Grant Design & Governance Consulting

Grant Design & Governance

How do you work through the various elements of a well-designed and successful grant program?

Do any of these traps sound familiar?

How did we end up here?

You’re funding a terrific program, but do you know how (or if) it fits into your overall mission? Can you justify it to your Board or Council? To your donors?

The Administration Trap

Every grantmakers starts with the best of intentions, but may get bogged down with cumbersome administrative processes without ever engaging meaningfully with their applicants. Head counts can begin to creep up as staff struggle to keep up with the unanticipated workload.

Evaluation Black Hole

Sooner or later the Board/Committee asks the question: “So what are we getting for our investment?” or “Is it working?” Too often, grantmakers are not able to provide a clear and comprehensive answer. Numbers of applicants and amounts distributed shed little light on the effectiveness of the program. Data may be collected, but convoluted. The link between process, performance and benefits gets lost in the shuffle if not planned for up front.

Grants – A Popular Auditor Top 10 Hit

Grant programs tend to be on every auditor hit list. Many of the auditors concerns can be allayed by careful design and planning upfront. Almost every public audit report published in this country places question marks on consistent and fair assessment of each application, the failure to assess outcomes achieved, value for money and expensive administration. Does your grant program fall into this trap?

How I Can Help…

I help to ensure you have a well-designed grants program and good governance so that you can operate, report on and govern your program more efficiently and effectively. I take you through the essential elements to assist you in improving your program, step by step. I help you ensure a fair, transparent and unbiased awards process with strong financial oversight along with strong program design.

GET YOUR FREE GRANT PROGRAM CHECKUP

See how your grant program stacks up. Together we'll review your grant program, how SmartyGrants can benefit your organisation, and how your program is performing.

CONTACT KATE FOR YOUR GRANT PROGRAM ANALYSIS

GET YOUR PROGRAM EVALUATION GUIDE NOW

Learn the 7 steps to build a stronger and better program evaluation. In this special Guide Kate Caldecott takes you step-by-step through the process to ensure that your Program Evaluation hits the mark.

SOME CLIENTS INCLUDE

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Kate Caldecott worked with me on Australia Post’s Our Neighbourhood Community Grants program. She assisted with the grant process design and SmartyGrants grant management implementation.
In working with Kate, I would describe her as being: passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated to community with a willingness to going the extra mile, above and beyond. It is always a pleasure to work with Kate.
- Erin McKenzie, Community Events and Partnerships Advisor, Community Relations Australia Post
This is the perfect opportunity for me to thank you, in particular, ….. for the outstanding customer service you have all provided. You have not only helped us use SG effectively, but kept the panic at bay. There is lots more to learn about what SG can do and I’m sure we will be in regular contact …….
Thanks to you all – you are fabulous!
- Debra Slater-Lee, Programs Manager State NRM Office (WA)
Being a complete newbie on all aspects of Smartygrants I was daunted by the task of being completely responsible for the outcome of a major grant funding round at the Shire. I did the training and it still did not make much sense to me until I had my first session with Kate. The way in which Kate was able to clarify, explain and help me understand the rationale and functions of the system was brilliant, her manner always patient and professional, and her willingness to transfer knowledge and information commendable. Thanks to Kate I am now a confident user of Smartygrants
- Marilyn A Gippsland VIC
Kate’s involvement in the final stages of the major review of two of Sunshine Coast Council’s funding programs added significant value to our work. As well as identifying additional sources of information for analysis, and suggesting enhancements to data presentation, Kate provided a professional critique of the review, validating our analysis of the review findings and the options identified in our report to Council.
- Margaret Cattanach Team Leader Community Connections Community Services Sunshine Coast Council