Navigating the Partner Grant Management System (2024)

First Things First’s partner grant management system (PGMS) is a secure extranet environment through which most FTF reporting is submitted.

Please review the following videos for instruction on how to complete program narrative reports, requests for reimbursem*nt, data reporting and other common functions related to your grant award such as a budget modification or a staff change notification.

Logging In and Navigating the Partner Grant Management System (PGMS)

This tutorial provides an overview of the partner grant management system and explains how to log into PGMS.

Reimbursem*nt Reports: Part 1

In order to be paid for services rendered on behalf of First Things First, you must detail all grant-related expenses on the Reimbursem*nt Request Report, which you then submit to First Things First for payment. We explain the reimbursem*nt report in four separate tutorials.

This first tutorial explains what the reimbursem*nt report is and how to access it in PGMS. You will also learn about the various statuses of reimbursem*nt reports.

Reimbursem*nt Reports: Part 2

To get started with your reimbursem*nt, this tutorial explains how to create a new reimbursem*nt report. We also describe each section of the reimbursem*nt report.

Reimbursem*nt Reports: Part 3

The most important part of the reimbursem*nt report is the expense ledger where you will record all your billable charges. This tutorial shows you how to enter the expenses into the expense ledger.

Reimbursem*nt Reports: Part 4

All billed expenses must be explained in some way. One way to explain your billed expenses is through existing documents such as mileage reports or receipts. This final tutorial shows you how to add such documentation to the reimbursem*nt report.

Reimbursem*nt Report Special Procedures and Common Errors

Reimbursem*nt reports aren’t that complicated but you should be aware of some special procedures related to wages, mileage, and out-of-state travel. Learn how to avoid some of the most common errors that result in reimbursem*nt reports being returned. This tutorial references the State of Arizona Travel Policies and First Things First’s Meal and Lodging Reimbursem*nt Form (located in the bottom right corner of the web page). You should bookmark these resources for your reference as they change from time to time.

Meal and Lodging Reimbursem*nt Form: Part 1

Arizona’s travel policies are pretty complicated so we try to spell things out in part one and two of the Meal and Lodging Reimbursem*nt Form tutorial. The Meal and Lodging Reimbursem*nt Form is how you will record travel expenses for reimbursem*nt for both in-state and out-of-state travel involving lodging and meals. This tutorial shows you where to find the form and explains the form’s different sections.

Meal and Lodging Reimbursem*nt Form: Part 2

Part 2 of the Meal and Lodging Reimbursem*nt Form tutorial explains how to complete and submit the form and provides some guidance on travel-related costs. Expenses for multiple travelers can be entered on the same form by utilizing a separate worksheet for each traveler. The separate worksheets can be accessed by clicking on the tabs at the bottom of the form.

You will definitely want to familiarize yourself with Arizona’s various travel policies and the state’s Maximum Mileage, Lodging, Meal, Parking and Incidental Expense Reimbursem*nt Rates. Refer to these documents on the State of Arizona Accounting Manual (SAAM) page as the documents are subject to change.

Budget Modifications: Part 1

Sometimes the needs and costs of a program change. First Things First recognizes these eventualities and provides a way to modify your program budget. This tutorial gives you an overview of the budget modification process and the circ*mstances in which a budget modification is needed. A budget modification request with proper justification for cost changes must be approved before goods and services are purchased. The Budget Modification Request Form can be found under Grant Implementation Resources on the partner grant management system (PGMS) dashboard.

Budget Modifications: Part 2

This tutorial gives step-by-step instructions for completing the budget modification request form and submitting the form through the partner grant management system. The Budget Modification Request Form can be found under Grant Implementation Resources on the PGMS dashboard.

Reporting Staff Changes: Part 1

Most programs will experience changes in personnel over the course of their grant. First Things First carefully monitors staffing patterns and wages so these changes in personnel must be reported to First Things First in a timely way. This tutorial explains when staff changes need to be reported to First Things First and introduces you to the Staff Change Notification Form and Personnel Table found under Grant Implementation Resources on the partner grant management system (PGMS) dashboard. This form will also be used whenever a PGMS contact is changed, regardless if that person is paid out of the contract.

Reporting Staff Changes: Part 2

This tutorial gives step-by-step instructions on how to complete the Staff Change Notification Form and program Personnel Table when there is a change in staffing. The Staff Change Notification Form and Personnel Table can be found under Grant Implementation Resources on the PGMS dashboard. While the staff change notification form only includes those staff that are being added and removed from the contract, the Personnel Table needs to include all staff and positions being paid out of the contract.

Submitting Program Narrative and Data Submission Reports

All grants and agreements funded by First Things First are required to report on a variety of program-related indicators. This tutorial will show you how to submit program narrative reports and data submission reports via the partner grant management system (PGMS).

Navigating the Partner Grant Management System (2024)

FAQs

Is grant management hard? ›

Common Challenges in Grant Management

Institutions that rely on manual systems often need help managing grants – from keeping track of deadlines to keeping up with paperwork. Some of the most common challenges in grant management include communication gaps, unstructured processes, and inefficiencies.

What are some critical steps in the grant management process? ›

How to Manage Grants: 7 Core Steps
  • Identify resources and clearly define roles. ...
  • Create documentation for tracking grants. ...
  • Review all relevant grant requirements. ...
  • Lay out a comprehensive schedule for your grant. ...
  • Understand how to record grant funds. ...
  • Report on your progress internally.

How to be an effective grant manager? ›

6 Grant Management Best Practices
  1. Keep Your Grants Organized. ...
  2. Create a Grant Tracking Calendar. ...
  3. Assign Tasks to a Well-Trained Team. ...
  4. Monitor Your Spending. ...
  5. Recognize the Legality of the Agreement. ...
  6. Invest in the Right Tools for Managing Grants and Their Data.

What is the difference between grant management and grant administration? ›

While the Grant Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the grant, managing the budget, and approving expenditures, the Grant Administrator is responsible for connecting with the Grant Manager and confirming that the grant is progressing as planned.

How much do grant managers make in the US? ›

Grants Manager Salary
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$103,500$8,625
75th Percentile$86,000$7,166
Average$76,020$6,335
25th Percentile$62,000$5,166

How much do grants managers make at Harvard? ›

The average Grants Manager base salary at Harvard University is $78K per year.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in managing a grant program? ›

Let's explore some of the main challenges organizations face in grant management throughout their journeys.
  • Ineffective Manual Approaches. ...
  • Lack of Communication and Coordination. ...
  • Compliance and Regulatory Issues. ...
  • Challenges with Resources and Workflows. ...
  • Ensuring Data Security and Privacy. ...
  • Monitoring Performance.
Jul 3, 2024

What is the common rule in grants management? ›

The Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements, known as the Common Grant Rule, are the general administrative requirements pertaining to all U.S. Department of Transportation grants and sub- grants, including those awarded to State, local and federally recognized Indian tribal ...

What is the full cycle of grant management? ›

The steps in this grant management life cycle fall into three phases: pre-award, award and post-award. The recipient and awarding agency have unique roles to play during each phase, but the durations of the individual phases vary depending on the type and amount of the funding and the characteristics of the project.

How can I be a good Grantmaker? ›

The best practices for improving grantmaking
  1. Establish clear grant guidelines.
  2. Use technology to create an intuitive, efficient process.
  3. Minimize requirements for grant seekers.
  4. Leverage your data to improve the process.
  5. Ask peers and experts to review your review process.
May 10, 2024

What does a grants management system do? ›

Grant management software helps to keep all activities related to grants organized so that your nonprofit can present itself in a professional manner when applying for and managing grant money once it has been awarded.

Is grant management a skill? ›

A grant manager needs a range of hard skills to excel in their role. These include proficiency in grants management, preparation of financial reports, and oversight of projects. They should also be familiar with project management, research administration, and the intricacies of working with principal investigators.

Is being a grants manager hard? ›

This senior level position requires strong leadership skills to manage a team of grant writers and meet the funding goals of an organization. Your duties require excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with prospective funders and team members.

How to manage multiple grants? ›

  1. Step 1: Set Up Your Nonprofit within Instrumentl. ...
  2. Step 2: Find Grants and Track Your Grant Work. ...
  3. Step 3: Store and Manage All Your Grants In One Place. ...
  4. Step 4: Divide Up Grant Work Among Your Team. ...
  5. Step 5: Manage Your Awards As They Come. ...
  6. Step 6: Report on Your Work To Stakeholders.
Oct 31, 2023

What do you call someone who gives a grant? ›

Grants are typically given by a foundation, corporation, or government agency. Many nonprofits are partially or even entirely funded by grants they receive throughout the year. Grant organizations, also known as grantmakers, are the foundations, corporations, or government agencies that provide the funding for grants.

Is grant writing a stressful job? ›

Whether you're a freelance grant writer or work for a specific organization, you're under pressure to find the funding for programs. Being a grant writer can be stressful. There are deadlines. Funders can be specific about what they expect from applicants.

What is the hardest part of grant writing? ›

Complex Application Process

One of the primary challenges in federal grant writing is the complex and highly competitive application process. Federal grant applications often require extensive documentation, including detailed project plans, budgets, and evaluation strategies.

How hard is it to learn grant writing? ›

Well, it's not quite that easy. There is no such thing as free money, and grant writing is a lot of hard work. However, it is very learnable and an incredible skill set to have in your quiver. Even newcomers succeed with the right guidance and training under their belt.

Are grant applications hard? ›

Writing a grant proposal is not like filling out paperwork for a loan, and instead, is akin to writing an essay. For the best results, you should follow the directions as outlined by the funding source. If you are unable to follow directions or lack writing skills, you may find this challenging.

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