The Maryland Department of General Services has modernized its capital grants management system, replacing an old cumbersome, manual-reliant process with a new digital platform.
The new platform will manage all grants authorized back to 2017, and the state said the platform will deliver increased efficiencies and accessibility for future capital grants administration.
“Today, we continue our work towards modernizing state government to support economic growth,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “This administration is choosing to sweat the details of leadership and today’s action will ensure that investments we are making in every corner of our state are administered efficiently and as quickly as possible. This is what good government looks like – and we’re just getting started.”
Every year, the Department of General Services manages the disbursement of billions of dollars of grants in the state’s capital budget. The grants are approved by the Maryland General Assembly and distributed to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and arts organizations, among others, that support capital construction projects across the state.
The new modernized system improves accessibility, transparency and accountability of the grants process. State leaders said the new system is also designed to enhance public trust in how grants are managed, saving both time and money and ensuring responsible resource allocation.
“The launch of our new capital grant management system marks a significant leap toward a more user-friendly, transparent, and efficient grant management process,” said Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry. “This will ensure that the funds reach Maryland communities faster and with greater accuracy.”
The governor’s office highlighted a few key benefits of the new capital grant management system:
- Simplified grant management: Grantees may now access all grant-related transactions through a single self-service portal, which the state says will reduce administrative burden.
- Real-time updates: Grant submitters will have access to real-time status updates. This access will reduce the need for follow-up inquiries and provide greater accountability throughout the grant process.
- Streamlined process: Automated workflows make sure that submissions and requests move smoothly through the review process, reducing bottlenecks and preventing unnecessary delays.
- Enhanced accessibility: The system supports assistive technology, making it accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Increased accessibility will ensure that all residents have equal access to grant opportunities, promoting fairness and equal participation in state-funded programs.
“We are delighted to see this major improvement in the management of capital grants,” said Maryland Nonprofits President and Chief Executive Officer Heather Iliff. “The old, antiquated systems have caused construction delays and increased costs for nonprofits in the past as they renovate state treasures and build new facilities serving the community. We are grateful that the state is investing in the systems we need for a 21st century capital grants program.”
