Grant Program Design and Delivery

CFS partners with public and private sector grantmakers to design, launch, and refine competitive grant programs that are transparent, efficient, and impactful.

CFS brings deep expertise in both government and philanthropic funding models. This insight allows grantmakers to maximize impact while safeguarding against risks of rescinded grant funds due to non-compliance with the Federal Uniform Code. Our clients range from state agencies administering federal funds to corporations and nonprofits seeking to create or enhance their philanthropic objectives. 

To create new funding programs, CFS will work with your program officers to develop a grant program that aligns with policy goals, regulatory requirements, and community impact objectives. For partners with existing programs, CFS provides comprehensive audits to identify inefficiencies, strengthen workflows, and ensure subgrantee compliance with federal regulations.  

By strengthening your internal capacity and offering practical tools, our grant program design and delivery services help you deliver seamless and efficient grant programs that meet your organization’s goals.  

Capabilities:

Grant Program Audit

Many state and local agencies secure competitive grants but lack the systems to consistently track subgrantee compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, the large volume of active grants can make it difficult to monitor budget and staffing impacts when funding ends, often resulting in grant-funded positions shifting to the agency’s ongoing payroll and driving budget increases. CFS conducts comprehensive grant program audits to identify compliance gaps, assess fiscal and staffing implications, and recommend corrective actions. Our approach strengthens oversight, safeguards against unplanned expenses, and equips agencies with clear strategies to maintain fiscal health while meeting all regulatory requirements. 

Public-Facing Communications

Many agencies underestimate the bandwidth and internal coordination needed for robust program outreach, risking a smaller and less competitive applicant base. Throughout the program, CFS acts as your liaison to the public, boosting your internal capacity to quickly communicate with potential applicants. Activities may include: drafting notices of funding, coordinating kick-off meetings or webinars, hosting virtual “office hour” sessions, and managing a transparent Q&A system to keep applicants informed. Our team also develops clear program instructions, partners with your marketing team on targeted social media content, and drafts press releases to promote opportunities and celebrate awardees.  

Administrative & Technical Assistance

It can be difficult to allocate the necessary time to provide the hands-on guidance needed to help applicants and grantees succeed. Additionally, the internal burden of coordinating proposal review and funding decisions can divert staff from other critical priorities and slow the overall program timeline.  CFS bridges this gap by developing robust assessment criteria, clear reporting standards, and internal tracking systems to monitor performance. We coordinate the review process, work directly with awardees to ensure they are positioned to meet program milestones, and serve as a resource for navigating specific program requirements. If needed, CFS provides comprehensive training for internal staff, reviewers, and grantees on grant program processes, roles, and expectations, empowering your team to manage each phase of the funding cycle with confidence and success.