The Challenge
The system used by MSHDA prior to IntelliGrantsTM was outdated and inefficient. MSHDA relied heavily upon data entry and paper, making it necessary for staff members to spend a substantial amount of time checking applications for errors. The antiquated system was a burden on MSHDA employees and also made the application process troublesome for grantees. Applications were often lost and correcting errors required applications to be mailed back and forth between MSHDA and grantees. The use of paper had to be eliminated, turnaround time needed to be increased, and MSHDA’s workload needed to be reduced.

The Solution
The implementation of IntelliGrants™ significantly reduced the problems that MSHDA faced by simplifying and automating the grant application process. Electronic versions of grant applications, supplemental forms, and reports have eliminated the cluttered, paper-based grant management process leading to a more effective and efficient MSHDA grant office and staff.

The system also validated and calculated data such as budget totals in real time, which provided up-to-the-minute information and eliminated math errors. The workflow for application submittal, review, and approval was entirely automated and grant approvals were processed electronically.

The Benefits
MSHDA has realized a dramatic reduction in the time and effort required to process grant applications. MSHDA staff can now focus their attention on assisting grantee programs and needs rather than pouring through stacks of paperwork for program information.

In addition, automatic error checking validates the entire application prior to submittal. This reduces the level of support and contact that grantees need from administrators. The online application process is extremely simple and offers users a help option on each page. The data entered by grantees is consistently structured and applicants are able to retrieve information entered from previous years. This online solution not only streamlines the grant application procedures, but also enables grantees to receive their funding faster than ever before.