Pre-Award Process

MCC faculty or staff may initiate action to prepare a proposal for funding from an outside agency but must do so through appropriate campus procedures. Contact the Grants office for assistance.

Consider:

• Alignment with the MCC Mission and Strategic Plan
• Problem/Need/Gap in service
• Project goals, objectives and approach
• Outcomes and Impact
• Resources available or needed
• Timeframe of implementation
• In-kind/Matching funds required

Numerous entities make grants to Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs). These include federal, state, and local government agencies, private foundations, and corporate giving programs.

• Read listservs and newsletters in your field.
• Search grants.gov for federal funding opportunities.
• Explore the internet for local, regional, and national foundations.
• Do NOT contact funders directly; consult Grants office staff.

Internal & External Funding Sources

Only proposals for the funding of activities consistent with the mission and goals of the College will be submitted to outside agencies.

• Consult the Request for Proposal (RFP) or Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for requirements and restrictions.
• Is the College capable of fulfilling the requirements?
• Consult federal/state guidelines.
• Consider any limitations, such as the MCC decision-making process and funder time frame.

Preliminary approval by MCC leadership is required.

• Seek input and initial approval from your Chair and Dean.
• Complete the MCC Intent to Submit Form (PDF) and collect required signatures and submit to the Grants office. The Grants Director will submit to VPs and related offices for approval.
  • An MCC Intent to Partner or Sub-Contract Form (PDF) is to be completed by faculty or staff who have been asked to partner on a funding application.
• In coordination with Grants office, form project team and begin proposal development.

• Analyze the funder’s priorities, specific goals, and timelines. Questions to funder are handled by the Grants office.
• Determine funding minimum/ maximum.
• Identify budget requirements and restrictions.
• Identify contacts/partners.
• Re-examine project viability.

• Meet with Grants staff to plan the proposal and design the project timeline.
• Work with project team to develop the proposal.
• Establish timeline for review of draft documents and final version.
• Create budget and budget narrative Identify In-kind or Matching fund sources if required.
• Is Human Subjects review needed?

• Review process includes self review, peer review, and Grants office review.
• Incorporate suggested narrative or budget changes and edit as necessary.
• Identify required supplementary documents, such as CVs, letters of support, citations, etc.
• Grants office compiles all documents.