Securing Funding One Grant Writing Course at a Time

Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024 • Midori Hrinda : CONNECT

For Pamela Hunt, Executive Director of the El Campo Medical Foundation, securing grants for her facility became challenging. Frustration grew as she struggled to find specific grants that would support her project needs. This changed when she enrolled in the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Center for Rural Health and Nursing’s (CRHN) Grant Writing course.

Hunt’s CEO, Brett Kirkham, and the Director of Radiology, Amy Shoppe, both emphasized the urgent need for a 3D Mammography System. While Hunt was feeling frustrated from past grant opportunities not coming to fruition, Kirkham mentioned the CRHN Grant Writing course as an option to learn successful strategies to secure grants for this project.

“The CRHN Grant Writing course provided me with valuable strategies for locating and searching for the right funding opportunities,” says Hunt. “One key takeaway was learning how to create a compelling narrative that makes a grant persuasive and engaging. I realized the power of incorporating stories from community members to highlight the importance of a 3D mammography system, making the proposal more impactful and personal.”

After completing the 8-week online course, Hunt secured multiple grants and community donations totaling $325,000 to fund the 3D Mammography System for her hospital’s radiology department. This system provides advanced breast cancer screening services in a rural area, allowing residents to receive quality health care without worrying about distance.

“Securing funding takes time, and setbacks are part of the process,” says Hunt. “Stay positive and keep the purpose of your project at the forefront. In just a few months, we have increased the number of patients we serve by 25%. This system will serve our community for many years to come.”

Hunt expressed how her experience with this project and the grant writing course has changed her perspective on both the importance of rural health care and the power of grant writing. She recognizes how essential it is to provide accessible health care in rural areas. With the funding she received, she is now able to share her success with her rural community.

“I truly believe the CRHN Grant Writing course came at the perfect time for this project and myself,” says Hunt. “It taught me how to successfully write grants and inspired me to organize a Women’s Health Event to launch the initiative in our community. Thinking creatively and working hard are key to reaching your goals.”

The CRHN Grant Writing course is a free 8-week, self-guided online course that will assist you with the basics of grant writing so you can successfully receive grants for your rural community. Applications for the Spring 2025 semester will open soon. For more information on the course and how to sign-up, visit our website page: Rural Grant Writing Course.