At the Grant Readiness Journal, you will find actionable grant writing tips, system design strategies, and funding insights to help changemakers build capacity and drive community impact. Through real-world examples, practical tools, and behind-the-scenes guidance, this resource empowers nonprofit and local government leaders to strengthen infrastructure, streamline operations, and lead with strategy. From building and refining grant readiness and designing scalable workflows to navigating team growth and culture shifts, each post is crafted to help mission-driven organizations work smarter, secure funding more effectively, and stay focused on what matters most—your community impact.
Your NICRA infrastructure should grow with your organization. As you take on more federal grants, expand programs, or change operational approaches, your systems need to adapt. Build flexibility into your processes while maintaining the consistency that makes NICRA work.
Clarity on indirect costs saves time, reduces audit risk, and strengthens your funding strategy. This guide defines the core NICRA terms your team needs to communicate clearly across finance, grants, and program teams—and to negotiate and apply your rate with confidence. Whether you manage a single federal award or a portfolio with multiple pass-through subawards, a shared vocabulary ensures consistent budgeting, reporting, and compliance. Use this glossary to align your internal processes and to set expectations with funders and partners.
Negotiating your indirect cost rate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about demonstrating value, transparency, and strategy. With strong data, clear communication, and preparation, you can secure fair rates that sustain your mission and federal partnerships.
Organizations that receive federal funding must identify a cognizant agency—the federal agency responsible for reviewing indirect cost rates, monitoring compliance, and serving as the organization’s primary federal partner for cost accounting matters. Knowing your cognizant agency is an essential part of maintaining compliance with federal grant requirements. This guide explains how the assignment process works and outlines the steps to determine which agency oversees your organization.
