Building a program based on research, field experience and evidence based behavior change models/theories Susan Bergson Michael Robinson Jack Carrel Based on Presentation by: B.D. Hayes, DSW, MPH, MSW- Morehouse School of Medicine

Learning Objectives To provide a model for developing your proposal ideas based on research, field experience and evidence based behavior change models/theories To review winning grant writing tips To identify strategies for mutually beneficial partnering/collaborations To increase funding for a variety of projects

A successful grant proposal is one that is well-prepared, thoughtfully planned and concisely packaged …………….………….CFDA

Research and Write first Fund Second

The Three Essential Laws of Successful Proposal Development and Grant Writing Do your homework Follow instructions Use Common Sense

General Tips and Comments Take sufficient time to prepare a good abstract, LOI, or a concept paper Avoid the use of jargon and acronyms Always include a budget and budget justification Be careful when/where you cut and paste: assure uniformity of font size and type ALWAYS use a reader and get editorial assistance

Traits of a Successful Grant Getter Research skills Salesmanship skills Communication skills Ingenuity skills Administrative skills Human relations Persistence, dedication, patience Ability to work hard Political awareness and action Integrity

Step 1: Research Before writing up a proposal, look at the research or the evidence base –PubMed –Google Scholar Make sure to reference research (cite articles) in your background or needs statement Use what already exists: –Statewide Coordinated Statement of Need and Comprehensive Plan –HIV/AIDS Quarterly and Annual Reports –New report from the Southern AIDS Coalition

Step 2: Field Experience What makes you think that it will work in the context in which you work and the population you will focus on? Conduct focus groups and/or key informant interviews to understand why and how intervention will work If changes to intervention need to be made to fit your population of interest, what are they? Check out article- Cultural adaptation in translational research: field experiences.

Step 3: Understanding Behavior Change Theory

Global Causes of Death Noncommunicable diseases Communicable diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions, and nutritional deficiencies Injuries Source: WHO, World Health Report 2000—Health Systems: Improving Performance (Geneva: WHO, 2000). Step 3: Understanding Behavior Change Theory

Behavior change reduces risky behaviors

Health Promotion Means Changing Behavior at Multiple Levels A Individual: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, personality   BInterpersonal: family, friends, peers   CCommunity: social networks, standards, norms   DInstitutional: rules, policies, informal structures EPublic Policy: local policies related to healthy practices Source: Adapted from National Cancer Institute, Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion (2003), available online at

Stages of Change Model Changing one’s behavior is a process, not an event Individuals at different levels of change Gear interventions to level of change Source: James O. Prochaska et al., “In Search of How People Change: Application to Addictive Behaviors,” American Psychologist 47, no. 9 (1992):

Stages of Change Model (cont.) Precontemplation ActionDecision MaintenanceContemplation

Example Combating HIV/AIDS in Uganda Political support, multisectoral response Decentralized behavior change campaigns Focus on women and youth, stigma and discrimination Mobilization of religious leaders Confidential voluntary counseling and testing Social marketing of condoms Control and prevention of STIs Source: Edward C. Green, Rethinking AIDS Prevention: Learning from Successes in Developing Countries (Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2003).

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS Direct, concise, compelling, convincing, capable and resourceful Addresses a significant/important problem Explicit goals, measurable objectives Comprehensive but succinct background review Methodology fits problem Appropriate funding mechanism

Unsuccessful Applications Failure to follow directions Lack of new or original ideas Diffuse, superficial, or unfocused research Lacks clearly stated hypothesis and rationale Lack of an overall research goal; uncertainty about future directions Lack of knowledge about relevant literature Questionable reasoning in research design Lack of demonstrated experience in selected methodology (lacks detail) Format issues Over-ambitious

Developing Your Idea(s) Needs Assessment –Evidence of problem –Local, county, state, national Capability Assessment –Organizational –People –Past and present history –Resources (funds, expertise, etc.)

Grant Writing Process Begins with a good idea Review the components of a successful grant Apply the model Evaluate and discuss the plan Literature review Analysis of current research/activity in the field Develop team

The Task You Face Clearly Identify the Need –Make sure the needs are those of the target population Define the Solution –Use a Problem/Needs approach Carefully Design the Project –How a problem is defined often determines an approach to develop a solution

Basic Components The Proposal Summary Introduction Problem Statement (or Needs Assessment) Project Objectives Project Methods or Design Project Evaluation Project Budget Future Funding

General Tips and Comments Take sufficient time to prepare a good abstract, LOI, or a concept paper Avoid the use of jargon and acronyms Always include s budget and budget justification Be careful when/where you cut and paste: assure uniformity of font size and type ALWAYS use a reader and get editorial assistance

Questions? Read the directions! As you are writing the LOI, please feel free to send Michael Robinson questions: Get two other people who are not involved with the proposal development to read your document The Louisiana Community AIDS Partnership is available to help with technical assistance on all of your grant applications if you need us.