Chase Reece, BSHP '24

For today’s work, I was tasked with collecting letters in support of a grant proposal. This grant is funded by the National Science Foundation, and its aim is to increase workforce development and participation in rural Georgia communities, specifically in Hart, Pulaski, and Washington counties. Workforce development and unemployment can be major issues for rural communities and can influence the overall wellbeing of a community. For this proposal, I worked on securing letters from the economic developer and Archway Executive Committee chair for each of the counties mentioned above. Collecting letters of support is an important part of the grant application process because it shows that a proposal has been carefully considered and identifies relevant collaborators and goals. Additionally, it can help outline the responsibilities of the collaborators and provide guidance for what each organization brings to the proposal. Proposals that have wide community support and backing are often more feasible and sustainable, and they may be more likely to be funded. Overall, securing letters of support and identifying collaborators is an important part of the grant application process.