Step 5: Develop Grant Application
The next phase of the health center development process is the grant application itself. The application process is increasingly competitive and development of a high-quality application is essential.
Grant writing workshops are generally available on a national level and CHAD is available to provide technical assistance and support to communities in the grant development process. In addition, professional grant writers with experience in developing CHC applications are often available for hire.
A list of open grant funding opportunities is available through the Health Resources and Services Administration web site.
Applications receiving funding generally are successful in demonstrating:
- Capacity to be operational within 90 days of funding award notification
- A high need for services in their area
- Compliance with all requirements of Section 330
- A clear plan for providing the full range of comprehensive primary care services, including oral health and behavioral health services
- A process for increasing access to care for the target population
- Collaborative relationships with community-based providers
- A strategic plan is in place and goals have been identified for mission-based service delivery, health services/clinical management, governance, financial/administrative management and readiness issues
