Grant Administration

Community colleges play a vital role in providing access to higher education, job training, and workforce development. However, community colleges often face funding challenges that limit their ability to provide the necessary resources and support for their students and communities. The College of Eastern Idaho Grant Office will address this challenge by providing resources, support, and expertise to the college community in the pursuit of grant funding.

College of Eastern Idaho encourages faculty and staff to seek additional funding in the form of grants from federal, state, and local governmental agencies, business organizations, and private foundations provided the project is within the scope of the mission of the department and college.

Attention CEI Staff and Faculty: The CEI Grants Office works with CEI staff, faculty, and administrators to turn ideas into feasible projects and fundable proposals to obtain grants for college programs, special projects, and capital improvements. For student grants/scholarship applications visit CEI Financial Aid.

Searching for grants? Found a grant you’d like to apply for?
Request research assistance or approval to begin an application by contacting the Grants Office. We'll help you fill out the necessary forms to get started.

Looking to submit your completed application for a grant?
We'll review your grant application, share guidance to assist you in completing your application, and help fill out the necessary forms to submit your application.

Grant Application Process and Forms
Please contact the Grants Office to discuss your ideas, initiate the process, and develop a strategy for obtaining extramural support. The Director of Grants will create an archive file for institutional tracking and overview, will assist in the preparation and distribution of internal forms, and will assist with the remaining grant process. The Grants Office may submit all grant applications for applicants on behalf of the official representative for the institution.

The CEI Grants Office is the hub for all grant activity at the College.
The purpose of the  Grants Office is to maximize grant revenue while advancing the Mission, Vision, and Core Themes of the College. All grant applications must go through the grant application process coordinated by the Grants Office prior to submission. The Grants Office will help strategize planning for program support in coordination with departments and will serve as a resource center for grant seekers to provide support throughout the grant application process.

Donations/Sponsorships: 
Please contact the Foundation Office CEI Foundation prior to seeking or accepting donations or sponsorships.

Grant Office Services

We are here to help you get funding for your programs! Always contact the CEI Grants Office as your first step and to obtain forms and approvals for all grant activity. 

The grant office will assist faculty and staff in the pursuit of grant funding, including identifying funding opportunities, developing proposals, and securing institutional support. The grant office will also engage with external partners to identify potential funding opportunities and collaborate on grant proposals. The office will be responsible for overseeing the administrative aspects of grant-funded programs, including compliance, reporting, and financial management.

Each Department seeking a grant shall provide advance notice to the appropriate authorities (See Policy 232: Grant Administration) so that the effects on the College of Eastern Idaho (budget, cash flow, procurement requirements, financial reporting, or compliance requirements) can be reviewed, understood, and approved beforehand.

The Grants Office can help turn your grant idea into a completed proposal. We provide the following services to support proposal development for the college community:

  • Help identify potential funding sources for your proposal
  • Gather relevant information on eligibility criteria, guidelines, and requirements
  • Provide support, guidance, and assistance during the proposal process
  • Offer suggestions for improvement, edits, and updates of proposals
  • Point of contact with the grantor during the application process
  • Edit the proposal narrative based on the content provided by you
  • Draft letters of commitment/support
  • Help review and adjust a project budget that meets the grantor's definition of allowable costs
  • Help complete forms in the application package
  • Ensure that the proposal contains all required documents and attachments
  • Submit the proposal in advance of the application deadline
  • Obtain and review reader comments when an application is not selected for funding
  • Provide support in the management of grant programs, including review, compliance, reporting, and financial management.
  • Conduct workshops and provide individual support on proposal development and grant writing

Grant Process and Checklists

Getting Started Pre-Proposal Checklist-Application

If you have an idea for a grant project, your first step should be to outline what you plan to do and how much it will cost. To do this, use the Pre-Proposal Checklist below to evaluate whether your idea is a good candidate for grant funding.

Pre-Proposal Checklist

The Grants Office suggests the following guidelines to identify proposals that advance the college’s mission and have the best chance of being funded:

  • Have you completed a needs assessment to identify challenges a grant project can address?
  • Is the proposed project consistent with the college's Mission and Strategic Plan?
  • Is the proposed project consistent with the priorities of your Division/Department?
  • Has the responsible Dean/Vice President approved the development of a project proposal or application?
  • Will college resources (space, equipment) be needed if the application is successful?
  • Is there sufficient evidence/data to demonstrate a need for the project?
  • Have you assessed the criteria to determine if the project is feasible and has value for growth?
  • Is there a strong, committed team ready to collaborate on proposal development?

If your idea is a good candidate for funding you may begin your search for funding sources. You will also want to complete the Pre-Research Form, once you have developed a plan and budget.

Find Funding-Grant Checklist

If you have identified a funding source or sources, compare the Grant Checklist below to each potential source. If you do not have a source in mind, use the Funding Source Links (an updated digital copy can be obtained from the Grants Office) to search for a suitable grant. If you cannot identify a funding source, the Grants Office can recommend appropriate choices or help you search. To request assistance, submit your Pre-Research Form to the Grant Office.

Grant Match Checklist

The Grants Office suggests the following guidelines to determine if a grant opportunity is a good match for the college and for the proposed project:

  • Are higher education institutions eligible to apply for this grant opportunity?
  • Are previous projects that have received awards under this grant opportunity comparable in scope and purpose to the proposed project?
  • Are funding amounts sufficient to perform the proposed project?
  • Will the number of awards ensure a reasonable probability of success?
  • Does the grant require sustainability? If so, is there a plan or potential to institutionalize the project when grant funding ends?
  • Does the grant require matching funds? If so, it is unlikely that the college will approve an application to this source.
  • Does the grant require partnerships? If so, are relationships in place that could be leveraged to meet this requirement?
  • Is there adequate time to write a quality proposal before the deadline?

Approval to Apply

Once a funding source has been identified as a good match and you’d like to proceed with applying. Contact the Grants Office at least thirty (30) days prior to the application deadline. All external grant applications are reviewed and can be submitted by the Grants Office, with prior approval by the VP of Finance and Administration and/or the Director of Grants based upon a proposal’s alignment with CEI’s mission and Strategic Plan.  To request approval, please complete an Intent to Apply Form and submit it to the Grants Office.

Below you can explore a repository of real-time grant-related resources below. Access information on Grant Awards, specialized Grant Training, practical Grant Tips and Tricks, and a centralized hub of Grant Resources. Empower your grant initiatives with valuable insights and guidance.

Grant Committee

Grant Committee

Purpose: The Grant Committee supports the Grants Office in setting a strategic funding plan, reviewing RFPs, evaluating projects, and determining which grants to pursue. The committee ensures interdisciplinary input to maximize funding opportunities and project success, aligning with the college’s mission and goals. This collaboration fosters a culture of grant-seeking and enhances the chances of securing manageable external grants. 

Responsibilities: 

  1. Strategic Funding Plan: 
  • Develop and update a strategic funding plan. 
  • Identify potential funding sources and timelines. 
  1. Policy Development: 
  • Develop and update grant policies and procedures. 
  • Ensure alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements. 
  • Address issues or challenges during the grant cycle. 
  1. Review and Analysis: 
  • Analyze Pre-Research and Intent to Apply Forms. 
  • Review RFPs for suitable funding opportunities. 
  • Ensure alignment with the college's mission and goals. 
  1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: 
  • Ensure representation from various disciplines. 
  • Facilitate discussions on project ideas and funding opportunities. 
  • Collaborate with other committees and departments. 
  • Provide peer review and feedback. 
  1. External Collaboration: 
  • Engage with stakeholders to understand community needs. 
  • Foster partnerships to enhance grant-fundable projects. 
  • Encourage collaboration with external partners for joint proposals. 
  1. Decision-Making: 
  • Make informed decisions on grant-funded project approvals. 
  • Prioritize projects that align with strategic objectives. 
  1. Review and Evaluation: 
  • Evaluate the impact and feasibility of proposed projects. 
  • Ensure applications meet eligibility requirements. 
  1. Budget and Planning: 
  • Assist in reviewing detailed budgets for grant proposals. 
  • Evaluate cost-share requirements and identify matching funds. 
  • Collect and compile project information. 
  • Assess project timelines, deliverables, and sustainability. 
  1. Monitoring and Reporting: 
  • Track the progress of funded projects. 
  • Ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions. 
  • Provide regular updates and reports to leadership. 
  1. Communication: 
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, and departments to gather necessary information and support. 
  • Promote transparency and accountability in the grant process. 
  1. Capacity Building: 
  • Foster a culture of grant-seeking within the college. 
  • Share information and resources. 

Membership: The Director of Grants will be the committee chair. The committee will consist of 6-10 individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including finance, IT, HR, project management, and relevant subject matter experts. The Grants Committee may be comprised of faculty, staff, and administrators representing various areas. 

Meeting Schedule: Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month during the Fall and Spring semesters. Special meetings may be called as necessary. (No Meetings in July and August). 

Committee Members

Michell Shropshire, Director of Grants, michell.shropshire@cei.edu, 208-535-5472, Chair

Betsey Pitts, Admin. Assistant of Academic Affairs, betsey.pitts@cei.edu, 208-535-5631 

Alyssa McGavin, Program Manager Health Care, WTCE, alyssa.mcgavin@cei.edu, 208-535-5428 

Katie Valeros, Procurement Specialist, katie.valeros@cei.edu, 208-535-5481 

Trevor Pett, Specialist, HR/Payroll, trevor.pett@cei.edu, 208-535-5358 

Dave Facer, Executive Director, dave.facer@cei.edu, 208-535-5398 

Steve Brown, Chief Information Officer, steve.brown@cei.edu, 208-535-5398 

Current Grant Awards
Funding AgencyGrant Program Name2025 Budget
IDEACYCEastern Idaho ELC$65,000
NIHNational Institutes of Health$75,769.44
Education Design LabCCGEF-Microcredentials$50,000
Idaho Business for EducationEquipment Reimbursement$5,167
Carl D. Perkins VPerkins Reserve$121,628
i-STEMi-STEM Training$19,000
Workforce Development CouncilMechatronics$499,999
IDCTECCR-Federal Direct Services$227,566
IDCTECCR IELCE$12,840
IDCTECCR Adult Education$73,121
IDCTECCR Leadership Training$24,369
IDCTECCR Federal Admin$11,977
Blue Cross of Idaho, Karl M. Johnson Foundation, Harry W. Morrison FoundationHybrid Healthcare Classrooms$25,000, $5,000, $20,000
ID Dept of EducationOpen Educational Resources$139,995
CEI FoundationCCR/GED Testing$6,000
Perkins Formula GrantSingle Parents/Displaced Homemaker$25,000
Perkins Formula GrantNontraditional Training & Employment$10,000
Carl D Perkins VRetention Project$83,000
Private Dentist DonationsDental Hygiene Program$20,000
CCAMPISChild Care Access Means$10,026
Carl D Perkins VSpecial Populations Counselor$79,300
Carl D Perkins VProfessional Development$30,000
Carl D Perkins VAcademic Support Projects$149,312
CEI FOUNDATIONCEI Library$3,000
SBOE-HEERF Classroom Capacity Enhancement$250,000
Project VisionProject Vision Leading to NSF Grant$6,000
Delta Dental FoundationDental Hygiene Equipment$75,000
ISU Collaboration CenterISU Collaboration Center Funding$33,937
ID STEM Action Center/INLSummer Bridge$7,004
Education Design LabBRIDGES Design$15,585
OSBELumina Adult Promise PLA$4,094
Lumina FoundationLumina Foundation Take II$150,000
CEI FoundationFndn Healthcare Prof-Bug Out$2,100
CEI FoundationFndn Grant Surgical Technician$1,500
CEI FoundationFndn NBursing SIMX VR$6,000
CEI FoundationFndn Grant CND$5,000
CEI FoundationFndn Grant Admin Assit Plaud$2,500
CEI FoundationSA Counseling$1,500
CEI FoundationSA Academic Advising$800
CEI FoundationGEN Ed Self-Paced Assess$4,024
CEI FoundationGen Ed Math & Science$6,900
ID Board of EducationOnline Idaho - State Liaison$59,428
MAECK FoundationProgram Enhancement$130,773
Mountain View Charity CND Tuition and Fees$20,048
Idaho Division of Career Technical EducationWorforce Training Center$2,014,000
Idaho Department of LaborSimpson Grant$100,000
CEI FoundationWTCE Apprentice Teacher$1,500
CEI FoundationElementary/Middle School STEM-Summer Science Camps$7,000
Rocky Mountain Power FoundationElementary/Middle School STEM-Summer Science Camps$5,000
United WayElementary/Middle School STEM-Summer Science Camps$15,000
Robert Orr FoundationElementary/Middle School STEM-Summer Science Camps$10,000
INL sponsorship High School Summer Camps$4,398
Harry W Morrison Foundation EWIC CAD Program$20,000
2024 Grant Awards
Funding Agency Grant Program Name 2024 Budget
IDEACYCEastern Idaho ELC$65,000
NIHNational Institutes of Health$21,200
Education Design LabCCGEF-Microcredentials$50,000
Idaho Business for EducationEquipment Reimbursement$5,167
Carl D. Perkins VPerkins Reserve$116,578
i-STEMi-STEM Training$13,649
DOLClosing the Skills Gap$54,878
IDCTECCR-Federal Direct Services$335,962
IDCTECCR IELCE$20,398
IDCTECCR Adult Education$142,193
IDCTECCR Leadership Training$28,833
IDCTECCR Federal Admin$17,682
IBOEOnline Idaho Canvas$4,754
ID Dept of EducationOpen Educational Resources$265,150
CEI FoundationCCR/GED Testing$5,000
Perkins Formula GrantSingle Parents/Displaced Homemaker$25,000
Perkins Formula GrantNontraditional Training & Employment$10,000
Carl D Perkins VRetention Project$90,991
City of Idaho FallsIF Child Care Assistance$3,061
CCAMPISChild Care Access Means$38,999
Carl D Perkins VSpecial Populations Counselor$76,076
Carl D Perkins VPerkins Healthcare$17,279
Carl D Perkins VDental Hygiene Program Accreditation$30,000
Carl D Perkins VLibrary Databases$6,288
Carl D Perkins VAcademic Support Projects$88.147
Carl D Perkins VLibrary Resources$11,748
Delta Dental FoundationDental Hygiene Equipment$75,000
ISU Collaboration CenterISU Collaboration Center Funding$33,937
ID STEM Action Center/INLSummer Bridge$7,432
Education Design LabBRIDGES Design$1,497
OSBELumina Adult Promise PLA$4,094
Lumina FoundationLumina Foundation Take II$150,000
Lumina FoundationLumina FY23 Grant$44,428
CEI FoundationFndn Grant Sugical Technician$2,100
CEI FoundationFndn Grant Medical Assisting$1,000
CEI FoundationFndn Grant CND$4,000
Department of EducationCARES Act$73,075.14
Laura Moore CUNNINGHAMFuture Tech$150,000
Idaho Division of Career Technical EducationLeading Idaho$419,672.68
ID Board of EducationOnline Idaho - State Liasion$123,435.98
MAECK FoundationProgram Enhancement$142,754.86
ID Board of EducationOnline Idaho - Touchnet$2,649.85
Mountain View CharityMountain View Charity CND $514.72
Mountain View Charity CND Tuition and Fees$8,931
Zions BankCCR-IELEC$6,616
Idaho Division of Career Technical EducationWorforce Training Center$2,014,000
Idaho Department of LaborSimpson Grant$97,487
SHRMHR Certification Prep Course $975
INLElementary/Middle School STEM-Summer Science Camps$7,500
Rocky Mountain Power FoundationElementary/Middle School STEM-Summer Science Camps$5,000
Harry W Morrison Foundation EWIC CAD Program$20,000

Grant Administration

Michell Shropshire, GPC

M-F: 8-5 | Summer hours 7:30-4

208.535.5472

1600 S 25th E, Building 3, Room 306A, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404

Contact