Institutional Eligibility
HEFA’s enabling legislation has been modified over the years to include many types of nonprofit organizations primarily in four broad categories: health care, higher education, cultural and scientific institutions, and educational institutions for people with disabilities. Organizations must be located within Massachusetts and have a 501(c)3 determination letter from the IRS. In the case of higher education, public institutions are also eligible.

Health Care Institutions
In the field of health care, eligible organizations include hospitals, nursing homes and health maintenance associations, as well as nonprofit organizations such as health centers, visiting nurses associations, MRI imaging centers, etc., that are affiliated with hospitals, nursing homes or HMO’s.

Higher Education Institutions
For eligibility in higher education, institutions must be authorized by law and have the purpose of providing education beyond the high school level. However, the organization does not have to grant degrees. Organizations which are a nonprofit affiliate of an institution for higher education also qualify for financing, provided they are engaged in research, education, or other activities which are approved by the trustees or other governing body of the institution.

Cultural and Scientific Institutions
To be HEFA eligible, the organization must be a major regional resource and have demonstrated broad community support through fundraising and other support.  It must also provide certain educational services or resources for research.

Human Service Agencies
Since human service agencies fall under HEFA’s statute as “schools for the handicapped‿ they must provide educational services to people with disabilities.  Educational services may be broadly defined.  The organization must be accredited or licensed by the appropriate agency, and 70% of the consumers or students must be disabled as determined by an appropriate educational, rehabilitation, medical or mental health authority.  Also, the organization must be determined to be a major resource to people with disabilities.

For more information on HEFA eligibility, please contact Lyle Lawrence, Deputy Director of Financing Programs.