The Health Foundation of Central Mass

21 Chapter 2: Synergy Initiative Synergy Initiative e Synergy Initiative typically invites applications every four to five years, and approximately four projects have been selected for funding in each round. Selected projects generally progress from planning to pilot to full implementation over the course of three to five years, and requests for continuation grants are con- sidered on an annual basis. e model preceded the "collective impact" model which was introduced to the field of philanthropy in 2011 and was heralded as a clarion call for changing the way social issues are addressed. e collec- tive impact model has gained increasing attention in recent years, and it shares key elements with the Synergy Initiative model. Importance of Evaluation A vital component of the Synergy Initiative approach is evaluation, which is embedded in all phases of a project from planning to design to implementation, providing an opportunity for real-time learning and adaptation to maximize the potential for a project's near-term and long-term success. Some foundations perform an evalua- tion at the conclusion of a project to assess whether it was successful. e Health Foundation takes a different approach, engaging an evaluator at the very start of a Synergy Initiative project, before the initial planning year grant application is submitted. is approach ensures that evaluation is an integral part of the plan- ning process from the beginning. e role of the evaluator is to bring research skills and evaluation expertise to the project to ensure effective implemen- tation and optimal outcomes. e evaluator informs the planning process by assessing the selection of evi- dence-based strategies or best practices; adapts selected strategies to the community and ensures strategies are implemented with fidelity; identifies research design and valid measurement tools; assists in developing data gathering practices; fosters monitoring of data collection to facilitate continuous quality improvement or cycles of reflection and action; and prepares reports to assist in securing future funding and institutionalizing the project's effective strategies. The Healthcare and Health Promotion Synergy Initiative ("Synergy Initiative") provides funding for collaborative projects that target significant health issues, especially inequities and disparities, in Central Massachusetts with integrated, comprehensive strategies with an end goal of systems or policy change. The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts does not identify specific health issues as funding priorities; rather, it responds to health-related needs identified by local communities. 1. Significance of Issue 2. Level of Collaboration 3. Soundness of Approach 4. Capacity for Enduring Systems Change 5. Potential for Impact 6. Potential for Replication 7. Quality of Evaluation Plan 8. Exit Strategy Criteria for Successful Synergy Initiative Projects How the Synergy Initiative works The Synergy Initiative provides three to five years of funding for collaborative efforts that target community-identified health issues in Central Massachusetts with integrated, comprehensive strategies. Evaluation occurs throughout entire grant period Outcomes Implementation 1-3 Years Pilot 1 Year Issue identified by community; intervention designed Goals, target population, & desired outcomes defined; intervention piloted Intervention refined; advocacy efforts, backed by evidence, aim for systems change Systems change to sustain intervention and potentially expand intervention Planning 1 Year

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