Get Started with Grant Programs

Grant programs allow you to award cash grants or in-kind awards to applicants based on the criteria you define. These programs are built in the Programs Setup > Grant Programs area of the Grant Manager Portal using a combination of components like custom forms and cycles.

Prior to building a new grant program, it is recommended to create the components you will need during the creation and publishing process. These include:

• Default Form - Create a custom form (e.g., Request Form) that will be used as the main application form.

• Eligibility Form - This is optional. You can create a custom form (e.g., Eligibility Form) with questions applicants must answer to determine their eligibility for your program before they complete the application.

• Workflow - Create a workflow with appropriate levels and sub-levels that define the routes an application can take during its lifecycle (i.e., submission, review, award, etc.). Ensure that the appropriate users, routes, and actions are assigned to each level.

• Budget - Add at least one funding source and budget to use when awarding Approved applications.

  Note: The type of budget assigned to a program determines if applications will be awarded with cash grants or in-kind items.

1. Create a new program.

   Note: You can also create a copy of an existing program.

2. Update program details.

3. Configure program settings.

4. Add at least one cycle to the program.

   Note: You will specify the budgets that will be made available to the program during this step.

5. Select the custom forms to be used for the Default Form and Eligibility Form (optional).

6. Assign the Default Workflow and Default Workflow Level to the program.

   Tip: Additional forms can be added to workflow levels, requiring applicants or Grant Managers to complete them before an application can be routed to the next level. Learn more.

7. Customize and configure program emails, including activating and deactivating templates.

8. Publish your program.

Once published, your grant program will be open to applications. You can share a link to the program with potential applicants as well as invite individuals to apply.

Note: Prior to publishing a program, it is recommended to complete all setup steps. Published programs cannot be unpublished.

Tip: After creating a new program, processes like workflow level routing, application routing, and even program funding can be automated. Learn more.

System emails are automatically assigned to a program once it is created. Many of these emails can be tailored for each individual program, allowing you to better customize how its mission and guidelines are communicated with applicants and Grant Managers alike.

Note: For more information, see Set Up Program Emails.

When a program is ready to accept applications, there are several ways you can share it with potential applicants. This includes:

• Copy the internal or external link to the program to share directly with applicants, post on your website, etc.

• Send invitation emails to applicants, inviting them to apply.

Tip: Applicants can also be directed to grant programs through Program Automations and nomination programs.

Several processes related to a program and its applications can be automated, allowing you streamline the Grant Manager experience.

• Set up workflow level routing, including automating routing for specific workflow levels.

• Set up application routing, such automating routing for newly submitted applications.

• Set up program funding, including budget automation.

Program Automations can be used to route applicants to the appropriate grant program to apply for their funding request. This can help eliminate or reduce the number of applicants applying to the incorrect program and make applicants more aware of other programs available to them. Applicants will be routed to the appropriate program based on their responses to the Routing Form and the Routes defined.

Note: For more information, see Create Program Automations.

• Required permissions

• Create and manage Program Automations

• Create new programs

• Copy existing programs

• Set up program cycles

• Close program cycles

• Add and manage workflow level forms

• Archive programs

• Export program emails