At some level, almost every current provider is involved with health professional education and training. The time when these responsibilities were solely left to institutions of higher education is long gone. New technology combined with health professional shortages require providers and educators alike to adapt to a constantly evolving landscape. Health systems must find ways to deliver specific training and continuing education programs to a workforce that is spread across numerous sites and communities. Formal degree-granting institutions struggle to fund the latest and greatest distance learning and simulation equipment necessary to properly engage their health professional students. The good news is that federal and foundation funding is available to help address these issues, particularly in the context of overcoming health professional shortages, increasing capacity, and improving care.

October 1, 2012 marks the start of a new fiscal year. A review of the FY 2013 budget would indicate that healthcare will again be at the forefront of grant funding opportunities. Funds will continue to flow from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as well as from annual grants, incentive packages, and new programs offered for the first time in 2013. Given the short 4-6 week window between grant announcement and deadline, gaining insight into forecasted funding opportunities is a critical step in the planning process for health care entities that are seeking funds from federal, state, and even private sector sources.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a grantmaking organization within the Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA administers several grant programs to achieve four primary goals:
1) Improve access to quality care and services,
2) Strengthen the health workforce,
3) Build healthy communities, and
4) Improve health equity.
HRSA houses sub-agencies, including the Office of Rural Health Policy, Bureau of Health Professions and the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. While HRSA doesn't technically steal from the rich, a large part of their grant funding is targeted at improving health care for disadvantaged populations (ethnic/racial, rural, HIV/AIDS). In addition, HRSA is a major investor in nursing education initiatives and telehealth endeavors.

Join Cisco and Chris LaPage from the Grants Office team as we explore various HRSA programs, particularly those that allow for acquisition of health IT. Attendees will gain knowledge on specific grant programs as well as tips for securing funding from HRSA.

Every year, healthcare providers have access to billions of dollars in federal grant funding to carry out important projects. In fact, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently made $1 billion available for projects that transform healthcare through innovations in service delivery and payment modeling. In order to compete for these types of funds, applicants must create projects that are truly innovative in addressing care delivery, thereby improving health outcomes and patient safety indicators.

Each year, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) makes billions of dollars available to those collectively responsible for the safety and security of the American public and our way of life. And while law enforcement departments inevitably play a major role in many successful DOJ projects, we must respect the fact that it’s not a “whole of government,” but a “whole of nation” approach that best keeps our citizens and communities as safe as possible.
Join Cisco and Grants Office’s Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa for a valuable discussion on the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and other available DOJ grant programs. Law enforcement, local governments, community groups and citizens alike, will not want to miss this important event.

The USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program is one of the most popular and highly competitive IT-friendly programs of the year. Through the support of DLT funds, countless rural citizens have been provided with access to a wide variety of much-needed educational and healthcare-related programs. Due to the program's competitiveness, it is crucial to begin preparing your project well in advance of the deadline so that you can develop the best application possible.
During the third part of Cisco’s DLT webcast series, Grants Office’s Manager of Grants Development and Administration Dan Casion discusses several aspects of developing and strengthening the narrative sections of the proposal, including properly incorporating technology equipment and vendors, addressing project scope and sustainability, demonstrating community need and innovativeness, and avoiding common application pitfalls.

The healthcare industry is finally catching up with the technologies deployed in other sectors. The proliferation of electronic medical records, telehealth networks, health information exchange interfaces and the growing popularity of computers, tablets, smartphones and other devices are making mobile healthcare (mHealth) a reality. Providers can use mHealth technology to improve communication with patients, closely monitor their conditions, and reduce costs associated with recurring traditional office-based visits and expensive emergency room encounters. Unfortunately, mHealth projects can be expensive due to high up-front costs associated with equipment acquisition and limited reimbursement available to providers from various public and private payers.

The Investing in Innovation program, first funded under the Recovery Act of 2009, has since received additional funding to continue to develop, research, and scale-up promising projects in the field of education. The i3 grants, targeted primarily at K-12 education, address some of the top concerns in education reform, including teacher effectiveness, use of technology, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Like the previous competitions, the 2012 i3 program will be very competitive and require applicants submit well-developed projects in order to win.
Cisco brings you this webcast, hosted by Grants Office’s Grants Development Consultant Christopher Haight to take an in-depth look at the i3 program, including the key topics addressed by the grants and how applicants can start preparing their proposals now.

The COPS Secure Our Schools (SOS) grant program offers school districts around the country the opportunity to utilize federal finding to provide a safer, more secure learning environment. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we discuss program priorities and how to best position your competitive 2012 COPS SOS application.

The Department of Homeland Security oversees a number of grant and financial assistance programs that represent approximately $4 billion in annual funding. These DHS funds are intended to help state, local, tribal and private sector entities strengthen their ability to prevent, protect, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we review FY2012 DHS program allocations, grant funding mechanisms, and tips on getting your project in front of available DHS money.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program continues to be one of the best administered grant programs in the country. The AFG program supports fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations with projects designed around enhancing abilities with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. This program provides competitive funding for thousands of projects each year with a focus on firefighter/EMS operations and safety, vehicles acquisition, and regional communication and interoperability projects. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we review this year's program guidelines, allowable activities, and application requirements.

Achieving Success with the 2012 Fire Prevention and Safety Grants The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S), as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, is a key component of a coordinated effort to strengthen our nation’s homeland security preparedness. The FP&S Grants seeks to accomplish its goals by supporting activities in two categories: (1) Activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate incidences of deaths and injuries caused by fire, and (2) Research and development activities aimed at improvements of firefighter safety Join Grants Office Grant Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we discuss this year's program guidelines, allowable activities and application requirements. This discussion will also include tips on getting the most out of your 2012 application. If you're considering an FP&S application this year, you won't want to miss this timely event.

Join Grants Office Manager of Grants Development and Administration Dan Casion for an informational webcast session on the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS). During this event, we will take time to dive into the eight distinct Purpose Areas of this multifaceted funding opportunity. Whether you have experience with this program or are considering applying for the first time, you can benefit from learning about the nuances of the 2012 solicitation. This program is a highly significant funding opportunity for tribal organizations tasked with law enforcement. Let Grants Office help you make the most of this opportunity by attending this informative and timely event!

The Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program supports metropolitan and multijurisdictional planning efforts that integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments. Approximately $67 million is available for projects that address challenges related to economic competitiveness and revitalization, access to opportunity, energy use, and public health and environmental impact. Join Manager of Grants Development and Administration Dan Casion as Grants Office explores the ins and outs of this important community planning program.

Too often, artificial or bureaucratic barriers can prevent communities from achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities. The Community Challenge Planning Grant Program aims to remove these barriers by aligning Federal program support with the six Livability Principles and creating more coordinated points of contact for State and local governments building innovative projects that coordinate housing, economic development, transportation, and environmental policies and goals. Join Manager of Grants Development and Administration Dan Casion as we discuss various approaches to this nearly $30 million opportunity, including how to present your application in the best light possible.

One of the key challenges for the United States in grappling with the aftermath of the Great Recession is to rebuild its workforce to meet the needs of the 21st Century. The HB1 Technical Training Grants and Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants are ideal grant opportunities to support new workforce development programs to address this issue.
In this presentation sponsored by Cisco, Grants Office’s Grants Development Consultant Christopher Haight will offer a closer look at these two programs from the Department of Labor, and what applicants must do to prepare competitive proposals for 2012.

The Community Facilities Grant Program (CFGP) is designed to improve the facilities that serve rural communities, which in many remote and low-income areas suffer from dilapidated and outdated infrastructure. Funding is targeted at organizations that serve critical purposes in rural areas, including health care providers, educators, utility providers, and public safety entities. Funds can be used to construct new facilities, make alterations or renovations to existing buildings as well purchase equipment that is necessary for these community facilities to operate effectively. Join Grants Office as we explore the requirements of the Community Facilities Grant Program and offer guidance on accessing funds, which are distributed at the local level. The information will be based on the application guidance, which is expected to be released in the first quarter of FY 2012.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program continues to be one of the best administered grant programs in the country and over the last decade has helped thousands of first responders obtain critically needed equipment, turnout gear, vehicles, training, and other resources necessary to protect the nation from fire and fire related hazards.
As has been the case in years past, successfully positioning your Fiscal Year 2012 applications will not only be built around a solid understanding of the AFG program itself, but also on the program’s funding priorities and areas of focus.
Join Cisco and Grants Office’s Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we review this year's program guidelines, allowable activities, and application requirements.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees a number of grant and financial assistance programs that represent billions of dollars in funding each year. State, local, tribal and private sector entities inevitably rely on this federal assistance to strengthen their ability to prevent, protect, and respond to terrorist attacks, major disasters and various other emergencies. Most specifically, the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) provide well over $1 billion designed to support the training, exercise, and equipment necessary to keep this nation as safe as possible.
Join Cisco and Grants Office’s Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we review these and other FY2012 DHS grant programs, funding mechanisms, and the steps necessary for getting your project in front of DHS assistance.

As homeland security threats have evolved over the years, so too has the need to adequately prepare for these terrorist and all-hazard dangers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an agency specifically designed to address these threats, oversees approximately $4 billion in annual funding. DHS programs assist a variety of state and local entities to strengthen their ability to prevent, protect, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we review FY2011 DHS program allocations, grant funding mechanisms, and tips on getting your project in front of DHS money.

Join Grants Office Manager of Grants Development and Administration, Dan Casion, for an overview of research and development grants. In this webcast, we will explore how to identify R&D opportunities, vet potential projects for best fit with these opportunities, and how to compose a compelling research and development grant proposal.

The highly competitive USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program has one of the more complicated application processes out there. Fortunately, with enough planning and foresight, applicants can begin preparations well in advance of the FY2012 competition. By giving yourself as long of a runway as possible, you can pre-determine your preliminary objective score, work on strengthening various application components, and map out a plan for collecting key pieces of information so that you are ready when the deadline is announced.
Join Cisco and Grants Office’s Manager of Grants Development and Administration Dan Casion for part two of the three-part DLT series in which we delve into the intricacies of the application process, including identifying and scoring hubs and end-users, completing necessary forms, determining your preliminary objective score, and correctly organizing your application materials.

The Strengthening Institutions Program provides crucial financial support to colleges and universities across the nation that serve a high number of students from low-income backgrounds. Through this flexible funding program, these institutions of higher education are able to enhance their academic programs, strengthen technology infrastructure, improve student services, and embark on many other projects to better their abilities to serve students.
In this presentation sponsored by Cisco, Grants Office’s Grants Development Consultant Christopher Haight will explain how to qualify for SIP funding, eligible uses for funding, and how to apply.

Every year, Congress appropriates over $400 billion in grants through annual spending bills, which are typically passed at the end of the calendar year. Understanding what measures are contained within each of these bills is important in developing a successful grantseeking strategy, as new programs may receive funding, old programs may be eliminated, or new levels of funding for the various grant programs may be established. This 2012 Higher Education Funding Forecast webcast, sponsored by Dell, will give grantseekers a preliminary look at what funding will become available throughout next year - giving them ample opportunity to plan ahead. Join Grants Development Consultant Christopher Haight to explore what the Fiscal Year 2012 appropriations bills contain for higher education, including programs for technology, student services, campus safety, and more!

In 2012, information technology will be funded through programs that support state and local government activities, education, broadband, and healthcare, and knowing which programs are technology-friendly can make the difference between boom and bust in funding IT projects. Join Grants Office CEO Michael Paddock as we walk through the details and IT implications of the appropriations and programs in the federal budget for federal fiscal year 2012. It’s not always the technology-focused programs that fund the most technology!

The USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program is one of the most popular and highly competitive IT-friendly programs of the year. Providing millions of dollars to support educational and healthcare-related initiatives, DLT is the lifeblood of many telecommunications programs delivered to extremely rural end-users.
Join Cisco and Grants Office’s Manager of Grants Development and Administration Dan Casion for the first of a three-part series as we provide an overview of the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program, discussing key points such as determining eligibility, identifying participants, developing a budget, and more.

Grant money continues to flow out of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Children continue to be a key target population in the health reform legislation. Evidence clearly shows that providing access to health services within a school environment dramatically improves health outcomes. School based health centers provide an opportunity to provide services in the location where children spend a great deal of their time. The School Based Health Center Capital Program (SBHCC) offers $50 million in grant funding per year to establish and make capital improvements to these types of entities. Join Cisco and Chris LaPage from the Grants Office team as we explore the SBHCC program, including ways in which health IT and underlying infrastructure can be written into the project budget. Attendees will gain an understanding of key program details as well as tips for positioning a successful application.

Homeland security funding represents a significant and growing opportunity to implement security related technology projects. The Department of Homeland Security provides billion of dollars annually for a variety of state and local initiatives , ranging from computers and software to license plate readers and video surveillance equipment, with each solution contributing to a safer, more secure nation.

Technological advances, by themselves, can be largely unfundable if not attached to a specific project. Join Grants Office Manager of Grants Development and Administration, Dan Casion, as he illustrates successful approaches to incorporate technology as part of a fundable project. Learn how to properly position IT in a variety of funding areas, from healthcare to education funding opportunities, and what details to include in a successful application.

Many organizations do not have the manpower or internal resources to target and capitalize on large competitive federal grants. Alternatively, an organization may be leveraging federal grant dollars, but has failed to explore other options. In either case, earmarks (also known as pork-barrel funding) and foundations remain a viable funding source for many projects in the health sector. Engaging congressional representatives (for earmarks) and foundations is relatively straightforward compared to federal grant programs and often times the proposal development and review process is much more streamlined. If you are looking to take advantage of the "lower hanging fruit" on the funding tree or a quicker turnaround time on funding decisions, it is essential to explore earmarks and foundations. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant Christopher LaPage as he provides an overview of earmark and foundation funding opportunities geared towards health care organizations. In addition, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the process and timeline for engaging these important funding opportunities.

Although rural and tribal communities can generally apply for the same grants as their urban counterparts, less populous communities often lose out because they don’t have the people and resources to find and pursue these funding opportunities. Join Grants Office CEO Michael Paddock as we discuss special funding for rural and Tribal communities, tips for positioning your proposal for success on the national stage, and the importance of collaboration and how to develop and manage an effective collaborative effort. If you are in a small community and feel you’ve been missing big opportunities, you won’t want to miss this important event!

While some grant programs focus their attention on providing equipment and training, other programs take a much different approach in helping applicants realize their operational goals. The competitive SAFER program directly supports the recruiting and hiring efforts of fire departments looking to increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we review this year's SAFER program guidelines and application requirements. Any fire department looking to fill firefighting positions will not want to miss this important event.

Supporting interoperable communications is a priority for all levels of government, and while “equipment friendly” grant programs exist, successful grant applicants recognize that a fully functioning network must be built upon some human and bureaucratic factors as well.

Healthcare in Rural America is under intense scrutiny as recent academic studies suggest the level of care provided at rural health facilities lags significantly behind their urban counterparts. Rural healthcare institutions, like critical access hospitals and rural health clinics, typically operate on negative operating income and lack essential human and capital resources to provide the highest quality of care possible. The silver lining is that rural healthcare organizations are not only a prime fit, but targeted for many grant opportunities because of the well-documented need they can demonstrate. Rural health care organizations have the potential to pull down grant funding for initiatives that include, but are not limited to, capital construction, equipment acquisition, infrastructure updates, personnel, workforce development, health information technology, and chronic disease management programs. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant Christopher LaPage as he provides insight into the plethora of grant opportunities available to rural healthcare organizations. In addition to reviewing specific grant opportunities, participants will walk away with some practical strategies for leveraging external resources in their grantseeking efforts.

Join the Grants Office team for an introduction to tribal grantwriting basics. In this informative webcast, we will discuss common strategies to employ, pitfalls to avoid, and typical processes to follow for tribal-specific grantwriting. Beginners to veteran grantwriters and all involved in the grantseeking team will benefit from this opportunity to get an in-depth overview of grantwriting tactics. Learn tips for successful positioning of a project, incorporation of technology into a proposal, and just how much detail to include in a successful proposal. Hear real-world examples of funded tribal opportunities and what you can learn from their success stories.

Join Grants Office Manager of Grants Development and Administration, Dan Casion, for an overview of Tribal Funding opportunities. Learn about opportunities available to tribal institutions, from public safety to education, and everything in between!

The popular and well-funded Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program has always been a favorite of public safety organizations including police, courts, corrections, and task forces. Consistent with years prior, JAG funds may be used to support a wide variety of public safety related activities which cover technical assistance, training, personnel, and equipment. State and local entities, both large and small, should attend this valuable discussion as JAG provides options for everyone. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant Vince Siragusa, as we discuss the Justice Assistance Grant and the various funding pathways being supported by this Department of Justice program.

For the last decade, the AFG program has helped thousands of first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, turnout gear, vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire related hazards. Successful 2011 applications will be built around a good understanding of the AFG program and program priorities. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we review this year's AFG program guidelines, allowable activities, program priorities, and application requirements. Don’t miss this informative session!

This webcast will feature career training grants available each year from the Department of Labor. Included in this presentation will be information on the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Program (TAACCCCT), a new $500 million annual grant program that will benefit community colleges in every state.

Interoperable communications and other data sharing projects continue to garner attention from a variety of grant makers as the need for advanced technology infrastructure and communication equipment to enable first responders continues to play a vital role in National security. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant, Vince Siragusa, as we discuss a review of interoperable communications, FCC narrowbanding mandates, and the grant programs that will support your interoperability needs.

Public Safety grant opportunities can present unique challenges to the grantwriting process.Join Dan Casion, Manager of Grants Development and Administration at Grants Office, as he presents common pitfalls to avoid, tips for success, and how to properly position a public safety project for annual and new funding programs. Additionally, the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Program (CTAS) is open now with an April 21 deadline! We will take time during this event to dive into all eight Purpose Areas of this multifaceted funding opportunity. Whether you have experience with this Program or are even considering applying for the first time, you will want to hear about the significant changes and nuances in the 2011 solicitation. This Program is a highly significant funding opportunity for tribal organizations tasked with law enforcement, let Grants Office help you make the most of this opportunity by registering for this informative and timely event.

Every year there is more than $400 billion dollars allocated to grant programs during the federal budgeting process. The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for distributing a large portion of these dollars for projects in the health sector. In addition to annual grant funding, we are going to see more funding opportunities for health initiatives in 2011 thanks to the passage of health reform legislation (also known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). With health care organizations operating on thinner margins than ever before, it is the perfect time to make grantseeking a critical component of your organization's financial strategy. In order to take advantage of these funding sources, you need to know what is coming down the pipeline and plan accordingly. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant Christopher LaPage as he provides a broad overview of the 2011 healthcare funding landscape. The discussion will include an overview of both annual and one-time grant programs authorized through the health reform legislation as well as tips for pulling down these funds.

This webcast will discuss grant opportunities available to institutions of higher education (IHEs) that are focusing on improving campus safety, including communications infrastructure, visual surveillance, and training. In addition, the webcast will explore alternative grant strategies that can help IHEs secure their campuses, such as grants available to local law enforcement agencies.

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, partnerships, and problem-solving techniques to proactively address issues and threats. The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is the office of the Department of Justice that advances the practice of community policing across America’s law enforcement agencies. Over the past several years, an overlap with other justice and security grants has made COPS funding a productive, yet fluid grant source for many projects. Join Grants Office Grants Development Consultant Vince Siragusa, as we discuss Funding Community Policing through COPS Programs and strategies for obtaining funding for your community policing projects.

Grants Office presents webcasts each month dedicated to providing relevant and timely grant funding information across various sectors. Browse through all scheduled webcasts, register now for topics of interest, and download past events if you were unable to attend!