The value of grant writing for healthcare administrators

With the healthcare industry continuing to evolve and expand and with patient needs on the rise, it has become increasingly vital that administrators of hospitals, clinics, physician practices and nursing facilities be current on what their organizations need to offer cutting edge services to their patients. Each day, it seems, there are updated technologies, new discoveries and advanced medical techniques. There is always a need for additional research on treatments, drugs and new diseases as well as a constant update of equipment and upkeep of buildings.

Often, the health services administrator is tasked with the responsibility of writing and securing healthcare grants to meet these critical needs. It is imperative that administrators and managers have a solid background in fund development and healthcare grant writing. Knowing where to find funding opportunities and how to write successful grant applications is essential to keeping any healthcare organization running smoothly and efficiently.

Healthcare grants can cover a range of projects, programs and equipment/facility needs. For hospitals, clinics, not-for-profits, universities and schools in need of funding, there are numerous foundation, corporate and government healthcare grants available. The first and most important step in fund development and grant writing is determining what specific enhancement is needed and which funding criteria can be met. The grant application must outline the mission, goals, objectives, outcomes and plans for sustainability and growth if funding is received.

Overview of proposal and grant writing

Developing and writing grant proposals can be complex and even daunting. Numerous grant writing courses, workshops and tutorials are available where healthcare professionals can learn to write successful grant proposals. These courses are offered through universities, schools, foundations, government agencies and community centers in person, online and via live Webinars.

Typical grant writing courses will teach the fundamentals of corporate grants, how to find grants, key components of every grant, the importance of a mission, need statements and goals and objectives. Additional skills acquired through grant writing courses include prospect research, donor cultivation, evaluation methodologies for foundation grants, budgets, program sustainability, how to research federal grant opportunities, how federal grants are reviewed and scored, and how to write for women, children, minorities and rural programs.

All grant writing courses will emphasize the importance of following the proposal instructions, proofreading and submitting an application well ahead of its deadline. Some agencies will provide a checklist to follow. Many government agencies, foundations and corporations publish grant writing guides and tip sheets, as well as other funding resources, on their websites. A well-thought, well-prepared and compelling proposal application for a healthcare grant can produce strong results for building and enhancing a health services organization.

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Source:

www.newusagrants.com/health-care-grants.php

http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/learnabout/proposalwriting.html

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