The Grants Management Journey: From Pre-Award to Post-Award Insights

Pre-Award Phase

Strategic Planning

Navigating the maze of grant funding can be daunting for communities and organizations. At Forvis Mazars, we recognize that strategic planning is essential for identifying grant opportunities that align with the needs of your citizens. Our comprehensive approach begins with strategic research to sift through available federal, state, local, and private funding options. By employing a systems approach, we enhance the funding landscape and hold brainstorming sessions to assess existing programs and anticipate new initiatives. This iterative strategy allows us to balance community needs with available resources while also addressing political and socio-cultural factors that may influence funding.

Grant Writing

Securing grant funding hinges significantly on how you present your vision. The Forvis Mazars team helps articulate your project’s objectives in a way that aligns with the funder’s goals. Our expertise includes crafting grant applications that meet specific scoring criteria and adhere to formatting requirements set by the funding agencies. Additionally, we compile necessary documentation for compliance, conduct pre-submission quality and technical reviews, and assist with the actual submission through the relevant grant portals.

Award Phase

Planning & Development

The excitement of receiving a grant can quickly turn into overwhelming anxiety as organizations grapple with compliance requirements. Forvis Mazars steps in to ease this transition. We guide clients through the initial grant award phase and equip them with the tools needed to comply with federal, state, and local regulations effectively. Our service includes developing a comprehensive grant portfolio that tracks received grants, funding amounts, reporting deadlines, and monitoring requirements.

Grant Policies & Procedures

Creating effective policies and procedures is vital for both recipients and subrecipients of funding. Forvis Mazars offers tailored solutions that include:

• Customized checklists for grants management and compliance
• Identification of relevant compliance requirements
• Comprehensive budget reviews to uncover indirect cost allocation opportunities
• Development of procurement policies to ensure allowable expenditures are properly administered

Funding Allocation Methodology

Understanding how funds are allocated is crucial for meeting community needs. Our team invests time to assess current allocation processes and identifies any priorities that can enhance community impact. We ensure that these allocations are based on reasonable eligibility and allowability criteria, thoroughly documented for compliance with specialized regulations. Our recommendations focus on identifying efficiency opportunities and implementing best practices.

Post-Award Phase

Forward-Looking Project Management & Technology

To drive successful grants management, establishing a robust project management framework is essential. At Forvis Mazars, we prioritize flexibility and transparency throughout this process. By deploying cutting-edge tools like data analytics and artificial intelligence, we ensure clients maintain real-time access to project progress. This approach facilitates informed decision-making and clarity regarding project priorities.

Compliance Evaluations

The landscape of regulations surrounding cost-recovery programs is complex and ever-evolving. Our seasoned grants management advisors help clients avoid potential pitfalls that could jeopardize federal and state funding. Our compliance evaluations entail:

• Assessing recipient eligibility according to oversight agency contracts
• Assisting in the application processes for subrecipients
• Monitoring eligibility status in line with contract requirements
• Guiding clients on the latest Uniform Guidance applicable to their funding sources

Application Strategy for Programs

A well-structured application strategy is crucial for distributing funding effectively. Forvis Mazars aids in the preparation of grant applications, ensuring components are properly formatted and aligned with agency requirements. Our technology-driven approach efficiently manages eligibility determinations and coordinates responses to applicant inquiries.

Process Improvement Assessment

The complexities of award requirements often lead to inefficient, time-consuming processes. At Forvis Mazars, we don’t just help you maintain compliance; we facilitate process refinement to enhance operational efficiencies. Through a thorough review of current practices, we pinpoint opportunities for streamlining activities and optimizing resource utilization.

Procurement Policy Preparation & Implementation

Navigating procurement regulations is essential for compliance and effective expenditure management. Our team reviews contracts and procurement documentation related to federal fund usage, offering:

• Education for management on necessary documentation for compliance
• Development of internal checklists that align with procurement policies
• Monitoring of procurement activities through data analytics for compliance assurance

Allowable Costs by Funding Source

Understanding the specifics of allowable costs can be intricate. Forvis Mazars clarifies funding sources and utilizes this information to assist clients in appropriately budgeting expenditures. We evaluate participant eligibility and provide insights into compliance with oversight agency regulations.

Subrecipient Monitoring

With increased funding distribution, robust subrecipient monitoring is paramount. Our comprehensive monitoring services include:

• Assessing internal controls for subrecipient management
• Employing forensic monitoring procedures to reconcile budget line items
• Submitting financial packages to funding entities for required reporting

Reporting

Timely and accurate reporting is fundamental in grant management. Forvis Mazars ensures that your organization is equipped with a strong reporting framework that highlights compliance with oversight agency deadlines. Our structured approach fosters transparency and keeps all stakeholders informed.

Audit Preparation

Forvis Mazars also specializes in helping organizations prepare for audits related to funding received. Our services encompass transaction inspections for compliance and assist in coordinating audit responses, including OIG and state audits, and Single Audits.

Project Closeout

Certain projects may require ongoing compliance and reporting even post-completion. Forvis Mazars aids in establishing processes that adhere to state, local, and federal guidelines for records retention, ensuring all documentation is in order to mitigate risks of de-obligation or negative reports.

Program Evaluation Services

Adopting a data-driven approach is vital for demonstrating impact. Forvis Mazars partners with organizations to build effective evaluation frameworks that enhance programming and refine grant applications. Our evaluation services enable clients to gain actionable insights that drive positive community outcomes.

We offer expertise in:

• Data collection strategies
• Statistical analysis of program performance
• Evidence-based assessment methodologies
• Tailored logic model development
• Formative and summative evaluation processes
• Ongoing performance monitoring systems

Tribal Governments

Tribal governments face unique challenges amidst regulatory compliance complexities and shifts in legislation. Forvis Mazars understands these intricacies and provides tailored grants management services, including:

• Grant research and application preparation
• Grant administration and compliance with federal/state regulations

Disaster Recovery

When disasters strike, accessing immediate funding can be lifesaving for communities. Our Grants Management Services team has a proven track record in assisting with recovery efforts, providing services that span from program development to closeout. Our specialists can navigate the FEMA Public Assistance Program, HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program, and more.

Enhancing Operations With Hyperautomation

At Forvis Mazars, we embrace hyperautomation to boost operational efficiency and innovation. By integrating AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation, we empower organizations to streamline grants management workflows, minimize costs, and mitigate risks.

Cost Allocation Plans & Indirect Cost Rates

Navigating the complexities of indirect cost compliance is essential. Forvis Mazars assists in developing cost allocation plans and negotiating indirect cost rate proposals while ensuring 2 CFR Part 200 compliance.

Our team stands ready to guide you through the labyrinth of grants management with a tailored approach that emphasizes compliance, clarity, and community impact.