Grants and Strategic Initiatives

Government Grants

These grants are funds provided by government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, such as the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and the North Carolina Arts Council. These grants are typically awarded through competitive application processes and are subject to federal and state regulations and reporting requirements. Government grants can support a wide range of educational and workforce development initiatives, including student financial aid, curriculum development, research projects, and workforce training programs. 

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants are funds provided by private charitable foundations, corporate foundations, or philanthropic organizations. These grants are often awarded to support specific program areas or address pressing social issues. Foundation grants may have specific focus areas, such as STEM education, workforce development, health care, or community revitalization. Like government grants, foundation grants are typically awarded through competitive application processes and may have specific eligibility criteria and reporting requirements. 

NCCCS Competitive Allocations

The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) Competitive Allocation grant funds are disbursed to community colleges through a competitive process managed by the NCCCS. Funds are typically allocated for specific uses such as funding college and career advisors, expanding high-cost programs or piloting student success initiatives.

Pre-Award Support

Opportunity Identification: The OGSI identifies potential grant opportunities that align with the college's strategic priorities, programmatic needs, and funding objectives. This involves identifying funding organizations, reviewing grant opportunities, and building strategic partnerships with community and funding organizations.

Proposal Development: Once a potential grant opportunity is identified, the OGSI works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and community partners to develop competitive grant proposals. This process includes defining project goals and objectives, outlining project activities and timelines, developing budgets, and ensuring alignment with grant requirements and evaluation criteria.

Submission: Grant proposals are submitted to funding agencies according to their specified guidelines and deadlines. The OGSI manages the submission process, ensuring all required documents and supporting materials are included and proposals are submitted on time.

Post-Award Support

Award Start-up and Management: If a grant is awarded, the OGSI works closely with project staff to ensure effective grant management and compliance with grant requirements. This includes executing a grant start-up process, establishing project timelines, monitoring project progress, tracking expenditures, and reporting on project status to funding agencies.

Evaluation and Sustainability: Throughout the grant cycle, the OGSI evaluates project outcomes and impact to inform continuous improvement and sustainability efforts. Lessons learned from grant-funded projects are used to enhance institutional practices and guide future grant development efforts.

Project Close-out: The OGSI works with project staff to ensure projects requirements are completed in a timely manner. This includes ensuring funds are expended, outcomes are reported, grant documentation is completed, and final reports are submitted to the funding agency.