eCivis Blogs
Why Digitizing Grants & Procurement Now Will Help Governments LaterWith the realities of COVID-19, procurement and grants professionals will be called upon to go above and beyond their administrative functions. They will need to strategically advise their respective agencies on how to identify funding opportunities and maximize every available grant dollar to help their agencies manage fiscal health. |
Why Digitizing Grants & Procurement Now Will Help Governments Later
With the realities of COVID-19, procurement and grants professionals will be called upon to go above and beyond their administrative functions. They will need to strategically advise their respective agencies on how to identify funding opportunities and maximize every available grant dollar to help their agencies manage fiscal health.
Single Audit for Beginners: 10 FAQsThe single audit. This term may be unfamiliar to you if you are new to grants management, but the single audit is a necessary part of effective grants management for many federal grant recipients. Audits are important because they promote accountability. Here are 10 FAQs to help you better understand this important process. |
Single Audit for Beginners: 10 FAQs
The single audit. This term may be unfamiliar to you if you are new to grants management, but the single audit is a necessary part of effective grants management for many federal grant recipients. Audits are important because they promote accountability. Here are 10 FAQs to help you better understand this important process.
Top Trends in CARES Act Funding for Federal Grants ManagementCOVID-19 has accelerated the modernization of grants management. As a result of the pandemic, grant managers and professionals have had to rethink the way they accomplish work by moving their teams and activities to virtual environments. By now, the Department of Treasury has already distributed 99.6 percent of the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund package for state and local governments (approximately $149,463,000,000). The $8 billion allocated to tribal governments has been distributed, with the exception of Alaskan Native Corporations (due to pending litigation). |
Top Trends in CARES Act Funding for Federal Grants Management
COVID-19 has accelerated the modernization of grants management. As a result of the pandemic, grant managers and professionals have had to rethink the way they accomplish work by moving their teams and activities to virtual environments. By now, the Department of Treasury has already distributed 99.6 percent of the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund package for state and local governments (approximately $149,463,000,000). The $8 billion allocated to tribal governments has been distributed, with the exception of Alaskan Native Corporations (due to pending litigation).
How to Maximize Revenue Through Indirect CostsTraditionally, cost allocation and indirect cost planning seem like an ancillary matter in the scheme of all that leaders in state, local, and tribal governments have to do. However, reporting on agency-wide true costs is hard to produce in one report. Departments such as utilities, public works, planning, public safety, etc. are often set up to operate in silos, with a tendency to focus on individual financial information. All of this can lead to a significant disconnect about the true cost of services agency-wide. |
How to Maximize Revenue Through Indirect Costs
Traditionally, cost allocation and indirect cost planning seem like an ancillary matter in the scheme of all that leaders in state, local, and tribal governments have to do. However, reporting on agency-wide true costs is hard to produce in one report. Departments such as utilities, public works, planning, public safety, etc. are often set up to operate in silos, with a tendency to focus on individual financial information. All of this can lead to a significant disconnect about the true cost of services agency-wide.
What You Don’t Want to Discount in Your Discretionary FundsMany state, local, and tribal governments, departments and agencies are doing everything they can to cut down on expenditures–from cutting staff and implementing furloughs to reducing capital spending as well as material and contractor costs. At this point, leaders, budget and financial analysts alike are examining their budgets and determining their essential vs. discretionary funding. |
What You Don’t Want to Discount in Your Discretionary Funds
Many state, local, and tribal governments, departments and agencies are doing everything they can to cut down on expenditures–from cutting staff and implementing furloughs to reducing capital spending as well as material and contractor costs. At this point, leaders, budget and financial analysts alike are examining their budgets and determining their essential vs. discretionary funding.
How to Virtualize Essential Government ProcessesAmidst all the uncertainty of our nation’s post-pandemic outlook–given budget shortfalls and declining revenue streams–two things are certain to remain: procurement and grants processes. What’s also abundantly clear is that the status quo of manual and paper processes is no longer sustainable, especially in the era where governments have been forced to quickly move workforces, tasks, and processes alike to virtual environments. |
How to Virtualize Essential Government Processes
Amidst all the uncertainty of our nation’s post-pandemic outlook–given budget shortfalls and declining revenue streams–two things are certain to remain: procurement and grants processes. What’s also abundantly clear is that the status quo of manual and paper processes is no longer sustainable, especially in the era where governments have been forced to quickly move workforces, tasks, and processes alike to virtual environments.
Arizona is Expediting COVID-19 Relief Through Cloud TechnologyFor the majority of states strategizing on the distribution of critical CARES Act funding, there are a number of challenges to navigate. For one, many grants administrators in charge of managing such funding tend to be spread thin across different teams, offices, and departments. Not only does this make effective collaboration and communication more difficult, but it also makes tracking funds especially challenging. Additionally, with more scrutiny and funding dedicated to compliance and administrative measures (at least $80 million appropriated to the Pandemic Response and Accountability Committee), ensuring transparency and accountability of every dollar spent is paramount. |
Arizona is Expediting COVID-19 Relief Through Cloud Technology
For the majority of states strategizing on the distribution of critical CARES Act funding, there are a number of challenges to navigate. For one, many grants administrators in charge of managing such funding tend to be spread thin across different teams, offices, and departments. Not only does this make effective collaboration and communication more difficult, but it also makes tracking funds especially challenging. Additionally, with more scrutiny and funding dedicated to compliance and administrative measures (at least $80 million appropriated to the Pandemic Response and Accountability Committee), ensuring transparency and accountability of every dollar spent is paramount.
Where to Look for Funding During Times of CrisisDue to the impact of COVID-19, public-sector organizations are faced with the challenge of where to look for additional funding that may help their budgets. eCivis examined the biggest budgeting and grant management challenges governments are facing and the advantages of having automated budgeting solutions to help save on costs while maximizing funding opportunities. |
Where to Look for Funding During Times of Crisis
Due to the impact of COVID-19, public-sector organizations are faced with the challenge of where to look for additional funding that may help their budgets. eCivis examined the biggest budgeting and grant management challenges governments are facing and the advantages of having automated budgeting solutions to help save on costs while maximizing funding opportunities.
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in COVID-19 Grants ManagementOver the past month, Congress approved unprecedented funding to support the nation’s medical and economic recovery from COVID-19. This funding delivers a range of relief, including vital equipment, services, and loans to businesses across the country. It also provides grant funding through programs managed by multiple Federal agencies and is designed to benefit a diverse set of recipients and programs. |
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in COVID-19 Grants Management
Over the past month, Congress approved unprecedented funding to support the nation’s medical and economic recovery from COVID-19. This funding delivers a range of relief, including vital equipment, services, and loans to businesses across the country. It also provides grant funding through programs managed by multiple Federal agencies and is designed to benefit a diverse set of recipients and programs.
Coronavirus Relief Fund: The Latest FAQs for GovernmentsAs Congress deliberates another round of funding to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to receive more questions from governments across the state, local, and tribal levels regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund from the CARES Act. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the most important questions from theto address frequently asked questions regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund. |
Coronavirus Relief Fund: The Latest FAQs for Governments
As Congress deliberates another round of funding to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to receive more questions from governments across the state, local, and tribal levels regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund from the CARES Act. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the most important questions from theto address frequently asked questions regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund.
How to Connect Your Grant Funding to the Budgeting ProcessWe are currently in unprecedented times. Many government finance departments are rethinking their budgeting plans for 2020, 2021 and beyond. Departments are shrinking, both in personnel and sources of income. For some governments, grants are replacing those sources of income, making it essential for budgeting professionals to know how to incorporate these new grants into their budgeting process in order to maximize funds for the benefit of their respective communities. |
How to Connect Your Grant Funding to the Budgeting Process
We are currently in unprecedented times. Many government finance departments are rethinking their budgeting plans for 2020, 2021 and beyond. Departments are shrinking, both in personnel and sources of income. For some governments, grants are replacing those sources of income, making it essential for budgeting professionals to know how to incorporate these new grants into their budgeting process in order to maximize funds for the benefit of their respective communities.
5 Steps to Make the Most of Your COVID-19 FundingMost likely, you’ve probably read all about the CARES Act now and are familiar with Title V and the Coronavirus Relief Fund. What you may still be wondering is with all this funding coming out, How do I assemble the right project plan? How can my agency or department manage and track these incoming grants? With the likelihood of additional programmatic and reporting requirements, how do we make sure we’re staying compliant? |
5 Steps to Make the Most of Your COVID-19 Funding
Most likely, you’ve probably read all about the CARES Act now and are familiar with Title V and the Coronavirus Relief Fund. What you may still be wondering is with all this funding coming out, How do I assemble the right project plan? How can my agency or department manage and track these incoming grants? With the likelihood of additional programmatic and reporting requirements, how do we make sure we’re staying compliant?
What the CARES Act Means for Tribal GovernmentsWith the passage of the CARES Act, which provides $150 billion for state, local and tribal governments under Title V (the Coronavirus Relief Fund) local governments will be able to start addressing short-term needs of residents, households, and small businesses bearing some of the largest burden of COVID-19 response. |
What the CARES Act Means for Tribal Governments
With the passage of the CARES Act, which provides $150 billion for state, local and tribal governments under Title V (the Coronavirus Relief Fund) local governments will be able to start addressing short-term needs of residents, households, and small businesses bearing some of the largest burden of COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 Funding: Top FAQs for State and Local GovernmentsWhile we promised a 2-part blog series on coronavirus, it’s clear that the spread as well as impacts of the disease are not slowing down anytime soon. As state and local governments try to make sense of all the policy and funding packages in the news cycle, we wanted to continue sharing resources and best practices to implement such funding and deliver aid to communities as quickly as possible. |
COVID-19 Funding: Top FAQs for State and Local Governments
While we promised a 2-part blog series on coronavirus, it’s clear that the spread as well as impacts of the disease are not slowing down anytime soon. As state and local governments try to make sense of all the policy and funding packages in the news cycle, we wanted to continue sharing resources and best practices to implement such funding and deliver aid to communities as quickly as possible.
3 Ways Governments Can Prepare for CoronavirusWhile grant funding is more abundant during this public health crisis, knowing how to actually apply for and leverage those funds is another matter. That’s why for state and local governments, it’s important to stay on top of the resources available and implement an action plan to diminish the spread of the virus–both in communities and among staff. |
3 Ways Governments Can Prepare for Coronavirus
While grant funding is more abundant during this public health crisis, knowing how to actually apply for and leverage those funds is another matter. That’s why for state and local governments, it’s important to stay on top of the resources available and implement an action plan to diminish the spread of the virus–both in communities and among staff.
How Governments Can Access Grants to Fight CoronavirusIf we think about it, state and local governments are “the backbone of our public health system.” That’s how HHS Secretary, Alex Azar, put it in a recent funding announcement. This means states and local jurisdictions as well as tribal governments are on the frontlines when it comes to dealing with this global pandemic: Coronavirus or COVID-19. |
How Governments Can Access Grants to Fight Coronavirus
If we think about it, state and local governments are “the backbone of our public health system.” That’s how HHS Secretary, Alex Azar, put it in a recent funding announcement. This means states and local jurisdictions as well as tribal governments are on the frontlines when it comes to dealing with this global pandemic: Coronavirus or COVID-19.
eCivis Has a Fresh New LookIf you’ve been to our homepage (or anywhere on our website) recently, you may have noticed something different. That’s because eCivis has just launched an exciting brand refresh with bolder colors, updates to our website, and a new logo! Why the blue and purple haze, you ask? And no, it’s not because we were feeling Jimi Hendrix vibes. |
eCivis Has a Fresh New Look
If you’ve been to our homepage (or anywhere on our website) recently, you may have noticed something different. That’s because eCivis has just launched an exciting brand refresh with bolder colors, updates to our website, and a new logo! Why the blue and purple haze, you ask? And no, it’s not because we were feeling Jimi Hendrix vibes.
From Bankruptcy to Building Systems That Last Into the Future - Detroit's ComebackDetroit filed for bankruptcy, providing them with a chance to restructure its debt and to find a sustainable path forward. A Financial Stability Agreement was signed to support the integration of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting systems, as well as the implementation of a new grants management system. |
From Bankruptcy to Building Systems That Last Into the Future - Detroit's Comeback
Detroit filed for bankruptcy, providing them with a chance to restructure its debt and to find a sustainable path forward. A Financial Stability Agreement was signed to support the integration of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting systems, as well as the implementation of a new grants management system.
How Will the GREAT Act Affect Your Grant Reporting?The Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act, is a new law signed on Dec 30, 2019, that transforms federal grant reporting by directing federal agencies to modernize and improve grantee reporting. Federal agencies have three years to update their data collection systems used to manage critical information about grantee performance and reporting for recipients of over $700B in annual finance assistance. |
How Will the GREAT Act Affect Your Grant Reporting?
The Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act, is a new law signed on Dec 30, 2019, that transforms federal grant reporting by directing federal agencies to modernize and improve grantee reporting. Federal agencies have three years to update their data collection systems used to manage critical information about grantee performance and reporting for recipients of over $700B in annual finance assistance.
Changes from DUNS Number to Unique Entity ID2020 will bring several changes to the grant world. A notable change required for receiving federal funding includes replacing the Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number with a new Unique Entity ID (UEI). The UEI will be a 12-character, alphanumeric value. |
Changes from DUNS Number to Unique Entity ID
2020 will bring several changes to the grant world. A notable change required for receiving federal funding includes replacing the Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number with a new Unique Entity ID (UEI). The UEI will be a 12-character, alphanumeric value.
Pima County, AZ - FEMA Might Reconsider Indirect ExpensesMay 2019, Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to accept Operation Stonegarden grant funding, which provides federal dollars to the Sheriff's Department to reimburse the county for expenses related to border crime. |
Pima County, AZ - FEMA Might Reconsider Indirect Expenses
May 2019, Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to accept Operation Stonegarden grant funding, which provides federal dollars to the Sheriff's Department to reimburse the county for expenses related to border crime.