Finding Funding for Diabetes Education | Recording-Finding Funding for Diabetes Education

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this ADA Diabetes Self-Management webinar, Dan Hager, Director of Community Connections and Engagement at the American Diabetes Association, discusses practical strategies for diabetes education programs to secure funding. He emphasizes that impactful diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs are attractive to funders due to their proven cost-effectiveness and widespread community need, with one in ten Americans having diabetes and nearly half affected by pre-diabetes. Funding sources range from federal, state, and local governments to philanthropic foundations, healthcare systems, manufacturers, and local businesses. Successful grant applicants often are nonprofit organizations with established programs and evidence of impact. Dan advises preparing early by identifying funding needs, understanding funder priorities, and gathering relevant local data and evidence-based guidelines to strengthen proposals. Collaboration with community partners and careful project management post-award are also key to sustaining funding relationships. For smaller programs, he suggests focusing on local grants, utilizing existing organizational or community resources, and leveraging volunteer support. Dan encourages applying for grants as a valuable learning experience—even if not immediately successful—since reviewers often provide feedback. Overall, the presentation aims to equip diabetes educators with actionable insights to access funding that supports program growth and better community outcomes.

Keywords

ADA Diabetes Self-Management

Dan Hager

diabetes education funding

DSMES programs

cost-effectiveness

community health needs

grant application strategies

collaboration and partnerships

local grant opportunities