Harper College

Grants Office

The Grants Office leads the identification of grant funding opportunities, proposal development and submission, and administration of awarded grants through external funding sources that support programs and services offered by Harper College and the Educational Foundation.

We support faculty and staff to transform ideas into strong grant proposals. The Grants Office is responsible for developing and submitting grant proposals, managing grant awards, and providing oversight and technical support for grant administration, compliance, reporting, and audits.

Other critically important responsibilities of the Grants Office include ensuring the College remains in compliance with federal and sponsor regulations, providing guidance and interpretation of policies and procedures for grant administration, and building and fostering long-term working relationships with grant funders and partners.

Information for students seeking grants and other financial aid can be found here: Office of Financial Aid.

Meet the Grants Office Staff

Each division, department, and program has a designated point of contact in the Grants Office. Please check the list to see who you should contact. If your area is not listed, please email the Grants Office at grants@harpercollege.edu=. 

Grants Lifecycle

1. Need / Opportunity Identification

Individual or department identifies a funding need and obtains administrator approval to move forward. Or Grants Office identifies a funding opportunity aligned with grant forecast and College’s Strategic Plan.

2. Grant Research

Grants Office researches project idea, possible funders. Project Director meets with Grants Office to discuss grant idea and funding opportunities.

3. Proposal Development

Grants Office identifies proposal development team. Team works to develop project design and budget, write proposal, and complete all application forms. Grants Office submits proposal to funder.

4. Award Setup

Award notification is received for successful grants. Grants Office negotiates grant agreements and obtains signatures. Kickoff meetings are scheduled. Budget Office sets up grant budgets.

5. Project Implementation

Project Director implements grant project in accordance with approved proposal, work plan, and budget. Grant personnel are hired. Grants Office communicates awarded grants to College community.

6. Grant Management

Project Director manages day‐to‐day operations of the grant with support from Grants Office and Budget Office. Reports and deliverables are submitted. Grants Office holds quarterly compliance meetings and manages modifications.

7. Grant Closeout

Grant period ends. Grants Office coordinates all closeout processes including final financial and performance reports, project evaluation, and any funder‐specific forms or reports. Grants Office maintains complete grant file for audit purposes.

Contact Us

Grants Office
Building W, 3rd Floor
847.925.6495
Email Us

Grants Staff

Last Updated: 12/14/23