Perceptions of Grant Writing, Implementation and Reporting Processes: Focus Groups with Violence Prevention Grantees

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are increasingly providing violence prevention programming and services. However, researchers have found that many of these organizations struggle to implement evidence-based practices or face administrative burdens of managing the grants that fund the organization. The current study sought to further explore facilitators and barriers of CBOs receiving state funding.

Participants included 29 individuals who led grant writing or implementation efforts at a CBO receiving at least one violence prevention grant from a large state agency. Online focus groups were held, and reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.

We divided the major themes into two categories: facilitators and barriers. Facilitators included: 1) these grants were a financial lifeline for organizations providing violence prevention services, helping expand organizations' capacity; and 2) grantees expressed satisfaction with the funder when there was clear and regular communication. Barriers included: 1) rigid application, reporting and budgeting requirements; 2) delays in reimbursement that hindered grants administration; and 3) an under-resourced state agency impacting the overall grant process. Grantees discussed the importance of and recommended fostering community and collaboration among violence prevention organizations.

These results have implications for funders to consider when administering funds, supporting organizations, building community, and reporting requirements for violence prevention efforts. Recommendations for funders are provided, including streamlining budget requirements, providing training and technical assistance, and creating more opportunities for collaboration.

As more community-based organizations are funded to implement violence prevention services, funders need to review procedures to ensure equity throughout grant applications and implementation.