You're managing a grant. How do you make sure it's successful?

1 Understand the grant requirements

Before you start your grant project, you need to review the grant agreement and understand the terms and conditions, the reporting and evaluation requirements, the budget and payment schedule, and the deliverables and outcomes expected by the funder. You also need to familiarize yourself with the funder's policies and procedures, such as how to request changes, extensions, or amendments, how to communicate with the funder, and how to acknowledge the funder's support. Make sure you have a clear and realistic grant plan that aligns with the grant requirements and the funder's goals.

2 Build a strong grant team

Managing a grant is not a solo endeavor. You need to assemble a team of qualified and committed people who can contribute to the grant project. Depending on the scope and nature of your grant project, your team may include staff, consultants, volunteers, partners, stakeholders, or beneficiaries. You need to define the roles and responsibilities of each team member, as well as the communication and collaboration methods and tools you will use. You also need to provide training, feedback, and recognition to your team to keep them motivated and engaged.

3 Track and monitor your grant progress

One of the key aspects of grant administration is tracking and monitoring your grant progress. You need to establish a system of collecting, analyzing, and reporting data and information related to your grant project. This may include financial records, activity logs, performance indicators, outcomes and impacts, challenges and risks, and lessons learned. You need to use this data and information to measure your grant performance, assess your grant results, identify and address any issues or gaps, and report to the funder and other stakeholders on your grant achievements and challenges.

4 Manage your grant budget

Another essential element of grant administration is managing your grant budget. You need to ensure that your grant spending is consistent with your grant plan, your grant agreement, and your funder's rules and regulations. You also need to keep accurate and transparent records of your grant income and expenses, as well as any matching funds, in-kind contributions, or leveraged resources. You need to reconcile your grant accounts regularly, prepare and submit financial reports to the funder, and conduct audits if required.

5 Adapt to changing circumstances

Managing a grant is not a static or predictable process. You may encounter unexpected changes, challenges, or opportunities that affect your grant project. For example, you may face delays, disruptions, or emergencies that hamper your grant activities, or you may discover new insights, innovations, or partnerships that enhance your grant outcomes. You need to be flexible and adaptable to respond to these changing circumstances. You need to communicate with your funder and your team, seek their input and feedback, and negotiate any necessary changes, extensions, or amendments to your grant agreement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?