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Organizations managing grant-funded programs are anxious to stay out of trouble. Given the considerable regulations associated with government grants, especially federal grants, it’s easy to understand why abiding by the rules is the primary focus.
“You’ve got to know the rules and play straight,” said Barbara Floersch, executive director of The Grantsmanship Center in Los Angeles, Calif. “But there’s much more to good grants management.”
Floersch urges leaders to adopt a balanced approach to grants management that responds appropriately to regulations, but places equal value on effective program implementation. “It’s too easy to let regulations drive all grant implementation considerations. When that happens rules become paramount and purpose becomes subservient,” said Floersch. “Exceptional grant managers stay true to both mandates.”
Ultimately, a grant’s success is measured by the effectiveness of the program it supports. If your organization’s management of the rules and regulations is pristine, but the program results are abysmal, you can’t count that as success. Play by the rules and stay out of trouble, but keep your focus on the purpose of the grant. © Copyright 2017 The Grantsmanship Center.
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