Most applicants fail or lose points not because of their idea, but because of:
- Missing compliance steps
- Weak performance metrics
- Poor alignment between activities and budget
This series of presentations, pdfs, and digital guides collectively are designed to prevent those exact issues.
Applicants are encouraged to check out the "Resources for Applicants & Grantees" video playlist on the agency's YouTube channel for additional information on the application process.
-
PDF Applicant's Manual
The definitive rulebook for PCCD grants covering eligibility, compliance, financial rules, and administrative requirements.
- Understand legal and compliance obligations (federal + state)
- Clarifying info on what is allowed vs. prohibited spending
- Navigate pre-application requirements (SAM, UEI, vendor registration)
- Learn about post-award responsibilities (reporting, audits, monitoring)
-
PDF Grant Applicant Readiness Checklist
A deeper, self-assessment tool to evaluate whether your organization is truly prepared to apply.
- Determine if you should apply independently or partner with another organization
- Identify gaps in:
- Governance
- Financial systems
- Documentation (EIN, policies, etc.)
-
PDF Grant Applicant Pre-Award Checklist
A high-level checklist of everything you must have ready before submitting.
- Avoid technical disqualification
- Ensure required registrations (SAM, Egrants, vendor status)
- Verify organizational readiness (staff, policies, systems)
-
PPTX Grant Application Walkthrough
A step-by-step visual walkthrough of the full application within Egrants. Understand workflow order and see how each section connects.
-
Rise 360 How to View and Complete Issues or Comments in your Grant Application
Instructions for responding to reviewer feedback.
- Fix returned applications
- Navigate revision cycles
-
Rise 360 Grant Application Main Summary
Explains how to complete the Main Summary Information section.
- Get core project details right (title, scope, funding basics)
- Avoid early-stage errors that affect scoring
-
Rise 360 Executive Summary
A guide to completing the Executive Summary section of a grant application. This section serves as a high-level overview and is often one of the first sections reviewers use to understand your proposal.
- Craft a clear, compelling overview
- Align with reviewer expectations
-
Rise 360 Project Description
Guidance on describing your project's core narrative and justification.
-
Rise 360 Program Activities
A guide to completing the Program Activities section of a grant application. Translate your strategy to specific action, and align your activities with outcomes.
-
Rise 360 Required Attachments
A guide to understanding format and content expectations and avoiding automatic rejection due to missing documents.
-
Rise 360 Nonprofit Agency Checklist
Additional requirements specific to nonprofits.
-
Rise 360 Approval Checklist
Guidance on internal approvals required.
- Ensure leadership/board sign-off
- Avoid submission delays
-
PDF Budget Detail Walkthrough
Step-by-step instructions for entering your budget.
- Avoid common budget errors
- Ensure your costs align with the rules
-
Rise 360 Setting Up Your Budget
Guidance on structuring budgets (single-source vs pass-through).
-
Rise 360 Procurement Details
Ensure your compliance with:
- Competitive bidding
- Vendor selection rules
-
Rise 360 Fiscal Accountability
Explains financial controls and responsibilities
- Prevent audit findings
- Understand documentation expectations
-
PDF Performance Indicators
Instructions for defining metrics and outcomes.
- Build measurable goals
- Align with reporting requirements
-
Rise 360 Federal Transparency Act Certification
Instructions for FFATA compliance.
- Required for federal funding streams
- Ensures transparency in spending
-
PDF Federal Transparency Act Certification
PDF of Instructions for FFATA compliance.
-
Rise 360 A Guide to Signing Your Grant Application and Award Notice
Explains how to submit signatures via Egrants.
- Avoid delays due to missing e-signatures
- Understand authorization roles
-
PDF Grant Applicant Pre-Award Checklist
A high-level checklist of everything you must have ready before submitting.
- Avoid technical disqualification
- Ensure required registrations (SAM, Egrants, vendor status)
- Verify organizational readiness (staff, policies, systems)