Grants Administration

Karina Mendoza

Director

(956) 473-6402

kmendoza@uisd.net

Misson

The mission of the Grants Administration Department is to identify, secure, and administer state, federal, and private grant funding. We provide strategic oversight and technical support to ensure all grant-funded initiatives align with the District Improvement Plan and comply with both state and federal regulatory standards.

Core Department Goals

• Funding Identification: Proactively identify and share relevant local, state, and federal grant opportunities with district and campus leadership to support strategic initiatives.
• Proposal Development: Facilitate grant program planning, budget formulation, and evaluation design for initiatives supported by evidence-based research.
• Application Compliance: Ensure all grant proposals are meticulously developed and submitted in strict adherence to granting agency requirements and application deadlines.
• Program Monitoring & Reporting: Assist with compliance reviews and reporting processes to guarantee complete fidelity to state and federal regulations, including Texas Education Agency guidelines.

Objectives

The Grants Administration Department partners with campuses and district staff to maximize funding by providing expert guidance throughout the grant lifecycle from initial program planning and budgeting to final application submission. We secure resources that directly enhance student outcomes and staff capabilities.

• Develop compliant programs with measurable, realistic outcomes.
• Establish streamlined reporting systems that satisfy TEA, state, and federal mandates.
• Maintain a unified repository for all district-wide grant applications.
• Maximize funding, including state, local, federal, and private foundation grants.
• Deliver targeted professional development and workshops for campus staff.
• Partner with Curriculum & Instruction to align grant goals.

Applicable Grant Related Policies

In Texas, school districts' grant departments must align their daily operations with a strict hierarchy of federal, state, and local regulations. The primary policies, laws, and guidelines governing grant administration include:

• All federal awards are subject to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), which dictates allowable costs, procurement standards, and time-and-effort reporting.
• The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires adherence to program-specific Guidelines, Provisions, and Assurances for all state-administered funds.
• United ISD is governed by specific TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) localized policies. In particular, the CE (Local) series covers annual revenue and grant budgets, while the CB (Local) series establishes the framework for state and federal programs. United ISD Board Policy Manual

Submissions Processed Independently of the Grants Administration Department

Guidelines for Independent Grant Applications

United ISD employees must notify the Grants Administration Department before independently applying for any grant that benefits students, staff, or facilities. Applicants and their campus principals share responsibility for emailing this written notice to grantsInfo@uisd.net.

For a clear, standardized process, please follow these updated department guidelines:

 Notice of Independent Application

If you are pursuing a grant independently, you must provide advance written notice to grantsInfo@uisd.net so the department can track all incoming district funding.

 Grant Assistance

The Grants Administration Department is available to help write, review, and refine your application. Please submit requests for assistance well in advance, as support is provided based on staff availability and time constraints.

 Post-Award Requirements

When a grant is awarded:

1. Retrieve the Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) or the form you previously submitted.
2. Clearly note the date funded and total grant amount on the document.
3. Submit a finalized copy of this noted form to the Grants Administration Department for official record-keeping.

Funding Opportunities

Donors Choose