Business Office Tips for Grant Writers

 By Denise Robinson, MOISD Business Manager

First and foremost....have them contact the Business Office BEFORE they begin to write and submit a grant proposal just to let them know they are investigating a grant opportunity.  We like to be included from the very beginning.  We have a great deal of knowledge that hopefully, will help the grant writer early on.  No amount is too small to bother with.

Second, when they get to the point of doing the budget, make sure they sit down with the business office and do it cooperatively. 

Third, make sure the business office gets a full copy of the application when it is submitted, any correspondence requesting clarification and finally, a copy of an award or denial letter.  The award letter usually contains all the information needed to determine if this is a federal, state or local grant, which is a very important detail for single audit purposes. 

Fourth, begin immediately spending the grant money once it's awarded.  Plan to have the project completed in plenty of time for any final reports that will be due, either financial or narrative.  DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE FINAL FEW MONTHS AND TRY TO PULL IT OFF.  That never works and usually ends in a disastrous situation for someone. 

My last piece of advice is to track their grant personally on some form of spreadsheet and routinely check with the Business Office to make sure everything jives between both parties and to clear up any mistakes that may come up. Do this repeatedly during the course of the grant. DON'T wait until the end.

Good luck!