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Investment Risk Mitigation

Tag: grant management

  • August Native Federal Grant Oversight News & Affects Explained.

    August Native Federal Grant Oversight News & Affects Explained.

    Native American tribal communities are closely watching changes in federal grant policy. The White House recently unveiled a major overhaul of federal grant rules

    The “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking” initiative

    Which represents the biggest change to grant policy in over a decade gtlaw.com. Announced via Executive Order on August 7, 2025, this long-anticipated update directs government agencies and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to tighten grant oversight and streamline the grantmaking process aha.orgfeldesman.com.

    It’s intended to reduce red tape, strengthen oversight, and ensure federal dollars are used more effectively across the board. This guidance applies government-wide, affecting states, cities, nonprofits, and tribal governments alike brookings.edu  but as someone who works closely with Native American tribes, I want to focus on what it means for tribal communities in particular.

    My Take on the New Grant Oversight Changes

    In my professional opinion, this update to the OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) is not about cutting anyone’s funding – it’s about making the system work better. The focus is on a few key areas:

    Reducing administrative burden and jargon:
    •  Agencies are now directed to simplify grant paperwork and write funding announcements in plain language gtlaw.com. Grant applications have long been notoriously complex, favoring those who can afford expert grant writers whitehouse.gov. Smoother, clearer instructions are a welcome change that can help smaller or under-resourced communities navigate grants more easily.
    Improving how data informs funding decisions:
    •  The new rules emphasize results. For example, agencies will include clear benchmarks for measuring a grant’s progress and success aha.org. In practice, this means funding decisions will lean more on solid data and demonstrated outcomes, not just a well-written proposal. You might start seeing more requirements to report measurable goals and outcomes so funders can track impact.
    Increasing financial transparency and compliance:
    •  Expect a stronger spotlight on how money is spent. The guidance calls for tighter auditing and oversight of grant funds. Agencies can even require more detailed justifications for spending for instance, some grants may now come with provisions that you must get approval before drawing down funds and explain why the money is needed feldesman.com. All of this is to ensure accountability: that every dollar is accounted for and used as intended.
     Ensuring funds reach the intended communities: 
    • There’s a clear intent to crack down on waste and make sure funds benefit the people and causes they’re meant to support. Federal officials explicitly want to stop frivolous or “off-mission” grants whitehouse.gov. At the same time, agencies are being encouraged to spread grants to a broader range of recipients, not just the same big universities or nonprofits that win every year aha.org. In theory, this could level the playing field so that smaller tribes and grassroots organizations have a fairer shot at funding.

    What Native American Tribes Need to Know

    Based on my experience guiding tribal governments through complex grant systems, here are the most important takeaways for tribes right now:

    Current Tribal Grants Are Still in Place:

     If your tribe already has an awarded grant, you are not in danger of suddenly losing it. The new rules do not claw back existing funds. However, you may notice some changes in how you have to report, track, or manage those funds as agencies implement the guidance.
    For example, federal agencies have been instructed to add “termination for convenience” clauses (allowing an award to be ended if it no longer meets program goals) to existing grants. In reality, such clauses have rarely been used successfully in the past. In short, your current funding should remain safe as long as you continue to follow the rules – just be prepared for a bit more paperwork or new terms and conditions aimed at oversight.

    Future Grants Might Be Easier to Access, But Come with Higher Expectations:

     One positive change is that the language of grant announcements and rules will be more accessible. The guidance is written to be more user-friendly (less bureaucratic jargon), which is great news for smaller tribes with limited grant-writing capacity. Funding opportunities should also open up to more players. Agencies are directed to consider a wide array of worthy applicants rather than defaulting to the same repeat winners. However, be ready for funders to look more closely at how you spend every dollar. Oversight will be stricter going forward.
    For example, some agencies may now require you to get prior approval before drawing down grant funds and to provide written justifications for each withdrawal. In practice, this means you’ll need strong internal controls and audit-ready systems. The money might be easier to apply for, but there will be higher expectations on demonstrating that it’s used properly and effectively.

    Tribal Sovereignty and Eligibility Remain Unchanged:

      Nothing in this update diminishes the federal trust responsibility or a tribe’s right to seek federal grants. Tribes still have a unique government-to-government relationship with the U.S., and the obligations to support tribal communities still firmly stand. The new rules do not place any new limitations on tribes’ eligibility for funding. If anything, the push to broaden who receives grants could mean more opportunities for tribal programs that have been overlooked in the past. I also anticipate we’ll see additional support (like training and outreach) to help tribes build the internal systems needed to meet the new requirements. At face value, your political sovereignty and your ability to go after federal funding are as strong as ever under this policy update.

    3 Steps Tribal Governments Should Take Now

    Change can be overwhelming, but there are concrete steps tribal governments can take right now to adapt and thrive under the new grant oversight landscape:

    1. Keep a Close Eye on Agency-Specific Changes: Every federal agency will roll out this guidance in its own way and on its own timeline. I highly recommend assigning someone on your team to monitor the Federal Register and updates from the agencies that fund your programs. Watch for new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcements or rule tweaks. (In fact, some agencies might pause or slow down new grant announcements briefly until they sort out their review processes feldesman.com. By keeping informed, you’ll have more lead time to adjust to any new application requirements or reporting rules. Knowledge is power, the sooner you know about a change, the more time you have to comply or pivot.
    2. Evaluate and Strengthen Your Internal Processes: This is the perfect moment to take an honest look at how your tribal administration handles grant management. Are your grant files organized and complete? Do you have up-to-date policies for budgeting, procurement, and record-keeping? If an auditor reviewed your program tomorrow, would you be confident in the outcome? The new federal guidance puts a premium on accountability. For example, agencies may now insert language in grants that prohibits drawing down funds without explicit approval and detailed justification feldesman.com. That means every transaction might face scrutiny. Use this time to shore up your financial tracking and compliance procedures. If you identify gaps such as staff need training on 2 CFR Part 200 rules, or you need to implement a better system for documenting expenditures, don’t wait. Invest in those improvements now. It’s much easier to handle increased oversight if your house is already in order. And if you need outside help (consultants, auditors, etc.) to get audit-ready, consider bringing them in sooner rather than later.
    3. Take Advantage of Technical Assistance and Training: You do not have to navigate these changes alone. Many federal agencies offer free training, tools, and technical assistance for their grantees and tribes are often a priority for outreach. For instance, the Department of Justice’s Tribal Financial Management Center provides no-cost training and one-on-one technical assistance to help tribal grant recipients manage their funds properly ojp.gov. They’ll even assist with things like improving financial policies or preparing for grant audits. Other departments (HUD, HHS, EPA, etc.) have similar programs dedicated to tribal capacity-building ojp.gov. Make it a point to seek out these resources. Attend webinars, ask your grant program officers about training sessions, and connect with peer networks. By boosting your team’s grant management skills, you’ll not only meet the new oversight expectations, you’ll also position your tribe to excel (and maybe even to win more grants) in the long run.

    Final Thoughts

    From my perspective, this oversight, as written, is not bad news for tribes. It’s a wake-up call, yes, but also an opportunity.

    The goal is to ensure federal funds truly serve our communities, something we can all get behind. By proactively adjusting to the new rules, tribes can actually end up in a stronger position than before. The simplified application processes and emphasis on plain language are likely to make it easier for many Native organizations to compete for grants on a more level playing field whitehouse.govgtlaw.com. And while the government will be watching spending more closely, that isn’t a threat if you’re prepared it’s a chance to shine by showcasing the great work you are doing with every federal dollar. 

    Most importantly, remember that tribal sovereignty remains intact.

    The U.S. government still has a duty to work with and fund tribal nations for the betterment of Native people brookings.edu. This update doesn’t change that, if anything, it reinforces the importance of getting funds out to the people who need them and to be used in the right way. My advice is to embrace the spirit of these changes. Use them to modernize your grant strategies, tighten up any loose ends in administration, and double down on outcomes that matter to your community. 

    Change can be daunting, but it can also be empowering. If your tribe wants help navigating the new compliance terrain or strategizing how to take advantage of the evolving grant landscape, please know that I’m here to support you. We have a unique opportunity right now to proactively adapt and thrive, ensuring that federal funding continues to flow to Indian Country and makes an even bigger impact. Let’s commit to turning this policy update into a positive force for our tribes’ future.

     We’ve got this, and I’m excited to see Native communities benefit from a grant system that works better, fairer, and more transparently for everyone. 

    – Mule Deer Consulting, Grant Professionals and Advocates for Indigenous Communities 

    #NativeAmericanTribes #TribalFunding #FederalGrants #GrantCompliance #TribalSovereignty #OMBUpdate #Nonprofits #IndigenousLeadership

    Citations

    Office of Management and Budget Releases Significant Changes to the Uniform Guidance | Insights | Greenberg Traurig LLP

    https://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2024/4/office-of-management-and-budget-releases-significant-changes-to-the-uniform-guidanceAdministration announces effort to improve federal grantmaking oversight | AHA Newshttps://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-08-08-administration-announces-effort-improve-federal-grantmaking-oversightNew Executive Order Mandates More Federal Funding Scrutinyhttps://www.feldesman.com/new-executive-order-mandates-more-federal-funding-scrutiny/A federal grant freeze could disrupt over $24 billion to Native American communities and undermine US obligations to Tribes | Brookingshttps://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-federal-grant-freeze-could-disrupt-over-24-billion-to-native-american-communities-and-undermine-us-obligations-to-tribes/Office of Management and Budget Releases Significant Changes to the Uniform Guidance | Insights | Greenberg Traurig LLPhttps://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2024/4/office-of-management-and-budget-releases-significant-changes-to-the-uniform-guidanceImproving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking – The White Househttps://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/improving-oversight-of-federal-grantmaking/Administration announces effort to improve federal grantmaking oversight | AHA Newshttps://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-08-08-administration-announces-effort-improve-federal-grantmaking-oversightNew Executive Order Mandates More Federal Funding Scrutinyhttps://www.feldesman.com/new-executive-order-mandates-more-federal-funding-scrutiny/Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Stops Wasteful Grantmaking – The White Househttps://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/08/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-stops-wasteful-grantmaking/Administration announces effort to improve federal grantmaking oversight | AHA Newshttps://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-08-08-administration-announces-effort-improve-federal-grantmaking-oversightNew Executive Order Mandates More Federal Funding Scrutinyhttps://www.feldesman.com/new-executive-order-mandates-more-federal-funding-scrutiny/A federal grant freeze could disrupt over $24 billion to Native American communities and undermine US obligations to Tribes | Brookingshttps://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-federal-grant-freeze-could-disrupt-over-24-billion-to-native-american-communities-and-undermine-us-obligations-to-tribes/New Executive Order Mandates More Federal Funding Scrutinyhttps://www.feldesman.com/new-executive-order-mandates-more-federal-funding-scrutiny/Tribal Financial Management Center | Office of Justice Programshttps://www.ojp.gov/training-and-technical-assistance/tfmcTribal Financial Management Center | Office of Justice Programshttps://www.ojp.gov/training-and-technical-assistance/tfmc

  • 2025 ICWA Court Improvement Grants: What Tribal Courts Need to Know

    Strengthening Sovereignty from the Bench: The ICWA Court Improvement Program Evolves

    In Tribal child welfare, the courtroom is more than a legal arena. It is where sovereignty, tradition, and the future of Native families all pull up a chair and ask, “So, what are we doing about this?” That is why recent changes to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Court Improvement Program (CIP) are kind of a big deal. From new funding to fresh expectations, the legal landscape is finally catching up to what Tribal communities have known all along. Protecting children means protecting culture, honoring kinship, and respecting sovereignty.

    Let us walk through what is changing, why it matters, and how your court, your program, or your community can use these updates to build smarter, more sovereign systems without needing a law degree or a spreadsheet wizard. We promise, this will not require memorizing acronyms longer than a deer’s shadow in October.

    What Is the Court Improvement Program and Why Does It Matter?

    Let us start with the basics. The Court Improvement Program (CIP) has been around for decades, quietly humming in the background, funding court reforms related to child welfare. For a long time, it mostly helped state courts figure out how to move cases faster, track decisions better, and avoid dropping the ball when families were already in crisis. Kind of like duct tape for court systems, not glamorous, but often holding things together.

    But in recent years, especially with pressure from Tribal advocates and some serious side eye from ICWA attorneys, the conversation has shifted. Courts are now being asked gently but firmly to stop treating Tribal involvement like an optional step. Enter the ICWA focused updates to CIP.

    CIP now offers three types of grants, each with real potential to support ICWA implementation:

    • Basic Grants fund broad improvements, like case flow management, reducing delays, and improving family engagement. Think of it as upgrading your system from a flip phone to a smartphone. No more T9 texting your court orders.
    • Data Grants help build or improve tracking systems that actually include Tribal affiliation, case timelines, notice dates, and yes, whether someone actually picked up the phone to call the Tribe.
    • Training Grants provide funding for staff development, cross training between courts and Tribal representatives, and creating materials that explain what “active efforts” means in real life, not just in a legal brief. Spoiler, it is more than a voicemail.

    In short, CIP is no longer just for state court paperwork clean up. It is a tool, and a funded one, that Tribal courts and state Tribal partnerships can use to modernize, digitize, and build processes that actually reflect the communities they serve. And maybe even free up a little time for your overworked staff to have a lunch that does not come in a vending machine.

    New Law, New Funding: What the 2025 Updates Change

    In 2025, Congress passed the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act, a law with a name so long it probably needed its own acronym. But unlike a lot of federal reform, this one actually delivers. No empty calories here.

    Here is what changed, and why your ears should perk up like ours do when we hear grant funding in the wind:

    More Tribal Court Funding: Annual funding for Tribal Court Improvement Projects (TCIPs) doubled, jumping from 1 million to 2 million. These grants are discretionary, which means no state match is required. If you have been avoiding federal applications because you cannot find a match partner, this is your green light. Saddle up.

    ICWA Data Collection Is Now Required: States taking CIP funds must now report on their ICWA compliance. That includes metrics like whether Tribes were properly noticed, if active efforts were documented, and whether someone remembered to include cultural considerations before making placement decisions. No more “close enough” records. The data deer are watching.

    Technical Assistance Is Baked In: HHS is now providing support to help courts and agencies figure out how to actually implement these changes. Think policy templates, reporting tools, example workflows, and less head scratching all around. Like trail signs when the fog rolls in.

    Tribal Collaboration Is No Longer Optional: States must demonstrate ongoing collaboration with Tribes. That means Tribes should be at the table, not on the sidelines, when new court processes or reforms are being designed. Think joint working groups, regular consultation, and shared decision making. If it feels like a potluck, you are doing it right. Just bring something other than pasta salad.

    All together, these changes mean the feds are finally backing up the promise of ICWA with resources and structure. It is not just about compliance anymore. It is about accountability, visibility, and genuine partnership. And we like partnerships almost as much as we like well labeled PDFs.

    How Tribes and States Are Putting These Tools to Work

    So how is all this showing up on the ground? Across the country, we are seeing Tribes and state courts put this funding to work in creative, culturally grounded, and sometimes unexpectedly delightful ways.

    WA

    Washington State is syncing data systems between child welfare agencies and the courts so information actually flows. That means fewer cases where someone has to say, “I think that form is in someone’s inbox… somewhere.” Translation: the deer can find the salt lick without a map.

    AK, MT, NM

    In Alaska, Montana, and New Mexico, Tribal courts are using TCIP funds to digitize case files, build real time reporting dashboards, and implement culturally relevant family reunification programs. These are not just court upgrades. They are sovereignty in spreadsheet form. And trust us, these spreadsheets actually work.

    CA

    California has used CIP to train more than 800 judges and child welfare professionals on ICWA, emphasizing not just the legal requirements but the deeper cultural context. And yes, they are finally addressing the “What does active efforts really mean?” question. Hint: It is not sending a pamphlet and hoping for the best.

    One thing all these projects have in common? They prioritize relationships, community leadership, and systems that reflect lived experience, not just legal theory. They rebuild trust, reduce burnout, and make space for Native children to be raised in Native homes, connected to their families, language, and identity. Which is exactly how it should be, and how it always should have been.

    Want help figuring out how your Tribe, court, or program can use CIP or TCIP funding?

    Mule Deer Consulting can walk you through eligibility, narrative strategy, and proposal development. We translate fed speak into real world solutions, and we make sure your grant proposals reflect your values, not just the checklist.

    Feed the deer. Do not lose the trail. And if you are out of trail mix and patience, we will bring snacks and strategy. Let us get to work.

  • Gatekeepers at Grants.gov: What DOGE’s Oversight Means for Your Funding Future

    Gatekeepers at Grants.gov: What DOGE’s Oversight Means for Your Funding Future
    Robotic deer protecting grant recipients in the fog

    Gatekeepers at Grants.gov: What DOGE’s Oversight Means for Your Funding Future

    In a sweeping change to the federal grantmaking landscape, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken centralized control of the Grants.gov platform. This move has far-reaching implications for nonprofits, tribal governments, and agencies that depend on timely access to federal funding opportunities.

    What’s changed? Effective immediately, federal users can no longer independently post new Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to Grants.gov. All postings must first be routed through a new DOGE review system via a centralized mailbox (grantreview@hhs.gov), delaying—and in some cases, disrupting—normal posting workflows.

    This added gatekeeping layer is already creating a backlog. Staff at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies report months-long delays due to increased approval requirements and complex forecasting mechanisms. The ripple effect is undeniable: less predictability, longer planning timelines, and greater strain on organizations trying to align with federal funding cycles.

    The potential risk? If DOGE denies or indefinitely delays postings, billions of dollars in grant funding could stall—jeopardizing time-sensitive efforts from cancer research to critical infrastructure. With more than 5,000 NOFOs typically hosted on Grants.gov annually, even partial gridlock poses a systemic threat to the public funding ecosystem.

    But not all hope is lost. Some agencies have begun rerouting their opportunity announcements through alternate channels. Key examples include:

    • NIH, EERE, OCED, NSF: Often post on their own independent sites
    • USDA: Uses the Federal Register
    • Multiple agencies: Also post on FedConnect

    So what should your organization do? Mule Deer Consulting strongly recommends proactive diversification of your grant monitoring tools and timelines. We are actively tracking these alternate platforms and guiding our clients in adjusting application strategies accordingly.

    In this climate, grant management is no longer just about writing strong applications—it’s about navigating policy shifts, staying alert to system-wide disruptions, and acting with agility in uncertain terrain.

    Our firm continues to monitor DOGE’s administrative reach and the downstream effects it may have on funding equity, accessibility, and scheduling. If your organization depends on federal funding, now is the time to fortify your visibility strategy and consult with a grant navigation expert.

    Stay informed. Stay adaptive. Mule Deer will guide the way through the fog.

    Scope This Trail →

    Source: Grant Management Associates. Summary adapted from internal communications and recent updates regarding DOGE and Grants.gov policy as of April 2025.

  • Beyond the Freeze: Are You Ready for the New Era of Federal Grant Compliance?

    Beyond the Freeze: Are You Ready for the New Era of Federal Grant Compliance?
    Trail in the Forest

    Beyond the Freeze: Are You Ready for the New Era of Federal Grant Compliance?

    The federal funding freeze has officially thawed, but a far more complex and urgent challenge has emerged. While the release of funds is a welcome relief to many, federal agencies are implementing a new era of grant oversight one rooted in operational scrutiny rather than solely financial compliance. This marks a paradigm shift that nonprofits, tribal governments, and public sector programs must not only acknowledge but strategically prepare for.

    New Expectation: Agencies are no longer content to simply verify appropriate expenditures. Now, grant recipients must demonstrate full alignment between grant objectives, program activities, staffing capacity, and measurable outcomes. Monthly performance-based reporting is becoming a new federal standard, and operational audits will delve into every layer of project implementation, from how services are delivered to how organizational structures support funded activities.

    New Risk: For organizations that continue operating under a “funding first, compliance later” mindset, the risks are substantial. Delayed disbursements, clawbacks of previously awarded funds, or even permanent removal from grant eligibility are increasingly on the table not for financial misconduct, but for failure to meet operational standards. The stakes are higher, and the margin for error has narrowed considerably.

    Immediate Action: Preparation begins with action. Mule Deer Consulting recommends that organizations immediately initiate a comprehensive internal review of their grant management frameworks. This is not a surface-level compliance check; it is an in-depth operational readiness audit designed to align internal policies, performance tracking systems, staffing plans, and grant deliverables with the new federal expectations. Proactive documentation, real-time communication with federal agencies, and advanced readiness for program impact reporting are essential components of future success.

    Strategic Readiness: Waiting for an audit notice is no longer a viable strategy. The organizations that thrive in this next phase will be those who act now—who choose to strengthen their operational backbone before federal reviewers ever come knocking.

    Your Partner: Mule Deer Consulting stands ready to lead your organization through this critical transformation. Our expertise in operational compliance, audit readiness, and grant lifecycle optimization is tailored to meet the demands of the new federal funding environment. Together, we can ensure that your path forward is not just compliant but confident, sustainable, and strategically positioned for future growth.

    Forge your trail before the next checkpoint. Let Mule Deer guide the way.

    Follow the Tracks →

    Source: Instrumentl, “Federal Funding Updates and Compliance Changes,” featuring Rachel Werner, MPA, GPC, PMP and Patrice Davis, MS, CGMS, 2025.

  • Navigating a Federal Funding Freeze: Strategies for Tribal and Nonprofit Resilience

    Navigating a Federal Funding Freeze: Strategies for Tribal and Nonprofit Resilience

    When critical funding halts without warning, hope can feel just as frozen. Recent decisions by the EPA to suspend hundreds of millions in environmental justice grants have left tribal communities, nonprofits, and remote villages facing not just uncertainty — but immediate, compounding risks to housing, safety, and infrastructure.

    More than $350 million in funds awarded to over 22 tribes and nonprofits have been put “on hold” as of March 2025, affecting vital climate resilience projects across the country. From home renovation efforts in Alaska’s Native Village of Tyonek to riverbank stabilization in Kipnuk, communities are watching critical timelines slip away with no clear answers from federal agencies.

    The Reality on the Ground

    Without immediate access to these promised funds, tribal and rural communities are facing:

    • Rising construction and material costs without funding to act
    • Delays that shrink already limited building seasons (especially in Alaska)
    • Health and safety hazards like coal heating, contaminated water, and unstable housing
    • Uncertainty for multi-generational families trying to return home or stay safely housed
    • Loss of hard-won momentum in climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, and energy resilience projects

    The emotional cost is just as real. Tribal members who have spent decades fighting for community improvements now face frozen timelines, frozen budgets — and frozen hopes.

    What Can Communities Do During the Freeze?

    While waiting for federal clarity, tribes and nonprofits don’t have to stand still. Strategic steps now can protect future funding opportunities, maintain project momentum, and position communities for faster action when funds are released.

    1. Strengthen Internal Grant Systems

    Use this pause to organize project files, update grant compliance documents, finalize procurement protocols, and tighten financial tracking. When audits and funder reviews resume, your readiness will stand out.

    2. Create Supplemental Funding Plans

    Identify alternative grant programs, foundation partnerships, and private funding streams that could support partial project costs or pre-construction planning efforts. Diversifying funding reduces dependence on a single source.

    3. Finalize Engineering, Design, and Environmental Clearances

    Even if construction must wait, communities can push forward with architectural drawings, site prep planning, environmental impact assessments, and permitting — keeping the project shovel-ready.

    4. Tell the Story — Document Impact

    Collect community testimonies, photos of current infrastructure risks, and stories showing how project delays are impacting real lives. This documentation will strengthen future funding applications, news outreach, and advocacy efforts.

    5. Engage Technical Assistance Partners

    Consultants, grant managers, and tribal infrastructure experts can help with compliance prep, strategic communications, funding applications, and readiness assessments — keeping your team moving even when outside forces stall.

    Standing Strong Together

    At Mule Deer Consulting, we understand the frustration and fear that comes when your community’s progress is put on hold. We also know that the trail ahead is rarely a straight line — but strong planning and strong systems build resilience.

    If your grant was frozen — or if you’re preparing for what comes next — we can help you:

    • Organize grant documents and readiness audits
    • Map out multi-grant funding plans
    • Develop storytelling materials for future applications
    • Build compliance systems that show funders you’re ready to move quickly and effectively

    Your mission deserves to move forward — even when the path is uncertain.

    🦌 Explore Our Services
    🦌 Contact Us Today

    Source information adapted from NPR’s reporting: Federal Funding Freeze Halts Key Infrastructure Projects in Tribal Communities (April 14, 2025).

  • Grant Renewals Aren’t Luck — They’re Built: How to Set Your Organization Up for Long-Term Funding

    Grant Renewals Aren’t Luck — They’re Built: How to Set Your Organization Up for Long-Term Funding

    Getting the first grant award can feel like winning the lottery.
    But keeping that funding year after year? That’s no accident.

    It’s the result of strategy, structure, and systems — long before renewal season hits.
    At Mule Deer Consulting, we help tribes, nonprofits, and grant-funded programs build grant ecosystems that don’t just survive… they thrive.

    Why Renewals Matter More Than Awards 🦌

    Most grants are awarded based on potential.
    Renewals are awarded based on proof:

    • Proof of compliance
    • Proof of performance
    • Proof that you’re a low-risk, high-impact investment

    Without the right groundwork, even the best programs lose out when it’s time to reapply.

    How to Build Renewal-Ready Grants from Day One

    1. Document Everything

    If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen — at least in the funder’s eyes.
    Build SharePoint libraries, track expenditures, and log client outcomes consistently and accessibly.

    2. Align Activities to Outcomes

    Every budget line and service activity should map back to the grant’s stated goals.
    Random purchases or disconnected programs create renewal risk.

    3. Prepare for Audits Like They’re Inevitable

    Spoiler: They are.
    Internal controls, clean documentation, and proactive compliance systems aren’t “extras” — they’re renewal insurance.

    4. Use Technology to Scale, Not Stall

    Grant management software, digital workflows, and structured file systems turn chaos into clarity.
    A messy backend kills renewal chances faster than you can say “site visit.”

    Mule Deer Consulting: Your Guide to the Long Trail 🌿

    We don’t just help you win funding — we help you build ecosystems that protect your mission for years to come.

    Whether you need grant writing, compliance systems, audit preparation, or a tech overhaul, we’re here to help you stay renewal-ready and future-focused.

    🦌 Explore Our Services
    🦌 Contact Us Today