Managing Grants
Elise Bennett
A grant is financial funding for ideas and projects that is provided from the government or an organization. Searching and applying for grants can be a simple task. However, once the application for the grant is chosen, managing the funds for the grant can be complex. Especially, if there are inexperienced people managing the funds. Therefore, school leaders should require training to staff members, so grants are managed properly.
Grants have specific policies, procedures, and processes. These elements for managing grants can be proposed in a one-to-two-page document that states the potential and projected expenses. The written proposal can be divided into categories. The budget for the proposal can also be divided into personnel and non-personnel expenses (Frasier, M. and Hearrington, D.). Personnel could include benefits, salaries, etc. Non-personnel could include traveling expenses, printing, etc. To follow policies and procedures these practices could be helpful. According to School Leaders Guide to Effective Grants Management additional elements can also be useful. Firstly, a calendar of important dates should be shared with all stakeholders. Secondly, there should be more than one individual trained on managing grants. Thirdly, utilizing accounting systems and prepare reports will be beneficial. Lastly, involve all stakeholders with each step with the grant.
In addition to the training process there are four components for managing grants.
1) Planning- It is very critical to prepare and plan how to use the funds for the grant. One way to plan for the funds is to group the grant based on the level of need in the school.
2) Organization- the grant needs to be organized as to all the stakeholders involved including human resources, so the fund is utilized in the best way.
3) Implementation- when implementing grants, it is important to keep in mind the vision and mission of the school district. Implementing also includes the educational strategies, values, and goals of the district so the fund of the grant is used efficiently. Implements a budget for the funding is beneficial so there is no misuse of the finances.
4) Supervision- the district should have a plan to evaluate results of the funds.
Ultimately, there are many procedures and processes of managing grants. It is imperative to remember to budget, monitor, and be accountable to properly manage grants that are designed for student success.
References
Frasier, M. and Hearrington, D. (2017). Technology Coordinator's Handbook, (3rd Ed.).
Stuart Gay Director Afton Partners, Stuart Gay Director, Prensky, M., & (she/her/hers), N. A. (2022, December 3). School Leaders Guide to Effective Grants Management. NGLC. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from https://www.nextgenlearning.org/articles/school-leaders-guide-to-special-revenue-funds-and-effective-grants-management