By Amber Walker, Grants Development Associate (Healthcare)
In our last issue, we explored the basics of technology 101 for the grant writer in healthcare and emphasized that healthcare grant writers will increasingly need to familiarize themselves with advances in healthcare delivery. They will need to dedicate time and thought to effectively narrate to funders the necessity or reliance on technology. As evidence of the increased focus on innovations in healthcare, we will examine the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and how technology is a pillar of the application guidance and a priority of the funder. This program is a historic and first-of-its-kind investment in rural healthcare.
is intended to help State governments to support rural communities across America in improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery system. The program will provide $50billion in total funding over the next 5 years (FY26 – 31). The program outlines five strategics goals, of which technology innovation is outlined. The notice of funding opportunity provides the following guidance: “to foster use of innovative technologies that promote efficient care delivery, data security, and access to digital health tools by rural facilities, providers, and patients. Projects support access to remote care, improve data sharing, strengthen cybersecurity, and invest in emerging technologies.” Furthermore, the guidance outlines a list of eligible uses of funds and directs applicants that they must address at least three, of which “consumer tech solutions” and “IT advances” are specifically outlined. By “Consumer tech solutions,” the guidance goes on to expand: to “promote consumer-facing technology-driven solutions for the prevention and management of chronic diseases”, and “IT Advances, to: “provide technical assistance, software, and hardware for significant information technology advances designed to improve efficiency, enhance cybersecurity capability development, and improve patient health outcomes.
In addition to these two eligible uses of funds, technology can and will be interwoven throughout the other eligible uses and is specifically addressed in the proposal narrative. For example, applicants may need to elaborate on how they will use new and emerging technologies to emphasize prevention and chronic disease management, and how they plan for the long-term sustainability of those adopted technologies. Applicants may also need to defend how they utilize data-driven solutions, using the example “electronic health information exchange (HIE).”
The Rural Health Transformation Program is one example of a federally funded grant opportunity for states to implement transformative delivery systems. States will compete against one another for funds, and tech-savvy grant writers will have a competitive edge as they translate complex systems into clear and succinct language for the application reviewers.
Not all grant opportunities will be as complex as the RHTP; however, grant writers in healthcare should continue to prioritize their knowledge in this area. As more healthcare services rely on technology, an informed writer will be able to facilitate collaboration among many stakeholders, including IT personnel, clinicians, administrators, and foundation or funding entity staff. This knowledge will be hugely beneficial when it comes to the budget narrative as well. By being able to connect the dots between technology and healthcare, writers position themselves to give credibility to their narrative by explaining the justification of the technology cost.
Definitions:
Consumer tech solutions refer to digital tools and technologies that empower individuals to manage their health and wellness. Consumer tech solutions in healthcare can include: mobile health apps, wearable devices including “smart watches, glucose monitors, and implantable devices,” and telehealth platforms.
Electronic health information exchange is a system that allows healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to securely access and share a patient’s vital medical information electronically. The exchange of information enhances the speed, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of patient care.
At the end of the day, technology in healthcare is not going anywhere, and grant writers who do not keep up with their knowledge will be at a significant disadvantage. As healthcare continues to evolve with innovations such as telehealth, electronic health records, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, funders are increasingly prioritizing proposals that incorporate or address these advancements, as seen with the Rural Health Transformation Program. A grant writer who understands how these technologies impact care delivery is best equipped to craft proposals that demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and alignment with funders’ goals. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to justify technological investments or highlight an organization's readiness to implement tech-based solutions, which are critical to securing funding in today’s healthcare grants landscape.