Through the Massachusetts Determination of Need (DoN) program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute invests in community-based initiatives that address priority health needs and advance health equity. These efforts support partnerships with community organizations and other stakeholders to improve access to care and address the broader factors that influence health and cancer outcomes.
Our DoN initiatives are guided by our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and ongoing input from community partners and Dana-Farber’s community advisory committees. Funding priorities are identified through a collaborative, community-driven process informed by these efforts.
Learn more about specific DoN initiatives, including current and past funding opportunities:
Determination of Need Overview
The DoN program is a statewide regulatory process administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that requires health care organizations to invest in community health as part of certain capital projects.
As part of this program, health care facilities, including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, dedicate a portion of project costs (typically 5%) to Community Health Initiatives. These funds are reinvested in the community to support programs, partnerships, and strategic investments that address priority health needs, advance health equity, and target the root causes of health disparities.
At Dana-Farber, this work is grounded in strong community partnerships. We engage community members and stakeholders to help shape priorities and guide how these resources are invested — ensuring that initiatives are responsive to local needs and reflect the experiences of those most impacted by cancer and other chronic conditions.
Focus on Health Equity
Dana-Farber applies a health equity framework across all DoN-funded efforts. This includes asking key questions, adapted from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, to guide decision-making: Who benefits? Who is harmed? Who influences? Who decides? These questions help ensure that investments are responsive to community needs and grounded in equity.
A critical part of this approach is meaningful community engagement. We work to involve community members at all stages of the process—from design to implementation to evaluation.
