As we come out of a flurry of SAMHSA CCBHC-PDI and CCBHC-IA grant applications, we step into self-assessment and review to take a deep look at what worked well, what has changed or needs to be changed, and what needs and trends we believe will carry forward from this particular funding round to the next.
Successful grant writing cannot be achieved without incorporating the following key points:
- Real-time data on your intended population;
- A comprehensive knowledge of the funding opportunity itself;
- A “big picture” view of how this funding will support and enhance the long term evolution of your care or service provision;
- Clear and measurable knowledge of exactly what gaps will be filled by the acquisition of these funds;
- What evidence-based practices over what specific period of time for what population of focus should be identified, tracked and catalogued in what exact way;
- Understanding and matching that information to the increasingly prescriptive checklist of requirements (data-driven!);
- Answering each requirement with precise data-supported language;
- Establishing a single, coherent narrative thru-line that ties each section together within a limited number of pages;
- Proper registrations, formatting, documentation, support letters and required attachments, and upload procedures.
It is never too early to self-assess, track your process, self-own on the gaps and the issues that have emerged in that process, and create a plan of action for the next application.
“I said to the team that, flat out, SAE is the best at grant writing!!”
~Kristin M. Woodlock RN, MPA, CEO, Woodlock & Associates LLC