We collect data to see how our programs are performing, what they are achieving, and what gaps remain. Discretionary awardees report performance information into our electronic data management system, DGIS, which resides in HRSA’s Electronic Handbooks (EHB).
What is a discretionary grant?
A grant is money, property, or direct help we award to a qualified non-federal entity (NFE).
There are two types of grants:
- Mandatory – When the law requires the grant goes to a specific entity. Example: The Title V MCH Block Grant must go to state governments.
- Discretionary – When the grantor can decide which entities get the grant. We select the grantee based on their application.
Our discretionary grants address a wide range of maternal and child health issues.
What kind of information do awardees report?
They report a range of information from the goals of their program to the types of activities they conduct to how many people they reach.
The type of information we ask awardees to submit complements the information we gather about the State Title V MCH Block Grant Program.
DGIS forms include:
- Basic Forms
- Activity Forms
- Outcome Forms
- Program Specific Forms
The entire set of forms addresses the range of information needed from different MCHB discretionary grant programs. All awardees report data in Basic Forms for project abstract and financial information. However, each grantee is only required to complete additional forms that are applicable to its activities.
How do we use the data in DGIS?
We analyze the data that awardees report to DGIS. This information helps us make improvements to our programs and allows us to monitor grantee progress toward goals. We report on the performance of programs, separately, as well as in aggregate.
Background on DGIS forms
Forms inside DGIS were updated on August 1, 2024.
To comply with recent Presidential Executive Orders, forms were revised and went live in May 2025. A copy of the current OMB approved forms can be accessed below.
DGIS OMB 0915-0298 Attachment B_Central Forms (PDF - 900 KB)
DGIS OMB 0915-0298 Attachment C_Program Specific Forms (PDF - 797 KB)
DGIS OMB 0915-0298 Attachment D_Additional Data Elements Forms (PDF - 432 KB)
Read our frequently asked questions for more information.
To request DGIS data please contact the HRSA Help Center:
For non-HRSA users (such as grantees):
Contact: HRSA Help Center
Time: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
Monday – Friday
Phone: 877-Go4-HRSA/877-464-4772
Contact us: HRSA Help Center
Note: If you use assistive technology, you may not be able to fully access information in these files. For assistance, contact HRSA Grants and Electronic Handbooks Help Center or call 877-464-4772 (TTY: 877-897-9910), 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday (except federal holidays).