In the last article, we looked at three tips to get you laser-focused on what needs to be done in the countdown to the new grant regulations.
In this article we’ll complete the series with our “final four” in the seven areas of focus for the new grant regulations contained in 2 CFR Part 200.
Where to Focus
Yes, there are so many things you could do, so we wanted to share a blueprint to get you the process efficiently and effectively.
Here is the plan we use with our clients:
1. Begin With The End In Mind
2. Identify What Has Changed
3. Determine Who and What Is Impacted
4. Create an Implementation Team
5. Understand and Plan for Milestones
6. Communicate With Others
7. Launch Implementation
We covered the first three in our last article.
Now let’s jump into the rest of the process and look at the “final four” tips.
These focus areas get you ready to hit the ground running in the New Year when the new grant regulations are in effect.
Tip: Create an Implementation Team
The first of our “final four” is to get some help!
The new grant regulations are the largest re-write of the Federal regulations for award recipients in decades.
And to be successful with this change initiative, it takes a team.
Get started by deciding:
- Who should be involved?
- Who will do what?
- How will results be measured?
Next, spell out the roles and responsibilities of the various team members.
For example:
- What are main objectives for each of the team members?
- What are team leaders responsible for?
- What areas do team members need to discuss and focus on in the short-term and long-term?
It really does take a village to have a successful implementation of a change initiative like the new grant regulations.
Tip: Understand and Plan for Milestones
After you have a team put together, the next things are to understand and plan for milestones for getting the new grant guidance in place.
OK. I’ll say it now.
Realize that all the milestones probably aren’t going to be accomplished in the next month or so.
But you want to get them on the table by determining these four key areas:
• What are the critical milestones?
• When do the milestones need to be complete?
• Who is responsible for the various achievements?
• How will you monitor progress and make sure you are on-track?
The most important components of any implementation are to get those milestones out there, assign responsibility and get started!
Tip: Communicate With Others About The Changes
The next thing to tackle is communicating with others about what’s happening.
It starts by letting people know:
- What’s happening with the grant regulations?
- Who is working on the implementation?
- How to provide feedback or ask questions?
The one thing we have found in talking with award recipients and grant specialists is there is a large part of the people working on Federal awards who are not really aware of what this change means to them.
Hold up the light and show people what they can expect, and who is the “go-to” person for those with questions and concerns.
Tip: Launch The Implementation
The final step is to get started.
In a recent survey we found that 37% of respondents were not taking any specific actions to implement it.
Whether you are experiencing the “Paralysis of Analysis” or “The River of Denial” at some point very soon, a toe needs to get dipped in the water.
It may be messy, and it probably won’t be perfect, but get it started.
“Launch and adjust” is a good strategy whether you are flying a plane or implementing it.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
I hope this framework will make implementing the changes to grant management at your organization more effective, less chaotic, and more inclusive of the various stakeholders involved with grant management at your organization.
Ready to Improve Your Grant Management?
How about you?
Would you like to be a better grant manager?
We have another grant management training seminar coming soon.
Click here to get all the details!
Hope to see you there!
Author:
Lucy Morgan CPA, MBA
CEO, Compliance Warrior
Author of “Decoding Grant Management-The Ultimate Success Guide to the Federal Grant Regulations in 2 CFR Part 200” The 2nd Edition is now available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle versions.
