear the emotional toll and financial burden of medical
bills and ongoing healthcare needs. On a societal level, the long-term consequences of preterm
birth can strain healthcare systems and resources. Additionally, there may be educational and
economic implications as these children may face cognitive and motor development challenges,
impacting their academic achievements and potential contributions to society.
In 2021, 15.3% of all births occurring in Pontiac, Michigan, were premature, significantly
higher than the national average of 10.49%2. The rate of preterm birth in Oakland is highest for
black infants (15.4%), followed by Hispanics (9.0%), Whites (8.9%), and Asian/Pacific Islanders
(8.6%).3 While there has been a concerted effort to increase access to prenatal care, the rate of
adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm births, continues to remain consistent. Studies show that
pre-pregnancy obesity increases the risk of preterm births.45 In the state of Michigan, 32% of
mothers were obese at the start of pregnancy. Black mothers are disproportionally more likely to
1 152 million babies born preterm in the last decade. (2023, June 15). PAHO/WHO | Pan
American Health Organization. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from
https://www.paho.org/en/news/15-6-2023-152-million-babies-born-preterm-last-
decade#:~:text=Preterm%20birth%20is%20now%20the,of%20disability%20and%20developme
ntal%20delays.
2 Characteristics of the Mother or Infant, as a Percentage of Live Births Pontiac City and
Michigan Residents, 2021. (2022, November 14). Vital Stats Michigan . Retrieved November 27,
2023, from https://vitalstats.michigan.gov/osr/chi/births14/frameBxChar.html
3 Preterm birth rate by race/ethnicity: Oakland, 2019-2021 Average. (2023). March of Dimes |
PeriStats. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from
https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?top=3&lev=1&stop=63®=99&sreg=26&creg=
26125&obj=1&slev=6
4 Liu B, Xu G, Sun Y, et al. Association between maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and preterm
birth according to maternal age and race or ethnicity: a population-based study. Lancet Diabetes
Endocrinol. 2019;7(9):707-714. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30193-7
5 Marchi, J., Berg, M., Dencker, A., Olander, E. K., & Begley, C. (2015, May 28). Risks
associated with obesity in pregnancy, for the mother and baby: a systematic review of reviews.
Obesity Reviews, 16(8), 621–638. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12288
be obese (42.7%) at the beginning of pregnancy than other races.6 Of the 43 infant deaths that
occurred in Pontiac between 2017 through 2022, 49% of the birth mothers were categorized as
obese. 7
Systematic reviews show that healthcare providers miss opportunities to offer lifestyle
interventions addressing pregnancy risks in overweight or obese.8910 Implementing interventions
to optimize maternal body mass index and nutrition status in women of childbearing age reduces
adverse birth outcomes and promotes overall maternal and child health.11 The rate of adverse
birth outcomes and obesity rate showcase the need for obesity-specific preconception counseling.
Applicant Capacity and Experience
The Oakland County Health Division has developed a comprehensive plan with targeted
activities to reduce infant mortality. The maternal and child public health services offered at the
health division include community nursing home visiting, Nurse Family Partnership (NFP),
nutrition home visiting services, Women's Infant and Children (WIC), Children's Special Health
Care Services (CSHCS), Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR), Nurturing Parent Program,
and lead testing and casework. The community nurses and dietitians provide client education,
collaboration and outreach, assessments, screening, breast and chest feeding promotion, and
referrals and resources to their clientele. The breadth and depth of these programs showcase the
6 Percent of Singleton Births by Mother’s BMI at Start of Pregnancy, and Maternal Weight Gain
by Percent of Mother’s BMI Classification1, By Race and Hispanic or Middle Easterner
Ancestry, Michigan Residents, 2021. (2021). Vital Stats Michigan . Retrieved November 27,
2023, from https://vitalstats.michigan.gov/osr/Natality/WeightGainPer.asp
7 Ronk , A. (2023). Infant Mortality Report - Pontiac, Michigan . Oakland County Health
Division .
8 Lan L., Harrison C.L., Misso M., Hill B., Teede H.J., Mol B.W., Moran L.J. Systematic review
and meta-analysis of the impact of preconception lifestyle interventions on fertility, obstetric,
fetal, anthropometric and metabolic outcomes in men and women. Hum. Reprod. 2017;32:1925–
1940. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dex241.
9 Forsum E., Brantsæter A.L., Olafsdottir A.S., Olsen S.F., Thorsdottir I. Weight loss before
conception: A systematic literature review. Food Nutr. Res. 2013:57. doi:
10.3402/fnr.v57i0.20522.
10 Lassi Z.S., Bhutta Z.A. Risk factors and interventions related to maternal and pre-pregnancy
obesity, pre-diabetes and diabetes for maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes: A systematic
review. Expert Rev. Obstet. Gynecol. 2013;8:639–660. doi: 10.1586/17474108.2013.841453.
11Marshall NE, Abrams B, Barbour LA, et al. The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and
lactation: lifelong consequences. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(5):607-632.
doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035
Oakland County Health Division's commitment to reducing infant mortality. The ability to
expand to allow preconception services would only strengthen the impact on the community.
Disparities and Health Equity
The Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program has the potential to significantly
reduce health disparities and improve overall maternal and infant health outcomes. Educating
women of childbearing age about the importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices before
conception can empower women to make informed health decisions. By focusing on
interventions and strategies that target the period before conception, we can address potential
health risks and optimize the overall reproductive health of the individual. This upstream,
preventive approach has the potential to narrow health disparities by providing equal access to
education and resources, ultimately fostering a healthier population and reducing the burden on
healthcare systems. Moreover, this program can contribute to breaking the cycle of
intergenerational health disparities, positively impacting the well-being of current and future
generations in the community.
Target Population
This proposed program will serve an estimated 200 participants. We will advertise the
program to women of childbearing age residing in Pontiac, Michigan, seeking to learn more
about preconception health. All participants will receive access to preconception information, a
health module created by a Registered Nurse, and resources located on the health division's
webpage. Those who are overweight or obese will receive comprehensive, personalized, and
accessible nutrition counseling led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. The education and
resources provided will positively impact the participants' current and future families.
Collaboration
The partners chosen to collaborate on the Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Project
have missions that align with that of the Oakland County Health Division. Each agency commits
to reducing infant mortality in the community. We chose partners from multisector agencies,
including public health and clinical settings, to strengthen the program's effectiveness. This
collaboration will also strengthen the relationship between the public health and clinical sectors
and could lead to additional partnerships and collaboration in the future. All the partners are
engrained in the community of Pontiac and consist of community members from the target
groups we aim to serve.
Organization Role
Oakland County Health Division •Implement
•Promote at community level
•Refer clients for intervention
Great Start Collaborative and
Executive Group
•Promote at community level
•Refer clients for intervention
•Host professional development trainings
•Host parent workshops
•Integrate information into existing program
Oakland County Best Start for
Babies Collaborative
•Promote at community level
•Educate collaborative partners
•Host professional development trainings
•Integrate information into existing program
Nurse Family Partnership •Promote at community level
•Refer clients for intervention
•Host professional development trainings
•Integrate information into existing program
WIC •Promote at community level
•Refer clients for intervention
•Host professional development trainings
•Integrate information into existing program
Oakland County Local Leadership
Home Visiting Group
•Educate collaborative partners
•Refer clients for intervention
Trinity Health •Educate and refer clients to intervention
•Host professional development trainings
•Intervention may make referrals back to agency
for any issues identified during intervention
Honor Community Health •Educate and refer clients to intervention
•Host professional development trainings
•Intervention may make referrals back to agency
for any issues identified during intervention
Work Plan
See appendix A.
Potential Impact
Evaluation Approach
See appendix B.
Outcomes
1. The short-term outcome we anticipate for the participant is access to crucial nutritional
and health guidance. We anticipate increased self-efficacy around healthy eating,
optimized intake and status of the micronutrients iron and folate through food and dietary
supplementation, and modified body weight from improved diet, lifestyle, and physical
activity. The long-term outcome we anticipate is an optimized individual health status,
healthier pregnancies, and a decrease in preterm births.
2. The short-term impacts we anticipate at the organizational level are increased awareness
of the importance of preconception health and increased levels of participant engagement.
The long-term outcomes we anticipate are partnership development and enhanced
organizational reputation. Collaboration on a single project could lead to additional
collaborations in the future that would duly benefit the organization and the community.
Our goal is to become a reputable resource for preconception health so we can replicate
our program in other counties and health departments throughout Michigan.
3. The short-term outcome we expect at the community level is increased awareness of the
multiple maternal and child public health services offered at the health division. Our
long-term goal is to develop trust within the community and integrate their feedback on
the program to meet the community's needs better. Our goal of reducing preterm births
would improve the overall health of the residents, lower healthcare costs, enhance
community well-being, and break the cycle of health disparities in future generations.
4. We will conduct participant satisfaction surveys and hold focus groups with the
community to collect qualitative data on the effectiveness of the proposed program.
Quantitative methods will include data points such as percent weight loss, nutrient
analysis, and hemoglobin levels. We will use non-invasive methods such as a scale for
weight and a Masimo Pulse CO-oximeter to screen for low iron levels. The data sources
we will evaluate include information from our IT department regarding website visits,
modules completed, and referrals submitted.
5. Our evaluation plan will include program participants and community members. In
addition to conducting ongoing evaluations to assess the program's effectiveness and
areas of improvement, we will also gather feedback directly from the community.
Evaluations will include surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews. Adjustments to
the program will be made based on the evaluation results.
Other Impacts
The Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program will deliver evidence that showcases the
importance of preventative health interventions in maternal and child health. The program will
also act as a framework for other health departments to replicate. We will achieve sustainability
by making all client education materials, toolkits, and the self-study module developed during
the duration of the program available for all healthcare and public health facilities to use at no
cost. Recordings of professional development training sessions and workshops will be available
online after the completion of the program. Additionally, the economic benefit from the program
will be two-fold, benefiting the individual family and society at large. Regarding individual
families, a lower preterm birth rate can improve their economic stability due to reduced medical
expenses and long-term care needs. Regarding society, a decrease in preterm births would result
in a decrease in overall healthcare savings.
Estimated Budget (2 years): $200,000
Category Items Included Amount – Year 1 Amount – Year 2
Supplies and
Materials
program supplies,
printing needs, client
education materials
$40,000 $40,000
Travel daily in-state travel $12,500 $12,500
Medical Supplies health instruments
(Masimo hemoglobin
device, scales)
$20,000 $0
Incentives supplies for outreach
(customized products
with program logo)
$15,000 $15,000
Training in-person staff
trainings to local
providers (space
rental, meals and
beverages)
$12,500 $13,000
Conference and
Travel
attendance at state
and local conferences
(registration fee,
travel expenses)
$7,500 $7,000
Interpreter Fees provide translation to
non-English speaking
participants, translate
client material
$2,500 $2,500
Total $110,000 $90,000
2024 MATERNAL & INFANT HEALTH INITIATIVE
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
To help organizations work collaboratively in submitting proposals to our 2024 Maternal &
Infant Health Initiative, we’re sharing the application questions below.
PLEASE NOTE THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE
SUBMITTED THROUGH OUR ONLINE GRANT PORTAL BY 5:00 P.M. ET ON JANUARY 26,
2024.
PROJECT INFORMATION
PROJECT DETAILS
In this section, we’ll ask for the basics: Project Title, Request Amount, Project Start Date, End Date,
and Geographic Reach. More info can be found in the grant portal.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The questions in this section are aimed at capturing a brief summary of your work. You will have the
opportunity to provide more details on your proposal in the following sections.
Problem Statement: In a few sentences and in plain language, what is the key issue or problem you
are trying to address, and how will this project improve outcomes for pregnant individuals and their
infants?
Key Partners: List the project's key partners. If they will receive direct financial support through this
project, please indicate the anticipated amount for each partner.
Potential Impact: In three sentences or less, describe the key outcomes from your project and why
you know this work will be impactful if funded.
PROJECT NARRATIVE
This section provides the opportunity to expand in greater detail about your proposal.
1. PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE: Why is working on this issue or topic important for improving the
health of pregnant individuals and their infants? What data or other evidence supports the
need for the issue or topic you seek to address? How will the work outlined in this proposal
impact the issue or topic you just described?
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Projects that clearly demonstrate the need to work on a key issue or problem in the geography
you are looking to serve through a comprehensive literature review, surveys or needs
assessments, expert consultations, and input from the target population(s) and community.
2. APPLICANT CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE: Provide a brief statement of how this project aligns
with your organization's mission and priorities and describe your organizational experience
and capacity to lead this project. In other words, why is your organization best suited to take
on this proposed work?
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Proposals should clearly demonstrate, with evidence of past success or through new
partnerships, that project partners have the capacity and expertise to implement the proposed
work.
3. DISPARITIES AND HEALTH EQUITY: How does your project aim to reduce health disparities or
promote health equity?
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Equitable projects that:
• Benefit or increase access for populations most affected by a health issue;
• Remove barriers to health;
• Empower communities; and
• Engage community leaders in decision making.
4. TARGET POPULATION: Who and how many Michigan residents will be served by this
project (e.g., 200 total participants or 75 infants)?
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
• Projects that target the Health Fund priority populations for this RFP of pregnant individuals
and infants.
• Projects focused on health care access improvements for pregnant individuals, infants and
adolescents are of special interest.
• Very often the health of parents and caregivers has an impact on the children in their care.
When applicable, include information on how a family may be directly or indirectly impacted
by the project.
5. COLLABORATION: Explain why you and each one of the partners in your proposal are best
suited to do the work outlined in the initiative, both today and for the long-term
sustainability of the work. Please describe how you will engage with the target
population(s) and community in the planning, implementation, or evaluation of the project.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
• Projects that have or will include the target population(s) and community in the planning,
implementation, or evaluation of the project.
• Projects that include multi-sector partnerships with defined roles and responsibilities.
Proposals that include formal letters of commitment from key partners.
• Proposals that focus on one organization will be less competitive.
6. WORK PLAN: Please provide more details about the proposed project, including a timeline and
description of any milestones, reports, deliverables, or end products that will be completed by
your organization or your partners.
POTENTIAL IMPACT
EVALUATION APPROACH
All proposals are required to submit a document outlining a proposed project evaluation approach.
We are interested in understanding the impact of your proposed project. We want to understand
how you will be improving health outcomes for those you're proposing to serve and how you will
measure those outcomes.
For some helpful resources to develop an evaluation approach, read the Health Fund's Evaluation
Approach: How-to Guide, which details common measures our projects frequently use. Applicants are
not required to use the resources provided to develop their approach.
OUTCOMES
If applicable, please detail the following:
1. What short- and long-term outcomes or impacts do you anticipate for individuals or
participants involved in your initiative?
2. What short- and long-term outcomes or impacts do you anticipate at the organizational level?
3. What short- and long-term outcomes or impacts do you anticipate at the system/community
level?
4. What qualitative and/or quantitative methods, tools, or data sources will you use?
5. How will your evaluation plan uphold principles of equity in terms of community participation,
data disaggregation, using feedback to improve program delivery, or other aspects? (See the
Equitable Evaluation Initiative for more information.)
NOTE: Short-term outcomes are outcomes that will be achieved during the performance period of the
grant. Long-term outcomes detail the impact that grant will have beyond the performance period of
the grant. More information on outcome types is available in the grant portal.
OTHER IMPACTS
Please detail what other benefits this project will likely achieve, both short and long-term. (e.g., inform
broader policy, produce health care savings, potential replicability in other areas, or potential for
sustainability beyond the grant period)
In addition to answers to these questions, applicants will provide budget information, required
attachments, and other proposal materials through the grant portal. Please log in to get
started, and view our RFP for more information about our priorities and required
organizational documents.
Michigan Health Endowment Fund: Maternal and Infant Nutrition Concept Paper 2024
Title: Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program
Organization Name: Oakland County Health Division
Project State Date: 10/1/2024
Project End Date: 9/30/2025
Geographic Reach: Pontiac, Michigan
Priority Area: Increased access to protective and clinical interventions.
Problem Statement: The Pontiac community experiences significant health disparities,
particularly in the infant mortality rate among non-Hispanic blacks/African Americans compared
to non-Hispanic whites. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality. The preterm live
birth rate in Pontiac is high compared to Oakland County and the State of Michigan. Black
infants were about two times as likely as white infants to be born prematurely. Conversely, this
community lacks access to comprehensive preconception nutrition and wellness guidance. This
gap in preventative health hinders the potential for optimal maternal and infant health and
necessitates the development of a structured and accessible program to address these challenges.
Brief Overview: We will design the proposed Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program
for women of childbearing age in Pontiac, Michigan. An upstream approach will encourage
healthy eating and positive health habits during the preconception and interconception periods to
decrease adverse birth outcomes and promote overall maternal and child health. By focusing on
interventions and strategies that target the period before conception, we can address potential
health risks and optimize the overall reproductive health of the individual. Investing in these
efforts reduces the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and contributes to the broader
goal of improving population health and reducing healthcare disparities.
Building on the existing maternal and child home visiting programs offered at the
Oakland County Health Division would expand services to women seeking crucial nutritional
and health guidance during their preconception and interconception periods. An estimated 100
participants per year, or 200 participants overall, will be served by this proposed program during
the duration of the grant. Participants will receive comprehensive, personalized, and accessible
nutrition counseling led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and preventative health
screenings and education led by a Registered Nurse (RN). In addition to individualized services,
we will create and distribute a provider toolkit and self-study module on preconception health to
local healthcare providers and community members. These efforts will fill a critical gap in the
community by addressing the lack of preconception guidance, which is proven to have a lasting
impact on maternal and child health.
The Preconception Nutrition and Wellness Program will provide women of childbearing
age access to crucial nutritional and health guidance to decrease adverse birth outcomes and
promote overall maternal and child health. Through health education and other program
activities, we anticipate increased self-efficacy around healthy eating, optimized intake and
status of the micronutrients iron and folate through food and dietary supplementation, and
modified body weight from improved diet, lifestyle, and physical activity. Several far-reaching
impacts of the program include optimized health status among the participants, healthier
pregnancies, and enhanced community well-being. In essence, the program aims to utilize
upstream initiatives to empower individuals to make informed choices and create an enduring
positive impact on the health trajectory of future generations.
Key Collaborative Partners: Oakland County Health Division, Great Start Collaborative and
Executive Group, Oakland County Best Start for Babies Collaborative, Oakland County Local
Leadership home visiting group, Nurse Family Partnership, WIC, Trinity Health, and Honor
Community Health. In addition, many of the collaborative partners will consist of community
members from the target groups we aim to serve.
Estimated Budget (2 years): $200,000
Category Items Included Amount – Year 1 Amount – Year 2
Supplies and
Materials
program supplies,
printing needs, client
education materials
$40,000 $40,000
Travel daily in-state travel $12,500 $12,500
Medical Supplies health instruments
(Masimo hemoglobin
device, scales)
$20,000 $0
Incentives supplies for outreach
(customized products
with program logo)
$15,000 $15,000
Training in-person staff
trainings to local
providers (space
rental, meals and
beverages)
$12,500 $13,000
Conference and
Travel
attendance at state
and local conferences
(registration fee,
travel expenses)
$7,500 $7,000
Interpreter Fees provide translation to
non-English speaking
participants, translate
client material
$2,500 $2,500
Total $110,000 $90,000
Appendix B: EVALUATION APPROACH
Inputs Activities Target
Date
Outputs Short Term
Outcomes
Long Term
Outcomes
•Human
•Financial
Create client
educational
material (handouts)
Months
1-6
Create at least 5 client
handouts about
preconception health.
Provide tangible
educational
material to disperse
to active
participants in the
program.
Provide tangible
education material
to local healthcare
providers to
disperse to their
patients.
•Human
Develop a provider
toolkit (website)
Months
1-6
Establish a resource hub of
information about
preconception health for
providers to access located
on health division website.
Will have at least
100 recorded visits
to the webpage.
Will have at least
100 recorded visits
to the webpage
annually.
•Human
•Financial
•IT Expertise
Develop a self-
guided
preconception
health module
(online)
Months
1-6
Design and record a self-
guided preconception health
module that will be located
on health division website.
Will have at least
100 completed
modules by
program
participants.
Will have at least
100 completed
modules by
members of the
community
annually.
•Human
•IT Expertise
Create a user-
friendly public
facing website
(online)
Months
1-6
Develop a user-friendly
facing webpage located on
the health division website
that houses client
educational materials,
provider toolkit, outreach
material, and module.
Will have at least
100 recorded visits
to the webpage.
Will have at least
100 recorded visits
to the webpage
annually.
•Human
•Organizational
Incorporate
Transition to
Success (TSS)
protocols and
analytics
Month 1-
ongoing
Utilize the Transitions to
Success (TSS) 20-domain
assessment tool (based upon
the Arizona Self-Sufficiency
Matrix) to measure social
determinant exposures in the
Will train direct
care staff to teach
clients to prioritize,
identify and ensure
access to all
available services
Improve health,
educational, and
economic success
for the targeted
community.
community related to
preconception.
and supports related
to preconception
and maternal
health.
•Human
•IT Expertise
Build a note
template for
nutrition
assessments and
nursing
interventions on an
electronic medical
record
Month
3-6
Record all participant notes
and interventions on an
electronic medical record.
Track all
participants
progress and collect
feedback.
Utilize all data for
continuous
improvement and to
conduct research
based off
interventions.
•Human
•Organizational
•Community
Resources
•Financial
Launch coordinated
outreach campaign
Month
4-ongoing
Create online referral form,
develop outreach materials
(flyers, posters), and share
information about program
via online and in person to
members of the community.
Generate at least
100 referrals.
Generate at least 50
referrals annually.
•Human
•Financial
Provide home and
virtual visits to
eligible participants
Month
4-ongoing
Based off referrals, provide
individualized nutrition
counseling to eligible
participants.
Participants will
achieve at least a
5% reduction in
weight and increase
nutrient measures.
Decreased rate of
maternal obesity
and preterm births
in the targeted
community.
2024 MATERNAL & INFANT HEALTH
INITIATIVE.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.
A. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PRIORITY AREAS
The 2024 Maternal and Infant Health Initiative is seeking community-driven and locally-focused
projects that address the priority areas listed below and improve outcomes for pregnant
individuals and their infants. Projects must incorporate at least one of these categories
(examples are not exhaustive):
® Address service delivery environment barriers to improve access to equitable health care
for girls, women, and mothers through improved integration of medical, behavioral, public
health, and social services.
Examples: Regional perinatal quality collaborative initiatives, home visiting programs, co-
location, launch of doula services, and care coordination/ inter-professional health care
teams.
® Increase access to protective and clinical interventions including improved screening
before, during, and after pregnancy for health risks as well as referral and connection to
treatment or services.
Examples: Interventions related to sexually transmitted infections, intimate partner
violence, mental health, substance use disorders, maternal depression, targeted provider
training to improve care delivery, and community or practice-based interventions aimed at
improving birth equity and other social determinants of health.
® Address targeted policies, practices, and procedures at the local or practice level that
impact or prohibit the best outcomes for mothers and infants. We’re looking for
implementation of structural changes in communities and organizations that help families
navigate and remove barriers to maternal and infant health.
Examples: Streamlining and simplifying process for families seeking services and supports,
expanded and routine use of screening tools and standard processes for referral and
follow-up, and implementation of data-driven interventions that are focused on equity in
access, care, and outcomes.
GRANT TIMELINE
November 14, 2023 Grant portal opened for applicants
December 8, 2023 Concept papers due by email at 5:00 p.m. ET (strongly
encouraged)
January 26, 2024 Application due by 5:00 p.m. ET
May 15, 2024 Awards announced
2024 Maternal & Infant Health Initiative 2
A competitive proposal will focus on a specific target population and include local data to
illustrate the need for the intervention. Projects may build on local or regional work and priority
will be given to projects that are community-driven and locally focused and align with the Health
Fund's mission and goals and promote health equity for infants, girls and women.
OFFICE HOURS
We are excited to offer opportunities for applicants to speak with Health Fund program staff and
ask questions related to the grant cycle and program priorities prior to submitting a concept
paper. This should not replace the submission of a concept paper. Participation in office hours
will not impact the status of a proposal.
Please register here to schedule a 20-minute Zoom meeting with the team.
•
ADDRESSING DISPARITIES AND PROMOTING HEALTH EQUITY
Across all priority areas, the Health Fund seeks proposals that address disparities and promote
health equity. What does that look like? Equitable programs:
1. Benefit or increase access for populations most affected by a health issue;
2. Remove barriers to health;
3. Empower communities; and
4. Engage community leaders and members in decision-making
B. ELIGIBILITY AND GRANT AMOUNT
ELIGIBILITY
Nonprofits, local units of government, and the State of Michigan are eligible for grants. To be
eligible to apply for a grant under this initiative, applicants must:
R Be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization;
R Serve Michigan residents;
R Have a current certified financial audit or independently reviewed financial statements;
and
R Have at least 1 FTE.
EXCLUDED FROM FUNDING CONSIDERATION
X Clinical research
X Loans
X Health-related emergencies*
X Capital projects
X Litigation
X Ongoing program operations and
staffing
X Lobbying activities
X Tuition costs and related fees
X Organizations that discriminate
because of age, race, ethnic origin,
religion, sexual orientation, disability,
or gender
GRANT AMOUNT
The Health Fund anticipates awarding grants between $50,000 to $200,000. We welcome
proposals toward the smaller end of that range. Applicants may apply for a one or two-year
* The Health Fund might in some situations consider support to address longer-term
rebuilding or other needs following emergency situations.
2024 Maternal & Infant Health Initiative
3
grant, but the total request is limited to $200,000. Please be sure to clearly identify your
funding requests per year in your proposal, along with any other associated program revenue.
An organization may apply for a grant no larger than 20% of its annual operating budget.
Fiduciary, or financial sponsor, agreements may be considered for small organizations to meet
the budgetary or eligibility requirements listed below. We welcome ideas from all types of
eligible organizations, regardless of size or funding request.
Applicant organizations with annual operating budgets less than $10 million may request
indirect costs up to 30% of the total grant budget. Applicant organizations with annual
operating budgets at or above $10 million may request indirect costs up to 20% of the total
grant budget. The percentage is based on the primary applicant’s operating budget size. The
indirect cost line item should include indirect costs for all project partners.
C. REVIEW CRITERIA AND EVALUATION
REVIEW CRITERIA
Here’s what we look for when program staff and subject matter experts review proposals. We
don’t expect proposals to include all of these, but we encourage you to be clear about how
your project addresses one or more (not a prioritized list):
• Collaboration. The project demonstrates collaboration, including community/participant
involvement in planning and implementation, multi-sector partnerships with defined roles
and responsibilities related to the project, and leverage of external resources.
• Empowering communities. The project empowers communities to support their ongoing
health needs or challenges, and it engages with community leaders to share in decision-
making.
• Health equity. The project benefits the populations most affected by the health issue,
removes barriers to health, empowers communities to support their ongoing health needs
or challenges, and engages with community leaders to share in program design and
decision-making.
• Innovation. The project supports new or enhanced programs or strategies.
• Long-term impact. The project has the potential to achieve significant long-term impact
by implementing effective models or supporting needed innovation.
• Measurable outcomes. The project has clear outcomes and the potential to have a
measurable impact on improving health or quality of life.
• Strategic alignment. The project aligns with the Health Fund’s mission, strategies, and
goals and with the priorities in this RFP.
EVALUATION
All proposals are required to submit a document outlining a proposed project evaluation
approach. This document should not exceed three pages in length, and a one-page document
is sufficient. This evaluation approach could be a logic model or a theory of change, or another
format.
The document should describe the relationship between project activities, outputs, short- and
long-term outcomes, and overall impact(s). Short-term outcomes are outcomes that will be
achieved during the performance period of the grant. Long-term outcomes detail the impact
that grant will have beyond the performance period.
2024 Maternal & Infant Health Initiative 4
For some helpful resources to develop an evaluation approach, read the Health Fund’s
Evaluation Approach: A How-To Guide, which details common measures our projects
frequently use. Applicants are not required to use the resources provided to develop their
approach.
D. APPLICATION PROCESS
CONCEPT PAPERS
We know proposals that have a concept paper are more competitive, so we ask that we learn
more about your idea before you submit a proposal. You can do this by submitting a two-page
concept paper or talking to us. If you decide to send a concept paper, please address the
following:
•Project title and organization name
•Project start date and end date
•Geographic reach of project, area the project intends to serve
•Problem statement or key issue you aim to address
•Brief overview of the project, including potential impact – short and long-term.
•Key collaborative partners and responsibilities of each partner
•Estimated draft budget
Concept papers need to be submitted by email to grants@mihealthfund.org by December 8,
2023 to be considered.
APPLICATIONS
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Health Fund website using the
grants portal. Using Google Chrome, applicants will first be required to create an account. It
may take 48 hours for your account to be approved. Once approved you will receive login
credentials via email.
While the grants portal does not have a word limit function, we require applicants to keep the
total narrative within the equivalent of 10 standard pages. The Health Fund also reserves the
right to confidentially share proposals with external reviewers and other foundation partners.
Full proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on January 26, 2024. Proposals submitted after
the deadline will not be considered.
E. RESOURCES
The following resources may be useful as you develop your proposal.
KEY STEPS
1.Submit a concept paper via email by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on December 8, 2023.
2.Applicant receives initial feedback, including whether the concept is likely to be
competitive.
3.Apply using Health Fund grant portal by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on January 26, 2024.
4.Applications are reviewed by program staff and subject matter experts. Clarifying
questions may be sent.
5.Awards are announced.
2024 Maternal & Infant Health Initiative 5
•Michigan Mother Infant Health and Equity Improvement Plan
•Health Statistics and Reports (MDHHS)
•Kids Count Data Book (Michigan League for Public Policy)
•Community Health Needs Assessment – Non-profit hospitals are required to complete
community health needs assessments with public input once every three years and the
report must be made available through the hospital website.
•Clinical or non-clinical data related to the project location, to be used as baseline to
measure programmatic progress.
•Michigan Profile for Health Youth (MiPHY)
•Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Prevalence & Trends Data – Explore by Location
o Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MMSAs)
•Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey – Regional and Local Health Department Tables
•Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings data
•Institute for Healthcare Improvement QI Essentials Toolkit: Maternal Health
•Evaluation Resources for current and prospective grantees
•Medicaid Policy Bulletin on doula services
For more information on the Health Fund’s grantmaking priorities and previous grants, you can
view our grantmaking webpage and also our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have
further questions on grant or application processes, please email grants@mihealthfund.org.
F. MORE INFORMATION AND FURTHER QUESTIONS
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan
residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors.
For helpful tips and additional information, please visit the Maternal & Infant Health Initiative
page on our website. For more information on our grantmaking, view our Frequently Asked
Questions.
If you have further questions, please contact Grace Brooks at grace@mihealthfund.org.
The Health Fund Board of Directors has sole responsibility for all grant decisions.