Specialised grant management software can be very helpful in administering larger community benefits packages. These database programmes allow all the material relating to a particular award – such as the application, assessment, award decision, payments and monitoring forms – to be stored in a way that enables them to be easily accessed and collated. Some more sophisticated packages allow those receiving awards to submit monitoring data online, which reduces the requirement for an administrator to transcribe or transfer information from one format to another.
However, grant management software can be expensive. Simple spreadsheets can be a good alternative for those managing smaller community benefit packages.
It is important to be aware of data protection responsibilities when collecting, storing, using and passing on any personal (confidential or sensitive) data relating to individual grant recipients. These activities are covered by the General Data Protection Regulations, with which those administering the community benefits package should be familiar. Guidance is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
