Funding Alert! Advanced Nursing Education Grants: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program

Department of Health and Human Services – Health Resources and Services Administration

Does your organization provide advanced nursing education? The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently opened a funding opportunity through its Advanced Nursing Education – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (ANE-SANE) program. This program focuses on recruitment, training, and certification of registered nurses (RNs), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and forensic nurses (FNs) to practice as sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). By increasing the supply and distribution of qualified working SANEs, the ANE-SANE program improves overall access to sexual assault forensic examinations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include domestic accredited schools of nursing, nursing centers, nurse-managed health clinics, academic health centers, state or local health departments, HRSA-supported health centers, rural health clinics, public or nonprofit hospitals, other emergency health care service providers, federally qualified health centers, clinics receiving funding under Title X, and other similar public or private nonprofit entities. Nonprofit faith-based and community-based organizations, tribal governments, and tribal organizations can also apply, if otherwise eligible.

The proposed project director must be a licensed RN at minimum, and applicants are encouraged to choose a SANE trained and/or certified project director.

What is the program goal?

The overall goal of the ANE-SANE program is to increase the number of RNs, APRNs, and FNs who are qualified to practice as SANEs. An improved supply and distribution of SANE professionals allows for better physical and mental health care treatment for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as improved evidence collection and prosecution rates. ANE-SANE places an emphasis on rural and underserved settings.

To accomplish the program’s goals, successful ANE-SANE projects include the following:

  1. Financial support for participants/trainees as they complete their SANE certification requirements;
  2. Collaboration with HRSA-supported health centers and critical shortage facilities to encourage recruitment, academic-practice partnerships and collaboration, and the use of trauma-informed, evidence-based sexual assault and domestic violence services in training and practice;
  3. Innovative training and practice models, such as virtual, telehealth, and sexual assault response teams (SARTs); and
  4. The reduction of systemic and structural barriers to SANE training and practice through partnerships and technical assistance.

For a detailed list of ANE-SANE program requirements, please see pages 11-12 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), available on the HRSA program page (under “Apply”). The funder expects to award 16 grants of up to $500,000 per year with a three-year period of performance. Proposals are due February 17, 2021.

What makes a project a good fit?

ANE-SANE program applicants are expected to address the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and HRSA’s priority of “transforming the workforce by targeting the need.” If applicable, applicants should also address the departments’ priority to strengthen health care access through telehealth. In addition, applicants may request funding preference for meeting one of the following qualifications:

  1. The project impacts a rural community (as determined by HRSA’s Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer);
  2. The project impacts an undeserved community (the applicant or primary partner must have a Health Professional Shortage Area [HPSA] score of 18 or higher); OR
  3. The project will address public health nursing needs in state or local health departments (either the applicant or the primary partner is a state or local health department).

What if I am ready to apply?

To move your project forward, take these action steps as soon as possible:

  • Review the full NOFO, found on the ANE-SANE program page under “Apply”.
  • Determine whether your organization or potential partners meet any of HRSA’s funding preference qualifications.
  • Watch the technical assistance webinar (available on the program page) for frequently asked questions and other technical information.
  • Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have agov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf.

What if I need help with this application?

Contact Assel Grant Services (AGS) today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide a quote for grant services.

What if I am not ready to apply this year?

Start preparing for next year! HRSA also has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit. HRSA’s website has ample resources, webinars, and descriptions of other available or upcoming opportunities.

How do I learn more about federal grant opportunities?

AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series coming in 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.

AGS blogs, funding alerts, and trainings are aligned with the Grant Professional Certification Institute’s Competencies and Skills

Competency #1: Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs.

Skill 1.2: Identify major trends in public funding and public policy.

Skill 1.6: Identify fundable programs and projects for specific organization.

Skill 1.7: Determine best matches between funders and specific programs.