How to Build a Healthy Start Service Plan That Wins Funding in 2025

How to Build a Healthy Start Service Plan That Wins Funding in 2025

Public health leaders know that a strong Healthy Start Service Plan isn't just a grant requirement—it's the foundation for saving lives, strengthening families, and securing critical funding.

But in 2025, the bar is higher: grantors, auditors, and the public are demanding measurable outcomes, equity-driven strategies, and alignment with national health priorities like Healthy People 2030.

Here’s exactly how your department or organization can build a Healthy Start Service Plan that gets noticed—and funded.

1. Start with a Data-Driven Community Assessment

Today’s funders want real, local data—especially when addressing maternal and child health disparities.

At Ascendant Healthcare Partners, we conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) specifically tailored to Healthy Start priorities, ensuring you identify:

• Infant mortality risk factors

• Maternal health gaps

• SDOH barriers (transportation, housing, access to care)

(Internal Link: Link "Community Health Needs Assessments" to your CHNA service page.)

Pro Tip:

 Use trusted data sources like the CDC's MCH Indicators to strengthen your findings.

2. Align Your Goals with Healthy People 2030

Your Service Plan should directly reference Healthy People 2030 objectives for maternal and child health, such as:

• MICH-01: Reduce infant deaths

• MICH-02: Reduce maternal mortality

• MICH-16: Increase prenatal care access

3. Demonstrate ROI with a Cost to the Community Analysis™

More funders—and auditors—now expect evidence of return on investment (ROI) in public health programs.

Cost to the Community Analysis™ helps you prove how early interventions reduce healthcare costs, NICU admissions, and long-term health burdens.

(Internal Link: Link "Cost to the Community Analysis™" to your Economic Impact service page.)

Why Choose Ascendant Healthcare Partners?

We specialize in building audit-ready, funding-ready Healthy Start Service Plans with:

• National expertise

• Fast turnaround

Deep understanding of MCH grant cycles

Get Expert Help with Your Healthy Start Service Plan

 Schedule your free consultation today!

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