The purpose of this handbook is to guide the user through the grant pre-award and post-award processes. It also provides an overview of the necessary steps, definitions, and, internal as well as external, regulations that apply when submitting a proposal or administering a grant. As the needs of the College change, these policies and procedures will be updated. This manual has been written so that periodic revisions to particular sections may be inserted as needed. A formal proposal to conduct a research, training, or service project with support from an external agency represents an offer by Greenfield Community College (GCC), acting as an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to partner with the grantor in providing a significant public benefit. It is necessary, therefore, that any such proposal have the endorsement of those responsible for carrying out the project, as well as those authorized to commit the College to a binding contract.

The College has three authorized Signatories—the President of the College, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Comptroller—whom the College Board of Trustees have bestowed the authority to officially commit campus resources, including personnel and facilities. The President’s Staff, operating at the behest of the President, authorizes all grant applications. A review and routing procedure has been established in order to ensure that each proposal or application for grant-funded programs has been reviewed and endorsed by the various responsible persons and that compliance exists between sponsor, College, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts policies. All proposals for external support of training, research, or service projects must be approved by the Dean and Department chair with facilitation by the Grants Office. The Grants Office will then submit proposals to the President’s Staff for their consideration and final approval.