Community Health Worker Program Funding Proposal

What a good one includes

• A detailed community needs assessment highlighting specific health disparities, barriers to care, and the target demographic your CHWs will serve.
• A clear definition of the CHWs' roles, including how they will build trust, navigate healthcare systems, and integrate with existing clinical teams.
• Specific, measurable health outcomes and performance metrics, such as reduced emergency room visits or increased preventative screenings.
• A transparent, itemized budget detailing CHW compensation, training costs, travel, supervision, and program administrative overhead.
• A forward-looking sustainability plan showing how the program will transition to long-term funding or integrate into Medicaid reimbursement pathways over time.
• Evidence of strong community partnerships and local support letters demonstrating that the program is collaborative rather than duplicative.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating the cost of fair compensation, training, and mental health support for CHWs, which leads to high turnover and program instability.
• Focusing solely on qualitative anecdotes without providing concrete, trackable health metrics that prove the program's clinical or economic value.
• Failing to explain how CHWs will practically integrate into the existing medical or social service ecosystem, creating friction with clinical staff.
• Omitting a clear plan for clinical supervision and administrative support, leaving frontline workers without the guidance needed to navigate complex client cases.

Frequently asked questions