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Question: Are there any guidelines to aid collaborations in applying for and implementing programs with shared funding sources?
Answer: This is a very important question as so many funding agencies are looking for initiatives that share grant-based resources. We are not aware of any manuals that provide specific advice on the sharing of funding sources. We can only suggest that this type of partnership is like any other, and is built on collaboration and trust. Most essential to such a relationship is good and thorough forms of communication. Today there are is not only the availability of the conference calls but even videoconferencing. And there are many other to connect that are not cost prohibitive. The more communication that occurs between different organizations, the more that becomes understood in terms of who has what responsibility with the writing of a grant application and implementation of a grant. To every extent possible, the different organizations should clarify who is responsible for each piece and the budgeting of these different responsibilities. There should be mutual agreement on how separate tasks to be most efficient and to build on each groups' strengths. No one wants both groups to be working on the same task. Although it may seem excessively formal, there is much to be said about having a written contract that all parties sign on to. Oftentimes a group is put on a grant application, the funding comes in, and the group who is supposed to provide expertise is never called on to carry out their tasks--and they end up not getting paid for it. Sometimes simple misunderstandings and forgetfulness occurs. Therefore a clear general contract can be a good reminder to everyone. And yet a contract is not something that replaces trust. Organizations/individuals should always make the best possible determination from the start if their partnering organizations are people that they can work with on a long-term basis. Is this group one that has priorities that are consistent with our own? Is this a group we have fun working with? Are they engaged fully in their efforts? Can we be more effective working together than on our own? These are questions that each group should ask before getting too involved in even the writing of a cooperative grant application.
Question Date: Wed, 03/26/2008