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The types of adaptations and reasons described in this evaluation support the idea that adaptation is a natural element of implementing evidence-based interventions. Building this understanding into dissemination strategies may help researchers and funders better reach communities with evidence-based interventions that are a relevant fit, while striving for fidelity.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended for adults aged 50–75 years, yet screening rates are low, especially among the uninsured. The CDC initiated the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) in 2009 with the goal of increasing CRC screening rates to 80% by 2014. A total of 29 grantees (states and tribal organizations) receive CRCCP funding to (1) screen uninsured adults and (2) promote CRC screening at the population level. Purpose CRCCP encourages grantees to use one or more of five evidence-based interventions (EBIs) recommended by the Guide to Community Preventive Services. The purpose of the study was to evaluate grantees’ EBI use. Methods A web-based survey was conducted in 2011 measuring grantees’ use of CRC screening EBIs and identifying their implementation partners. Data were analyzed in 2012. Results Twenty-eight grantees (97%) completed the survey. Most respondents (96%) used small media. Fewer used client reminders (75%); reduction of structural barriers (50%); provider reminders (32%); or provider assessment and feedback (50%). Provider-oriented EBIs were rated as harder to implement than client-oriented EBIs. Grantees partnered with several types of organizations to implement EBIs, many with county- or state-wide reach. Conclusions Almost all grantees implement EBIs to promote CRC screening, but the EBIs that may have the greatest impact with CRC screening are implemented by fewer grantees in the first 2 years of the CRCCP.

Mini-grants are an increasingly common tool for engaging communities in evidence-based interventions (EBI) for promoting public health. This paper describes efforts by four Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Cancer Institute-funded Cancer Prevention and Control Research Networks to design and implement mini-grant programs to disseminate EBIs for cancer prevention and control. This paper describes source of EBI, funding levels, selection criteria, timeframe, number and size of grants, types of organizations funded, selected accomplishments, training and technical assistance (TA), and evaluation topics/methods. Grant size ranged from $1,000–10,000 (median=$6,250). This mini-grant opportunity was characterized by its emphasis on training and TA for evidence-based programming and dissemination of interventions from NCI’s Research Tested Intervention Programs and CDC’s Community Guide. All projects had an evaluation component although they varied in scope. Mini-grant processes described can serve as a model for organizations such as state health departments working to bridge the gap between research and practice.