Our MoCAP program is a bit different from our other changemaking strategies. Through it we offer free grant-writing services and technical assistance to qualifying groups applying for specific federal or national funding opportunities. We also share potential funding sources through a monthly mailing list, all with a goal to draw grants to the region that might not otherwise be awarded. By working with qualified groups as they navigate the grantmaking process, we leverage our funds to bring in substantially larger dollar amounts to the state. Since 2010, we’ve supported more than 430 proposals and helped attract over $137 million for organizations in Missouri. We’ve assisted a variety of groups with diverse areas of focus, including community health centers, public health and state agencies, nonprofits, and more.
MoCAP has been particularly successful in helping Missouri organizations compete for New Access Points (NAP) funding from the Health Resources & Service Administration. This NAP funding provides operational support for new or satellite federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to improve the health of the nation’s under-resourced communities by expanding access to affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care services. These new FQHCs are predominately placed in rural areas and can have a substantial long-term impact on the health of residents.
Since 2010, the Health Resources & Service Administration has released NAP funding five times. Successful MoCAP-supported applications have helped establish 19 new access points across Missouri and brought in $11.8 million to support the startup of those centers. On average, the Foundation has invested $30,000 in grant-writing assistance per NAP proposal.
Part of what has made MoCAP successful in assisting organizations capture these funds is our close relationship with Missouri Primary Care Association and consultants like Community Asset Builders. Through these connections, we have been able to identify interested health centers as well as the areas in our state where the need is the greatest. We also ensure organizations have access to top-tier consultants with a track record of success.
In addition to grant-writing help, in 2015 MoCAP supported work utilizing geographic information system technology to provide visual and data evidence to assist Missouri Primary Care Association in identifying the most significant gaps in FQHC coverage in Missouri. The data were used to determine which health centers were best suited, geographically and demographically, to submit competitive NAP applications. MoCAP also supported limited startup implementation technical assistance when Missouri was successful in obtaining NAP funding for several completely new FQHCs in 2013.
The impact of this work goes beyond the initial $11.8 million invested by the Health Resources & Service Administration in the creation of these centers. Once the new sites and satellite locations are up and running, they will receive ongoing funding from the federal government and are able to qualify for additional support specifically to expand FQHC capacity, services, and infrastructure in different areas (e.g., oral health, substance abuse, patient-centered medical homes).
It’s important to note that our initial investment to help organizations secure this funding has created a lasting opportunity for Missourians to access care. There are now 19 new sites across high-need regions in Missouri, many in rural areas, where people now have greater access to essential primary health care services.
