Minnesota Job Skills Partnership MnCCECT Presentation May 5, 2010

Introduction MJSP Staff Introductions Paul D. Moe – Director Brenda Buckles – Grants Specialist Jean Birttnen – Grant Coordinator Vikki Palony – Grant Coordinator Jodie Greising – Program Coordinator Anita Gallentine no longer with MJSP – projects reassigned to Jean and Vikki.

Introduction (Continued) New Website: www.positivelyminnesota.com/jobskills

Funding Outlook Lost 33% of our allocation in 2009 ($6.8 million  $4.6 million) Lost another $250,000 from our allocation this legislative session, plus $1 million in carry-over funds. Currently have approximately $2.4 million remaining for FY10 FY11 allocation: $4.3 million

Funding Outlook (Continued) Likely only two grant rounds in FY11 – Oct./Nov. & May/June Stretch funds – stick to businesses most urgent needs for grant funded training No Special Incumbent Worker Training grants (no WFD funds) Board has directed us to more closely scrutinize under-performing projects

Funding Outlook (Continued) Encourage business partners to contact key legislative committee members.

Proposals Inform us ahead of time of proposals you plan to submit. Submit a draft (preferably one to two weeks before deadline). Discuss reporting requirements and program limitations with business partners upfront. Contact person listed on the proposal cover page should be familiar with proposal details.

Proposals (Continued) Our process: 1st week – technical reviews 2nd & 3rd week – read & rate proposals 4th week – discuss proposals & write recommendations 5th week – complete recommendations and send materials to the Board 6th week – Board reviews materials

Proposals (Continued) Once submitted, be available to fix technical problems and to answer questions. More isn’t always better – be clear and concise. Need statement – lead with business specific needs rather than generalized industry needs. Curriculum chart – do not indicate “yes” for certification – specify type of certification. Curriculum chart – if you’re not certain whether curriculum should be considered “new” or “customized”, ask for our input.

Proposals (Continued) Budget - Training Personnel - list each course separately and make sure it aligns with the curriculum section of the proposal. - Try not to inflate matching contributions – be realistic. - When requesting significant funding for materials, equipment or travel, make sure it’s justified in the narrative.

Grant Management/Reporting New grant managers should contact us to set up a program orientation and overview of reporting requirements. Progress Tracking Form – a form we use to track progress (see handout). Narrative Report - Address goals specified in proposal - Specify courses developed, delivered or completed during the report period.

Grant Management/Reporting Notify us when making changes to training plan. Major changes require MJSP approval. Updating Curriculum Report – we use this to help you comply with the following legislatively mandated requirement: “Each institution must provide for the dissemination of summary results of a grant-funded project, including, but not limited to, information about curriculum and all supporting materials developed in conjunction with the grant. Results of projects developed by any Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system institution must be disseminated throughout the system.”

Grant Management/Reporting Summary results of closed projects are posted at: http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/All_Programs_Services/Minnesota_Job_Skills_Partnership_Program/Reports/See_All_Reports.aspx

Audits Must keep record of actual time spent on project including dates and times. Cost - Keep good records (may result in lower cost) - Shop around Schedule before grant ends Review the audit preparation tip sheet at beginning of project.

www.positivelyminnesota.com/jobskills