W HO A RE W E A group consisting of grant managers, financial specialists, government administrators and associated employees of the State of Florida and its partner agencies, who are responsible for the proper use of either State, Federal, or private grant funding administered by the State of Florida.

O UR M ISSION To secure maximum funding for the State of Florida through:  resource sharing  professional networking  dynamic collaboration  problem-solving

W HO A RE Y OU I NTRODUCTIONS

W HY A RE W E H ERE ?

 Florida ranks 48 th out of all the states in per capita federal grant funding.  Most state agencies do not have a coordinated grants initiative for their agency?  In response to our recent survey, only 6 (33%) of the 18 agencies responding report having a strategic funding plan.

 According to EDRS, in FY 10-11, 40.6% of state receipts came from federal assistance.  Based upon our recent survey, 61% of state agencies reported that federal funds made up 20% or less of their budget.  Florida has no coordinated grants initiative at the state level, contrary to statute (Ch. 216).

Florida’s 1993 Federal Funds for Florida Overview and Strategic Plan Problems  Funding Formulas and Representations on Key Congressional Committees  Hold Harmless Provisions  Minimum/Maximum Allocations  Census Undercounting

Florida’s 1993 Federal Funds for Florida Overview and Strategic Plan Solutions  Revise the state budget process to maximize federal funds.  Designate a single executive branch agency or office responsible for grants management.  Improve the identification and monitoring of federal funding opportunities.

Florida’s 1993 Federal Funds for Florida Overview and Strategic Plan Solutions  Conduct an analysis of federal grant programs that Florida agencies participate in.  Strengthen the administration of federal grants.  Enhance the state’s presence in Washington.

Florida’s 1993 Federal Funds for Florida Overview and Strategic Plan Solutions  Create a federal action plan which identifies specific areas of state priorities.  Implement specific reforms:  Issuing federal fiscal notes.  Place Floridians on grant review boards.

Florida’s 1993 Federal Funds for Florida Overview and Strategic Plan What Happened  The Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Unit (OPB) was designated the state’s grants clearinghouse, but was later dismantled.  This 1993 federal action plan was developed, has not been updated.

Today’s Solution: It’s still about being more strategic.

Intra-Agency Strategies  Inventory funding programs the Agency participates in  Identify other funding programs that should be evaluated  Analyze the federal funding formulas that the Agency is subject to

Inter-Agency Strategies  Collaborate with other Agencies  Consider who else could be an eligible applicant  Evaluate the potential to increase competitiveness and leverage resources  Share information  Share resources  Can another agency help you meet your match  To educate and improve Agency capacity and capability

In an Ideal World We Would Have an Overall Statewide Strategic Funding Plan

What We Do Have

What We Now Know Resources Agencies Need 1.Technology that can improve and standardize processes 1.Professional networking and resource sharing 2.Educating Legislators 3.No- or low-cost grant related training sessions 4.Development of tools to improve grant processes and outcomes

What We Now Know Training Agencies Want 1.Grant Writing Grant Project Management 2.Fund Searching Collaboration/Networking Program Evaluation 3.Concept Planning 4.Budget Development

What We Now Know Obstacles to Pursuing Grants 1.Lack of Staff, Skills or other Resources Administer a Grant 2.Lack of Staff, Skills or other Resources to Write and Submit Proposal 3.A Commitment or Condition Could Not Be Met 4.Match was Required Uncertainty about Getting Spending Authority 5.Grant Partners Were Required

What We Now Know Other Obstacles to Pursuing Grants  Lack of Staff, Skills or other Resources to Qualify  Finding Appropriate Funding Programs  Grant Workload Overload  Funding Sources Drying Up  Time Restrictions for Getting Grants Submitted

This Information is Key to Becoming More Strategic But We Can’t Do It Without You