Clay County is bringing its grant efforts under a more coordinated countywide process designed to track funding opportunities from identification through closeout.

Commissioners recently approved the new Clay County Grant Policy and Procedures unanimously. The approval followed a Sept. 24 presentation from Grant Coordinator Cynthia Conner, who explained the previous policy was developed before the county moved to centralized grant administration.

Conner noted the updated policy provides countywide visibility into grants being considered, submitted, pending and awarded, along with centralized records and a consistent approach to managing grants from the beginning of the process through closeout.

She said early coordination also helps identify potential requirements and issues before an application is submitted.

“The goal is a centralized collection of organized data for effective and efficient grant management,” stated Conner.

Under the new process, departments or external entities pursuing …