Partnership Aims to Simplify Grant Management Processes

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and Rasmuson Foundation partnered this spring to determine how the state could better manage grant processes -- from streamlining the grant management processes for both DHSS and its grantees, to increasing transparency around effectiveness and outcomes, and improving customer service. A recently released report describes ways to reduce administrative burdens for both DHSS and grantees, while increasing grantee satisfaction with the experience of working with the state.

"Having good, strong working relationships with our grantees is key to serving the people of Alaska. Through this partnership with the Rasmuson Foundation many individuals provided candid insights about what we could do to make the grant-making process a better experience for our grantees," said DHSS Commissioner Karleen Jackson, "As part of the follow up to the report, a cross-divisional department team will identify what administrative and communication strategies need to be implemented so that we can work with our grantees more effectively to fulfill our mission."

The report found that recent department efforts to standardize the grant processes have been successful, but more improvement is needed. Grantees interviewed indicated that the department's requests for proposal were inconsistent between divisions and programs; additionally grantees felt overburdened with grant reporting and documentation requirements. Both department staff and grantees who provided input were enthusiastic about potential improvements.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Hogan will lead a cross-divisional department team to assess and implement suggestions for improvements to the grant application process. The department communications staff will counsel the task force on effective inter-department and grantee communication.