Though HIV and AIDS aren’t as frequent as they were, the disease remains a predominant threat within one community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calculate Black Americans account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses, those living with HIV, and those who have received an AIDS diagnosis compared to any other race or ethnicity. In total, Blacks account for 44% of HIV diagnoses but comprise 12% of the US population.
With help from grants written by GrantWriters, Bethune-Cookman University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Daytona Beach, Florida, has taken steps to protect its students and surrounding community from the risk of HIV and AIDS.
Grants Fill Funding Gaps
As a private college, Bethune-Cookman cannot depend on federal funding. Instead, it relies on tuition, private contributions, and, of course, grants. “Grants are important to fulfilling the mission of Bethune-Cookman University because the funding allows us to provide programs we cannot fund otherwise,” says Chipella Jordan, Assistant Vice President of Foundations and Corporate Relations and formally with the University’s Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.
Prior to 2012, University staff were responsible for writing grants, and the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research assisted with project management, writing and review. “I remember preparing a grant submission could take as many as eight days,” recalls Jordan. “The University reached a point where many faculty were writing and additional hands were needed to help with the volume. The big-dollar proposals require an exorbitant amount of time to develop properly; therefore, it made sense to contract those out.”
GrantWriters Steps in To Assist
Bethune-Cookman’s then-president recalled working with GrantWriters at a prior institution and made the recommendation to Jordan, who recognized the timesaving (and money-earning) potential of hiring a grant writing firm.
As the relationship with GrantWriters grew, the University’s grant-writing process evolved. When University staff found a grant opportunity, GrantWriters developed a plan along with the Director of Sponsored Programs and Research. They would outline faculty contributors, identify subject-matter- expert writers, and create a timeline. Then, writing would commence.
“The GrantWriters’ expert would research background and statistical information to include, prepare questions for the faculty to answer, and assist with budget preparation,” explains Jordan.
In addition to writing, GrantWriters lent expertise and project management to the grant-writing process. Additional GrantWriters staff would review the proposal periodically, recommending ways to make it stronger and more compelling. GrantWriters also assisted with the final review along with University staff.
Grant Award Informs, Educates and Protects
This process resulted in Bethune-Cookman winning a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The University used the $780,000 it received over three years to expand on an earlier grant-funded project, Steps.
“The University created the Steps program in 2010 to train constituents on how to identify a person displaying suicidal behavior, placing an emphasis on dismissing myths and stigma associated with mental health, depression and suicide within the Black American community and other communities of color,” Jordan says.
The second iteration, Steps 2, focused on addressing another issue of concern: substance abuse and HIV prevention. The program targeted Bethune–Cookman University students and individuals residing in surrounding communities between 18 – 24. It also included partnerships with two off-campus organizations: the Volusia County Health Department and Stewart-Marchman-Act Behavioral Healthcare.
Over the course of three years, Steps 2 served at least 2,000 students and 200 faculty and staff, placing a special focus on entering freshmen, seniors, athletes, LGBTQ, and veteran students. Among its services, Steps 2:
- Provided training to key gatekeepers, students and their parents
- Facilitated educational seminars and cultural diversity workshops explaining the myths and stigma associated with HIV, substance abuse and STDs
- Promoted help-seeking behaviors within the student body by replacing the negative attitudes toward medical and behavioral health systems held by many Black Americans
- Distributed informational literature throughout campus and at organized student activities, and distributed educational information to parents and the community at-large through social media
“The grant made possible services that included information and referral, crisis services, detoxification, outpatient and residential services, supportive housing, prevention programs, and community outreach and education,” Jordan highlights. She says the program helped improve the quality and intensity of services through evidence-based practices for prevention and intervention emphasizing family and peer support while addressing the unique needs of a predominately Black community.
GrantWriters Goes the Distance to Win Grants
After working with GrantWriters on the SAMHSA grant and other grant projects, Jordan says she recommends them because they are “all in” when writing proposals
“GrantWriters’ experts are knowledgeable and patient. They want to ensure your proposal is funded no matter how much work goes into it.”