--- title: "Rethinking State Grants Management in the Age of AI: It’s Not Just About the Tech" image: https://government.wittobriens.com/hubfs/iStock-1321038221.jpg --- [![Witt O'Briens](https://government.wittobriens.com/hubfs/Group%206.png)](https://www.wittobriens.com/) 24/7 EMERGENCY [+1 985 781 0804](tel:+1%20985%20781%200804) - ABOUT - [About Us](https://www.wittobriens.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://wittobriens.com/about-us/meet-the-team) - [Careers](https://wittobriens.com/careers) - [Contract Vehicles](https://wittobriens.com/contract-vehicles) - GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS - [GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/corporate-solutions) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/emergency-preparedness) - [Operations Planning](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/operational-planning) - [Training Design & Delivery](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/training-design-delivery) - [Exercise Design & Delivery](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/exercise-design-delivery) - [Community Engagement](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/community-engagement) - [Programmatic Assesments](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/programmatic-assessments) - [Revocery Planning](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/recovery-planning) - [Response Operations](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/response-operations) - [EOC Support & Staff Augmentation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/eoc-support-staff-augmentation) - [Debris Removal Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/debris-removal-management) - [Interagency Coordination](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/interagency-coordination) - [Crisis Communications](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/crisis-communications-2) - [Logistics & Resource Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/logistics-resource-management) - [Environmental Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/environmental-services) - [Zero-Waste Programs](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/zero-waste-programs) - [HazMat Response](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/hazmat-response) - [Environmental Remediation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/environmental-remediation) - [Environmental Response](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/environmental-response) - [Disaster Recovery](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/disaster-recovery) - [Program Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/program-management) - [FEMA Public Assistance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/fema-public-assistance) - [FEMA IA / Disaster Case Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/fema-ia-disaster-case-management) - [Temporary Housing & Sheltering](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/temporary-housing-sheltering) - [HUD CDBG-DR Programs](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/hud-cdbg-dr-programs-2) - [Resilience and Risk Mitigation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/resilience-and-risk-mitigation) - [Mitigation Project Development & Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/mitigation-project-development-management) - [FEMA Mitigation Consulting: HMGP, 406, FMA, & BRIC Programs](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/fema-mitigation-consulting-hmgp-406-fma-bric-programs) - [CDBG-MIT Program Consulting](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/cdbg-mit-program-consulting) - [Hazard Mitigation Planning](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/hazard-mitigation-planning) - [Resiliency & Climate Change Adaptation Strategies](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/resiliency-climate-change-adaptation-strategies) - [Grants Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grants-management) - [Research & Pursuance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/research-pursuance) - [Training & Technical Assistance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/training-technical-assistance) - [Program Development](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/program-development) - [Grants Office Development](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grants-office-development) - [Monitoring & Compliance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/monitoring-compliance) - [Grants Systems Integration](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grants-systems-integration) - [Support Services Program Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/support-services-program-management) - [Public Advisory Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-advisory-services) - [Decision Support Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/decision-support-services) - [Support Services Program Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-advisory-support-services-program-management) - [Public-Private Partnerships](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-private-partnerships) - [Change Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/change-management) - [Public Sector Augmentation Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-sector-augmentation-services) - [Citizen Experience Consultation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/citizen-experience-consultation) - [Public Policy Analysis](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-policy-analysis) - [Infrastructure Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/infrastructure-services) - [Community Planning & Development](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/community-planning-development) - [Grant/Funding Research & Pursuance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grant-funding-research-pursuance) - [Infrastructure Planning & Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/infrastructure-planning-management) - [Owner's Rep Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/infrastructure-owners-rep-services) - [Construction & Project Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/construction-project-management) - CORPORATE SOLUTIONS - [CORPORATE SOLUTIONS](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/government-solutions) - [24/7 Response](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/24-7-response) - [Emergency Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/emergency-management) - [Crisis Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/crisis-management) - [Business Continuity](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/business-continuity) - [Crisis Communications](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/crisis-communications) - [Maritime Solutions](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/maritime-solutions) - [EHS, Regulatory, & Security Compliance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/compliance) - MARKETS - [MARKETS](https://wittobriens.com/markets) - [Education](https://wittobriens.com/markets/education) - [Energy](https://wittobriens.com/markets/energy) - [Finance](https://wittobriens.com/markets/finance) - [Food & Agriculture](https://wittobriens.com/markets/food-agriculture) - [Government](https://wittobriens.com/markets/government) - [Healthcare](https://wittobriens.com/markets/healthcare) - [Industrial](https://wittobriens.com/markets/industrial) - [IT & Telecom](https://wittobriens.com/markets/it-telecom) - [Shipping & Transportation](https://wittobriens.com/markets/shipping-transportation) - [Stadium & Event Venues](https://wittobriens.com/markets/stadium-event-venues) - RESOURCES - [Center for Grant Excellence](https://government.wittobriens.com/cge?hsLang=en) - [COVID-19 Resources](https://www.wittobriens.com/markets/education) - [Newsroom](https://www.wittobriens.com/markets/energy) - [Resource Library](https://www.wittobriens.com/markets/finance) - [Case Studies](https://wittobriens.com/resources/case-studies) - [CAREERS](https://www.wittobriens.com/careers) - [CONTACT US](https://wittobriens.com/contact-us) - ABOUT - [About Us](https://www.wittobriens.com/about-us) - [Our Team](https://wittobriens.com/about-us/meet-the-team) - [Careers](https://wittobriens.com/careers) - [Contract Vehicles](https://wittobriens.com/contract-vehicles) - GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS - [GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/corporate-solutions) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/emergency-preparedness) - [Operations Planning](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/operational-planning) - [Training Design & Delivery](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/training-design-delivery) - [Exercise Design & Delivery](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/exercise-design-delivery) - [Community Engagement](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/community-engagement) - [Programmatic Assesments](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/programmatic-assessments) - [Revocery Planning](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/recovery-planning) - [Response Operations](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/response-operations) - [EOC Support & Staff Augmentation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/eoc-support-staff-augmentation) - [Debris Removal Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/debris-removal-management) - [Interagency Coordination](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/interagency-coordination) - [Crisis Communications](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/crisis-communications-2) - [Logistics & Resource Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/logistics-resource-management) - [Environmental Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/environmental-services) - [Zero-Waste Programs](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/zero-waste-programs) - [HazMat Response](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/hazmat-response) - [Environmental Remediation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/environmental-remediation) - [Environmental Response](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/environmental-response) - [Disaster Recovery](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/disaster-recovery) - [Program Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/program-management) - [FEMA Public Assistance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/fema-public-assistance) - [FEMA IA / Disaster Case Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/fema-ia-disaster-case-management) - [Temporary Housing & Sheltering](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/temporary-housing-sheltering) - [HUD CDBG-DR Programs](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/hud-cdbg-dr-programs-2) - [Resilience and Risk Mitigation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/resilience-and-risk-mitigation) - [Mitigation Project Development & Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/mitigation-project-development-management) - [FEMA Mitigation Consulting: HMGP, 406, FMA, & BRIC Programs](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/fema-mitigation-consulting-hmgp-406-fma-bric-programs) - [CDBG-MIT Program Consulting](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/cdbg-mit-program-consulting) - [Hazard Mitigation Planning](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/hazard-mitigation-planning) - [Resiliency & Climate Change Adaptation Strategies](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/resiliency-climate-change-adaptation-strategies) - [Grants Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grants-management) - [Research & Pursuance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/research-pursuance) - [Training & Technical Assistance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/training-technical-assistance) - [Program Development](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/program-development) - [Grants Office Development](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grants-office-development) - [Monitoring & Compliance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/monitoring-compliance) - [Grants Systems Integration](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grants-systems-integration) - [Support Services Program Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/support-services-program-management) - [Public Advisory Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-advisory-services) - [Decision Support Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/decision-support-services) - [Support Services Program Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-advisory-support-services-program-management) - [Public-Private Partnerships](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-private-partnerships) - [Change Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/change-management) - [Public Sector Augmentation Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-sector-augmentation-services) - [Citizen Experience Consultation](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/citizen-experience-consultation) - [Public Policy Analysis](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/public-policy-analysis) - [Infrastructure Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/infrastructure-services) - [Community Planning & Development](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/community-planning-development) - [Grant/Funding Research & Pursuance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/grant-funding-research-pursuance) - [Infrastructure Planning & Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/infrastructure-planning-management) - [Owner's Rep Services](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/infrastructure-owners-rep-services) - [Construction & Project Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/construction-project-management) - CORPORATE SOLUTIONS - [CORPORATE SOLUTIONS](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/government-solutions) - [24/7 Response](https://www.wittobriens.com/solutions/24-7-response) - [Emergency Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/emergency-management) - [Crisis Management](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/crisis-management) - [Business Continuity](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/business-continuity) - [Crisis Communications](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/crisis-communications) - [Maritime Solutions](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/maritime-solutions) - [EHS, Regulatory, & Security Compliance](https://wittobriens.com/solutions/compliance) - MARKETS - [MARKETS](https://wittobriens.com/markets) - [Education](https://wittobriens.com/markets/education) - [Energy](https://wittobriens.com/markets/energy) - [Finance](https://wittobriens.com/markets/finance) - [Food & Agriculture](https://wittobriens.com/markets/food-agriculture) - [Government](https://wittobriens.com/markets/government) - [Healthcare](https://wittobriens.com/markets/healthcare) - [Industrial](https://wittobriens.com/markets/industrial) - [IT & Telecom](https://wittobriens.com/markets/it-telecom) - [Shipping & Transportation](https://wittobriens.com/markets/shipping-transportation) - [Stadium & Event Venues](https://wittobriens.com/markets/stadium-event-venues) - RESOURCES - [Center for Grant Excellence](https://government.wittobriens.com/cge?hsLang=en) - [COVID-19 Resources](https://www.wittobriens.com/markets/education) - [Newsroom](https://www.wittobriens.com/markets/energy) - [Resource Library](https://www.wittobriens.com/markets/finance) - [Case Studies](https://wittobriens.com/resources/case-studies) - [CAREERS](https://www.wittobriens.com/careers) - [CONTACT US](https://wittobriens.com/contact-us) ![iStock-1321038221](https://government.wittobriens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1321038221.jpg?width=1244&height=700&name=iStock-1321038221.jpg "iStock-1321038221") # Rethinking State Grants Management in the Age of AI: It’s Not Just About the Tech May 14, 2025 In today’s evolving public funding landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the game. But let’s be clear: AI is a tool—not a replacement for the fundamentals that make public grants work—collaboration, common sense, process improvement, and a relentless focus on outcomes. As federal funds continue to flow through states to local governments, nonprofits, and other partners, the role of state governments as pass- through funders has never been more critical. To meet this moment, states need to rethink how they administer grants—not just with technology, but with structure, strategy, and stewardship. Here’s What That Looks Like in Practice: 1.    Build Capacity Before the Grant Goes Out Many high-potential community-based organizations are under-resourced and unprepared to compete for funding. States should invest in upfront capacity development to help these groups apply, manage, and deliver on grant requirements—especially in rural and other underserved areas. 2.    Centralize Funding Opportunities No more treasure hunts. Publish all Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) in a single, searchable location. This one step increases access, transparency, and levels competition across the board. 3.    Streamline Grant Systems Too many states maintain multiple, siloed grants management platforms, wasting time and resources. Consolidating systems reduces complexity for agencies and grantees alike—and improves data integrity across the grant lifecycle. 4.    Standardize the Rules of the Road Agencies should adopt a core set of policies and procedures—both for grant solicitation and managing them post-award. This makes training easier, reduces errors, and creates a more consistent experience for applicants. 5.    Simplify the Application Process Let’s stop forcing organizations to navigate a patchwork of forms and formats. A common grant application framework across programs reduces duplication and saves time—for everyone. 6.    Use AI Where It Makes a Real Difference Rather than making AI the centerpiece, use it where it can amplify impact behind the scenes. For example, automate matching of proposals to the most aligned programs—redirecting applicants rather than making them resubmit multiple applications. This avoids duplication and opens access to better-fit opportunities. 7.    Right-Size Compliance Not all grants—or grantees—are the same. States should adopt tiered compliance models that match oversight levels to risk, funding size, and recipient capacity. That means less red tape for mature grant recipients, and more focus where it matters most. 8.    Keep the Focus on Outcomes At the end of the day, grants are about impact—not just process. We must measure success by project and program outcomes, not by how many forms are filled or audits completed. Final Thought Smart grants management requires more than technology. It demands leadership, intentional design, and a commitment to outcomes over bureaucracy. By embracing both innovation and foundational process reforms, states can redefine what efficient, equitable, and modern grants administration looks like. Let’s stop viewing grants as paperwork—and start seeing them as public impact in motion. To learn more about the dedicated resources we have and gain valuable insights on grants management, please visit our[Center for Grant Excellence](https://government.wittobriens.com/cge?hsLang=en) page. If you need further assistance, please reach out to see how we can help. [Schedule a Call](https://www.wittobriens.com/contact-us#general-contact-block) ## Authored by:  [![Matthew-Hanson_5ec4dda68b6bcab72c5edd90255be92b](https://government.wittobriens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Matthew-Hanson_5ec4dda68b6bcab72c5edd90255be92b.jpg?width=200&height=160&name=Matthew-Hanson_5ec4dda68b6bcab72c5edd90255be92b.jpg "Matthew-Hanson_5ec4dda68b6bcab72c5edd90255be92b")](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-butler-45472753/) ## [Matthew Hanson, CGMS, GPC](https://www.wittobriens.com/staff/matthew-hanson) [Managing Director, Government Advisory Services](https://www.wittobriens.com/staff/matthew-hanson)   ## Want More? Subscribe to our newsletter to and get new articles delivered straight to your inbox 24/7 Emergency [+1 985 781 0804](tel:+1%20985%20781%200804) ### WITH YOU WHEN IT COUNTS [T: +1 281 320 9796](tel:+1%20281%20320%209796) F: +1 281 320 9700 [Contact Us](https://www.wittobriens.com/contact-us) ![Witt O'Briens](https://government.wittobriens.com/hubfs/Group%206.png) - [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/witt-o-brien-s) - [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585762444608) - [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/wittobriens/) - [twitter icon](https://x.com/wittobriens) - [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEDvPR5t3W-H-7owrVXXnRA) - [Site Map](https://www.wittobriens.com/site-map) - [Legal Notice](https://www.wittobriens.com/policies/legal-notice) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.wittobriens.com/policies/cookie-policy) - [Client Download Site](https://wittobriens.leapfile.com) - [©2021 Witt O'Briens, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED](https://www.wittobriens.com/)