Webinar: From Idea to Impact: Writing a Strong Letter of Intent and Navigating the Grants Process for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice-Webinar: From Idea to Impact: Writing a Strong Letter of Intent and Navigating the Grants Process for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Webinar: From Idea to Impact: Writing a Strong Letter of Intent and Navigating the Grants Process for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

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Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation explained AFON’s grant process for nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP) projects, with a focus on writing a strong letter of intent (LOI). Casey Hook and Micah Skeens described AFON funding priorities, grant types, eligibility requirements, timelines, and how LOIs are used as a first screening step before full proposals are invited.<br /><br />They emphasized the difference between research, which creates new knowledge, and EBP, which applies existing evidence to improve practice. Key advice included aligning projects closely with AFON or Maddie Miracle priorities, keeping the scope realistic for the small grant budgets, and using SMART aims that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.<br /><br />The presenters reviewed common reviewer concerns such as vague aims, unclear measures, weak alignment to funding priorities, and overly ambitious projects. They recommended using validated measures, clearly describing the intervention or study design, identifying data sources, and planning for feasibility, approvals, and dissemination. They also encouraged applicants to think like reviewers, use funder language in titles and aims, and seek mentorship or statistical support when needed.<br /><br />Interactive examples showed how weak LOIs could be revised into fundable ones. The session ended with audience questions and practical suggestions for possible project ideas.

Keywords

AFON grant process

nursing research

evidence-based practice

letter of intent

grant funding priorities

SMART aims

validated measures

reviewer concerns

project feasibility