The grant process consists of following a linear lifecycle that includes creating the funding opportunity, applying, making award decisions, and successfully implementing the award. This process is referred to as the grant lifecycle. 

What is a grant cycle? The grant lifecycle refers to the full process of a grant - from opportunity to planning, to implementation, to closeout of a grant. The lifecycle of a grant has three major stages: pre-award, award, and post-award. The recipient of the grant and grantor both have very unique tasks within each stage of the process.

The Pre-Award phase includes the grantor announcing the funding opportunity all the way through the application submission and review of grant applications. 

The award phase is the shortest of the three phases, and starts taking place once the application review process has been completed and a final award decision has been made. The awarding agency will send a Notice of Award (NOA) to the successful applicant. 

The final phase is the longest phase, as it involves the implementation of the grant program, along with reporting, audits and closeout processes. 

For further questions and training towards the understanding of grants, our department can provide a grant writing workshop for your campus. Contact us at (210) 554-2535 or districtgrants@saisd.net to discuss additional details.