How Will You Plan For 2016?
It’s hard to believe that 2016 is just around the corner. At this time people are either supremely busy, or enjoying some much needed quiet time (perhaps sneaking in a Star Wars viewing?). Whether you work for yourself or another organization, it is important to plan ahead. While I am not a fan of setting […]
The Season of Saying Thanks – Why Is It So Important?
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, I bet you are inundated with requests to donate on #GivingTuesday or are preparing (or have received) letters of thanks to or from donors. Let’s be honest and say that people tend to be more generous during the holidays, and perhaps all of the holiday music and twinkling lights […]
The Top 5 Reasons Why Conferences Are So Important
Last week I had the pleasure of attending (and presenting at) the Grant Professionals Association Annual Conference in St. Louis. You can check out my amazing view from the room. While going to industry focused conference can be hectic, time consuming, and exhausting, they also serve as amazing growth opportunities (both personally and professionally). Here […]
Grant Guidance and Internal Controls
Last week I conducted a training for the National Grants Management Association on internal controls and grantees (and grantors) responsibilities. While I know this topic is as glamorous and as exciting as it sounds, the Office of Management and Budget has put this front and center on their agenda (especially within the context of the […]
The Importance of Being Earnest – Top 10 questions
As an independent consultant, I am always questioned about my past performance and ability to support different projects. As a professional, I seek to provide assistance and guidance to clients that align with their expectations, and also within my set of capabilities and skills. What happens when you are pushed outside of the boundaries and […]
Mets Winning Streak About Strategic Planning?
My husband is an avid Mets fan, and as a previous resident of New York City, we went to many games at Shea Stadium (before it became Citi Field). However, since the 1986 World Series, the team has never won the World Series. There have been many close calls, but the team has not been […]
Grants Management Case Studies, Part 2
Every grantee in receipt of government funding wants to ensure that they are in good standing with their federal, state, and local government counterparts. However, in some cases organizations can be designated as high-risk, which leads to unfortunate punitive measures down the road. What do these entail and how can you maintain compliance and avoid […]
Proposal Templates: Great Idea or a Fool’s Errand?
Isn’t it much easier to create a blanket proposal template in response to a request for proposals (RFP) rather than develop a customized proposal in response to each specific grant and/or contract opportunity? Well…. The answer is not so simple. What are the considerations in deciding what information can be used in multiple proposals versus […]
Grants Management Case Studies, Part 1
Each day grant professionals focus on supporting their recipients, adhering to administrative requirements, and in general, focusing on the daily operations of administering or managing large grant awards. Unless someone seeks out a professional development opportunity, such as a conference or webinar, how does a grant professional stay engaged in best practices regarding federal […]
