New Digital Grants System for Counties: Faster Funding, Improved Accountability

Counties are set to benefit from a streamlined, user-friendly capital grants management system.

This week, Governor Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Department of General Services launched a state-of-the-art capital grants management system, replacing a cumbersome, manual-reliant process with a modernized digital platform. The new platform will manage all authorized grants beginning in 2017 and deliver increased efficiencies and accessibility for future capital grants administration.​

“Today, we continue our work towards modernizing state government to support economic growth,” said Governor 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.”

Annually, the Department of General Services—on behalf of the Maryland Board of Public Works—manages the disbursement of billions of dollars of grants in the 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.

With over 3,000 capital grants and $3 billion in estimated value under the department’s administration, the modernized system will ensure funds are distributed efficiently to support Maryland’s communities more expeditiously. By improving accessibility, transparency, and accountability, the system is also designed to enhance public trust in managing grants, saving time and money, and ensuring responsible resource allocation.

“Counties are grateful for this smart move to streamline public projects across the state,” said MACoExecutive Director Michael Sanderson. “A modern process will help us get funding out the door, and put to work.”

Significant benefits of the new capital grant management system include:

  • Simplified grant management: Grantees may now access all grant-related transactions through an intuitive self-service portal, reducing administrative burden. Increased efficiency, saves time, and enhances transparency, benefiting Maryland taxpayers by ensuring that funds are distributed more effectively.
  • Real-time updates: Grant submitters will have access to real-time status updates, reducing the need for follow-up inquiries and ensuring greater accountability throughout the grant process. Streamlining visibility into the management process means fewer delays, faster responses, and a system that keeps the public informed on the use of public funds.
  • Streamlined process: Automated workflows ensure that submissions and requests move smoothly through the review process, reducing bottlenecks and preventing unnecessary delays. By streamlining operations, the system reduces administrative costs and ensures that taxpayer dollars are used more efficiently.
  • Enhanced accessibility: The system supports assistive technology, making it accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This ensures that all Marylanders have equal access to grant opportunities and promotes fairness and equal participation in state-funded programs.

Visit the Maryland Department of General Services website for more information.