Evidence-based programs, grounded in empirical data and rigorous research, can heal individuals and communities. But one thing lies at the core of their success: funding.
To acquire the necessary funding for EBPs, you need to write grant proposals that captivate, inspire, and, most importantly, win. In this blog, we'll explore grant writing tips, strategies, and resources to help you confidently write grants so you can deliver evidence-based programs that inspire and transform.
Effective grant writing secures the funding that brings evidence-based programs to life. It's the art of weaving compelling narratives with persuasive data, scopes of work, budgets, and more to demonstrate a program's potential impact.
You must articulate a vision that resonates with funders. At its core, grant writing is twofold: to secure financial support for a project and communicate its objectives and outcomes effectively. By crafting a persuasive narrative that aligns with the goals of both the funder and the program, you can increase your chances of success.
A well-structured grant proposal guides funders through your proposed evidence-based program, providing a comprehensive overview of what you hope to achieve and how you will do it.
A few common elements include:
By understanding and mastering each component, you can craft compelling proposals that capture the attention of funders and pave the way for successful evidence-based programs.
Now that you know what's in a grant proposal, you need to start finding opportunities you can apply for. But before that, you should understand why evidence matters to funders and why evidence-based elements are often included in grant programs.
Evidence-based grantmaking ensures funds go to proven methods or facilitates the generation of evidence in an area that is lacking.
Federal, state, or local grant programs, particularly those that operate on a competitive basis, require applicants to submit proposals based on specified selection criteria. These criteria may include allocating points toward evidence-based practices. For instance, applicants could earn points by referencing published evaluations supporting their proposed interventions or agreeing to participate in national assessments to contribute to the evidence base.
Alternatively, grant programs may mandate evidence by requiring applicants to select program models from a pre-approved list of evidence-based programs.
To explore various evidence-based practices and interventions, explore the following registries:
Explore these databases when looking for evidence to cite throughout your grant proposals.
Government grants, foundation funding, and private donors commonly support evidence-based programs.
Your organization can enhance the sustainability of an evidence-based program by diversifying funding sources. But for now, we'll focus on government-initiated sources of funding.
In evidence-based grantmaking, applicants must occasionally choose from pre-determined program models. This approach only sometimes applies, but it provides insight into the nuances of government grant opportunities.
Consider the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). It only funds evidence-based programs that preserve at-risk families. FFPSA funding can significantly help organizations on a mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. However, to apply, you must research eligibility criteria, validated evidence-based programs (like Functional Family Therapy), the application process, the funding scope, and more.
While you likely don't have to submit a grant proposal to receive Medicaid funding, it's a significant funding source for evidence-based programs that support behavioral health.
For example, Medicaid can cover parts of Functional Family Therapy, like case management or therapy sessions. Providers must be recognized as eligible to receive these funds, and the services must align with a state's guidelines.
Download our fact sheet if you're curious about how to fund Functional Family Therapy through Medicaid or are interested in becoming an FFT provider.
Additional Funding Opportunities
Resources like the Child Welfare Information Gateway can help you search and identify details of various funding avenues available for supporting child welfare, mental health, family counseling, and related services.
Some of these funding channels may include:
Most of these funding sources necessitate comprehensive proposals delineating program objectives, evidence basis, and anticipated impact on the target demographic.
Regardless of where you secure funding, always be sure to align funding sources with the specific goals and objectives of the evidence-based program you hope to implement. The funding you win should always align with the core mission and values of your goal.
Always craft a narrative that addresses all the common elements of a grant proposal and any additional elements the funder asks for, backed up by cited evidence.
You should also keep these top ten tips and strategies for crafting persuasive and impactful grant proposals top of mind:
By incorporating these tips into your grant writing process, you'll be well-equipped to craft compelling proposals that captivate funders and unlock the resources needed to turn your programmatic vision into reality.
As you write grant proposals for evidence-based programs, remember that each proposal is an opportunity to make a difference and strengthen your impact. With research, data, compelling writing, impactful stories, clear objectives, and a strong budget, you can win resources to help you transform lives and communities.
FFT LLC brings Functional Family Therapy to over 40,000 families a year across the globe that are at risk of involvement in the justice and child welfare systems and/or gangs. FFT LLC provides clinical oversight and ongoing research to maintain positive outcomes and ensure all FFT providers adhere to evidence-based practice standards.
Contact us for more information about our evidence-based youth and family counseling services.