GrantWorks, Inc

At GrantWorks, we take great pride in our employees who actively engage in volunteer work, embodying our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. One such recent example is Tracey Graham, a GrantWorks' ARPA Project Manager.

Tracey recently used her company paid volunteer hours to volunteer with the Collin County, TX Junior League to help arrange the 'Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market. The is one of the oldest, largest, and most effective women’s volunteer organizations in the world. The 'Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market is the largest fundraiser for the Junior League of Collin County, having raised over $4.7M over the last 28 years to give back to their community by funding educational projects and family programs.

Volunteer work like this holds special significance during the holiday season, as it reflects the spirit of giving and compassion to support those in need. Thank you to Tracey for dedicating her time to make a difference in her community!

We are happy to announce that one of GrantWorks' longtime clients, Matagorda County, TX, recently received a positive report on various grant-funded infrastructure projects that total approximately $28M. GrantWorks has been working with the county for over 40 years to provide project management, annual reporting, administrative support and much more.

We are thrilled to see the fruits of our labor having a positive impact, and we look forward to continued projects with Matagorda County as we improve its communities and make changes for the better.

Matagorda County Infrastructure Projects Underway with $28M in Grant Funds | Grantworks Longtime GrantWorks' client, Matagorda County, receives positive report on grant-funded current and proposed infrastructure projects totaling $28M.

We are very proud to announce that GrantWorks has earned two different awards as a 2023 Top Workplace!

Top Workplaces Awards are based on employee feedback results captured by a research-backed engagement survey, and the location awards are issued based on the number of employees in a region. GrantWorks has been recognized as an Austin Top Workplace in collaboration with Austin-American Statesman as well as a Houston Top Workplace in collaboration with the Houston Chronicle.

We would like to express our gratitude & appreciation for each and every one of our team members who helped us achieve these awards. Your hard work and dedication are truly what makes GrantWorks successful, and we strive to continue fostering an environment of growth and mutual respect.

Check out our TopWorkplaces profile to learn more >>>GrantWorks Profile (https://bit.ly/49Wk7Hp)

GrantWorks is excited to welcome Katie Smith as our new Vice President of Broadband and Community Partnerships. Read her full press release here >>> https://bit.ly/gw-k-smith.

Katie is a proven community partnerships and state-level programs subject matter expert, accomplished in establishing and building strong working relationships with communities and stakeholders, both public and private.

Katie has joined GrantWorks after 14 years of service in Florida government within the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and the Florida Department of Commerce. In her previous position as the Director of the Florida Office of Broadband, Katie established the department from the ground up by growing its programmatic funding from zero to $2 billion and managing the creation of the Florida Strategic Plan for Broadband, the Five-Year Action Plan, and the Digital Adoption and Use Plan.

We know that Katie's wide range of experience and dedication to Florida communities will make her a monumental asset to the GrantWorks' team. Welcome aboard, Katie!

At GrantWorks, we are committed to empowering communities and residents alike, driving positive change through tailored solutions and dedicated support. One such example of this commitment was a recent home handoff in the City of Wharton, TX. Several years ago, GrantWorks developed an involuntary buyout program for a trailer park in a floodplain area in the City of Wharton. The purpose of the project was to take ownership of the mobile home park and relocate the tenants to alternative housing units using Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act (URA) funds.

One resident involved in this buyout program was Patsy, who experienced some delays while waiting on her new home. Sandra Ned, our Lead Buyout Program Manager, worked tirelessly over the last year to help Patsy secure a new housing unit, which required significant research and creative problem solving. Last month, Sandra attended Patsy’s closing in Wharton for the purchase of a new construction home outside of the floodplain. The cost of the home was 100% covered under the URA’s regulatory framework.

Sandra’s work on this case was a monumental professional achievement. We'd like to recognize her hard work along with the endless support of other buyout team members. Thank you all for your dedication to helping citizens like Patsy receive new homes!

In continued honor of Veterans Day and in appreciation to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to our country, we recognize veteran employee Kirkpatrick Dibbens, a Senior Income Survey Specialist here at GrantWorks.

Kirk began his Army service in 1988 at Ft. Benning, GA. Throughout his career he served at Ft. Lewis, WA, the 3rd ID The Old Guard, and in Yongsan, S. Korea. He ended his service in 1995 in the 3rd Calvary Armored Division at Fort Bliss, TX. Kirk notes how his experience taught him extreme patience, discipline, and accountability.

Kirk joined the GrantWorks team in 2009 collecting beneficiary information for Planning, Community Development, and Disaster Recovery grants. He prides himself on being an outstanding communicator, working tirelessly to ensure that all grant deadlines are met, and rules and regulations are followed. Kirk is always ready to help set up GrantWorks’ clients for success, for the life of the grant project, and beyond.

Thank you to Kirk for your service to our country and for your continued hard work and dedication to GrantWorks and our client communities!

As GrantWorks continues honoring our veterans this month, we'd like to recognize Manny Berrios, a Labor Standards Field Coordinator. Manny joined the Air Force in 2003 and proudly served his country for 11 years. His father, grandfathers, and uncles all served before him, and he was inspired and impassioned by his family to give back to his country.

During his service, Manny worked as an air traffic controller, a trainer, a foreign liaison, a Military Personnel Specialist, and more. His many accomplishments include being the first Senior Airman to serve as the Air Education and Training Command's Primary Unit Deployment Manager for 3,000+ airmen under the command of General Stephen R. Lorenz.

After his service and prior to joining GrantWorks, Manny worked as a Disaster Case Manager with the Pluribus Resources/BCFS Health and Human Services of San Antonio, TX, where he provided disaster and medical emergency shelter case management services. In his current position as a Labor Standards Field Coordinator, Manny travels to various construction sites to conduct on-site wage interviews to ensure construction contractors comply with federal, state, and local labor standards.

Manny not only exemplifies outstanding professionalism within our organization but has also served our nation with honor and courage. GrantWorks expresses our deepest gratitude for his service, and we are proud to have Manny as a valued member of our team.

GrantWorks is proud to have recently sponsored the of Mission, TX - Government inaugural State of the City Address. This event showcased the thriving community of the , , and its 2023 endeavors, including economic development, infrastructure projects, city initiatives, various partnerships, quality-of-life enhancements for residents, and more.

Thank you to the City of Mission for allowing GrantWorks to take part in this momentous event!

As we celebrate the spirit of thankfulness, GrantWorks extends our sincere gratitude to our valued clients for their unwavering trust and continued partnership as we work together to improve communities everywhere. Their loyalty and support have been instrumental in shaping our company's growth, and we remain committed to providing exceptional experiences and solutions that align with the evolving needs of our client communities.

Thank you to each and every one of our partners who share our vision to contribute to the sustainable development and empowerment of our communities across the nation. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts and building upon our strong relationship for years to come!

As GrantWorks is an avid supporter of servant leadership, we would like to recognize and thank Leigh Scudder, a CDBG-DR Grant Manager, for his recent volunteer work with the Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) program, a division under Austin Water's Wildlands Conservation! While volunteering, Leigh helped harvest native seed plants and replant seed mixes after a controlled burn.

WQPL's objective is to produce the optimum level of clean, high-quality water from the Wildlands to recharge the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. Currently, the WQPL program manages more than 28,000 acres. Leigh noted that during his volunteer hours, he learned a ton about native plants, saw some beautiful, protected Texas Hill Country, and even spotted some wildlife like rattlesnakes! Thank you, Leigh, for helping to protect the Wildlands.

Happy Veterans Day from GrantWorks. We are taking the day to thank the honorable men and women who dedicated their lives to defending our country.

At GrantWorks, we are committed to creating a culture of appreciation and support for our veterans, showcasing their invaluable servant leadership to both our organization and society as a whole. One such veteran we'd like to recognize is Jennifer Sauceda, a Sr. Grant Project Manager with 17 years' experience in office administration and customer service. She is a self-motivated individual with a track record of success, driving productivity, efficiency, and quality.

Before her career in project management, Jennifer was a member of the U.S. Army. She joined the Army after 9/11 because she wanted to dedicate her time and efforts to a purpose larger than herself. Jennifer knew she had an incredible mission in life, and her time while serving was just the foundation she needed to achieve her goals.

GrantWorks is endlessly appreciative of Jennifer and veterans like her who have shown their tremendous pride and dedication to our country. As we move through this month, we will continue to highlight the remarkable stories and experiences of our veteran community, fostering a sense of pride, unity, and gratitude for their acts of servant leadership and selfless service.

City of Kingsville, , recently co-hosted a groundbreaking ceremony with International Consulting Engineers (ICE) for a sewer line and manhole replacements project in a critical part of the city. GrantWorks' Gustavo Jimenez, a Community Development Project Manager, was in attendance and said a few words on behalf of our amazing GrantWorks team about how proud we are to be a part of this project and how we look forward to continued success for the .

This $7,293,111 Community Development Block Grant Mitigation grant project, which was awarded in response to the 2016 floods, supports citywide wastewater collection system improvements. It is the first of seven projects to be completed under this grant as part of Kingsville’s comprehensive hazard mitigation plan.

Thank you to the City of Kingsville and the ICE for letting us join in on this ceremony!

As we enter into the season of thanks this November, GrantWorks eagerly embraces the opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for our employees and our client communities. As stated by our Founder and President, Bruce Spitzengel, we are consistently grateful for the unwavering support of our customers, the dedication of our employees, and the trust of our partners, all of whom have played a pivotal role in our continued success.

Join us this month in recognizing the invaluable individuals who've helped GrantWorks along its journey and prepare to celebrate many more years to come.

GrantWorks' own Steve Mataro, Ken Pevovar, and Holly Miller proudly attended the Blue Angels Foundation Golf & Tennis Classic in Fernandina Beach, earlier this month along with 350 patriotic business leaders and their guests, raising over $600K in support of our wounded warrior community.

The Blue Angels Foundation supports wounded veterans by providing funding for critical services with a focus on transitional housing, post-traumatic stress treatment, and su***de prevention. GrantWorks is honored to have taken part in the Classic in support of the Foundation and its partner organizations across the nation as they help veterans access resources and build hope for the bright future they deserve.

You can learn more about the Blue Angels Foundation at https://bit.ly/3tEs97g

This month, we are recognizing the importance of proper health. A significant part of maintaining our physical and mental health is through good work-life balance, and no one is a better advocate for this idea than GrantWorks' Director of Strategic Initiatives, Jay Bordeaux, PMP. To read Jay's personal tips on how to maintain a healthy balance between your work and your home life, check out our latest blog post.

Jay has 20 years of enterprise-level experience driving data to value in program and project management. In addition, he has experience in Waterfall and Agile frameworks in healthcare, telecommunications as a Government Relations Manager, and education. Jay is a Project Management Institute certified Project Manager, a Certified Center Director with Applied Scholastics International, and a member of the Austin Chapters of the Project Management Institute and the Urban League.

While Jay is passionate about every project he takes on, he also understands that work-life balance is not just a concept; it's a cornerstone of well-being. Maintaining this balance is essential for mental and physical health, sustaining relationships, and nurturing personal passions.

Tuning In: Aligning Your Station with Broadcast Signals | Grantworks Jay Bordeaux, GrantWorks' Director of Strategic Initiatives gives his personal tips on how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

GrantWorks believes volunteer work not only enriches the lives of those we help but also strengthens the fabric of society as a whole, and we support this belief by giving our employees 8 paid volunteer hours each year. Recently, four of our employees took advantage of this policy embracing GrantWorks' servant leadership culture and volunteered for the Multicultural Refugee Coalition (MRC) New Leaf Agriculture program.

Thank you to Jenny Horton, Liz Nguyen, Lacey Sigmon, and Sue Nance for partaking in this event! The MRC is a nonprofit in Austin, TX that supports refugees by providing them with fair-wage, dignified work such as through organic farming. Our participants from GrantWorks spent the day harvesting produce and helping maintain the crops. The produce they harvested will go into boxes for New Leaf's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program so donors can enjoy the fresh goods!

If you're interested in learning more about this nonprofit organization, check out https://bit.ly/48QMjv7.

A recent article from CNBC predicts that 90% of companies will return to in-office work by the end of 2024. >>> https://bit.ly/48q9Kew

While GrantWorks has headquarters in Texas, Florida, and New York, we believe in the power of remote work and its numerous benefits. Remote work promotes inclusivity, allowing us to tap into a diverse talent pool and bring together experts from different backgrounds and locations. This diversity of perspectives and experiences fosters creativity and innovation, ultimately benefiting our company and our clients.

By embracing remote work, we also provide our team members the flexibility to tailor their work environment to their needs. This approach leads to reduced commuting time and costs, which translates into improved work-life balance and reduced stress. However, our employees still retain strong synergy through planned events such as conferences, employee retreats, and volunteer meetups. Many GrantWorks employees also participate in company-wide, online activities such as fantasy football leagues and book clubs.

As GrantWorks continues to seek opportunities for flexibility, inclusivity, and sustainability, we understand that remote work plays an essential factor. To learn more about our company culture, check out https://bit.ly/45FPYto

At GrantWorks, we deeply value the spirit of volunteerism and giving back to our communities. That's why we give our employees 8 paid volunteer hours each year. It's employees like ARPA Project Coordinator, Connie Burns, who embody servant leadership and make a lasting impact in their communities.

Connie and her son, Jason, recently volunteered with United Way of Central Texas’ Day of Caring. This year's event had the highest number of volunteers with a total of 480 volunteers and 34 projects lined up. Connie (pictured in light blue) and her son (pictured in dark purple) helped out that day at the Belton Senior Center.

Thank you to Connie for dedicating your time to the United Way and following the GrantWorks Way!

Steve Mataro, Senior Vice President of Community Relations at GrantWorks, began his journey with our company in February this year. With over 30 years' experience primarily as a Disaster Recovery Builder, Steve has had the privilege of collaborating with GrantWorks' dedicated individuals for many years in various programs. Steve's extensive background with federally funded grant programs extends over 45 different projects, and his work has spanned Florida, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and three U.S. Virgin Island disaster recovery programs.

As SVP of Community Relations, Steve is a constant advocate of our company's core values and dedication to our client communities. In our latest blog post, Steve reflects on the path that brought him to GrantWorks and the unique culture that distinguishes us from the competition. In his words, our "culture of genuine care permeates the entire organization, where people genuinely look out for each other's well-being, where fear and hostility have no place, and where the primary goal is to make a positive impact."

Thank you to Steve Mataro for his endless support and his rooted values of purpose, passion, and care that align with GrantWorks.

The GrantWorks Difference | Grantworks Steve Mataro, SVP of Community Relations at GrantWorks, is a constant advocate of GrantWorks' core values, dedication to our client communities, and the unique culture that distinguishes us from the competition.

GrantWorks would like to welcome one of our newest employees, Julie Norman, Ed.D., CEcD, who recently joined us as our new Associate Vice President of Economic Development.

With over 25 years' experience in economic and workforce development at the state and county level and with a regional emphasis on recruitment, retention, and business expansion, Julie will help drive economic advancement in our client communities. The GrantWorks team is excited to see how her contributions will propel our company forward and continue to prosper communities everywhere.

To learn more about Julie's background and how she will aid in communities' economic growth, check out her full press release >>> https://bit.ly/3tIKW1a

Welcome to the team, Julie!

Did you know that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)? This month celebrates the contributions of employees with disabilities and highlights supportive, inclusive employment practices that benefit both employers and employees.

GrantWorks celebrates NDEAM to raise awareness about the employment challenges faced by those with disabilities and to promote equal opportunities and access in the workplace. We reaffirm our commitment to making GrantWorks a workplace where everyone can thrive, irrespective of their abilities.

To learn more about building an inclusive workforce, check out https://bit.ly/3rd7KFC.

October 13th is International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, a day dedicated to educating people about disaster preparedness. At GrantWorks, we're dedicated to disaster recovery efforts across the nation, with our team having secured and managed over $400 million in CDBG Disaster Recovery funds for 40 cities and counties on the Gulf Coast and throughout East Texas.

To continue promoting disaster risk reduction, here are some helpful tips so you can be ready anytime a natural disaster strikes:

- Create a disaster kit that contains the essentials: water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and other medical supplies. Make sure you have enough supplies to last your family at least three days.
- Prepare for possible power outages by stocking up on flashlights, batteries, candles, and fully charged portable chargers.
- Keep any important documents in a dry, safe location and, as a precaution, upload copies of important documents onto a flash drive.
- Take a training course on first aid and CPR so you know how to aid others in an emergency.
- Create and routinely discuss an emergency plan with your family so you all know what to do in the event of a disaster.

With these tips, you and your family can keep safe and be prepared.

GrantWorks is proud to once again be a Title Sponsor of the Daily News Press Run on Saturday, October 28th in Galveston, . The Daily News' 12th annual run supports Newspapers in Education (NIE), a program that helps students develop reading comprehension and critical thinking skills by incorporating newspapers in the classroom.

At GrantWorks, we wholeheartedly embrace the principles of servant leadership and supportive education, and attending events like the Daily Press Run is just one way we do that. We believe true leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to benefiting our communities and aiding those in need. We are thrilled to take part in this run for the second time this year to continue supporting education initiatives as well as healthy exercise habits.

The Daily Press Run will feature certified Galveston Causeway 5K and 10K courses, a Kid's 1K course, music, food, and much more! Sign up or donate to the cause today!

https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Galveston/DailyNewsPressRun

Daily News Press Run - Galveston The Daily News Press Run - Galveston is on Saturday October 28, 2023. It includes the following events: Kids K, 5K, 10K, Virtual 5K, Virtual 10K, Race from Pillow (Donation with Shirt), and Donation Only.

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and mobilizing efforts to support well-being around the world.

When it comes to discussing mental health, many people tend to think of well-known struggles such as anxiety and depression. The most common strain is on one's health, however, every-day factors can also weigh down on you over time, such as stress, burnout, and poor work-life balance. At GrantWorks, the well-being of our employees is paramount, and we seek to help employees overcome these conflicts for improved mental wellness.

GrantWorks is committed to supporting good mental health by providing full-coverage health programs and a workplace culture that prioritizes emotional well-being. Additionally, safety is at the core of our operations, and we want to ensure employees feel secure and protected. By fostering an environment that promotes mental health, safety, and work-life balance, we aim to create a workplace where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

On November 7, 2023, Texas residents will be able to vote on Texas Proposition 8 regarding the Broadband Infrastructure Fund Amendment.

If approved, this amendment would add the Broadband Infrastructure Fund into the Texas Constitution. This fund would enhance the availability and usage of broadband and telecommunications services through money allotted by the state legislature through grants, investment earnings, and gift. If this proposition is passed, then this fund will provide essential backing to expand broadband internet across the state of Texas, thereby allowing residents better access to healthcare, education, and more.

You can learn more about Prop 8 below.

Texas Proposition 8, Creation of Broadband Infrastructure Fund Amendment (2023) Ballotpedia: The Encyclopedia of American Politics

Last month, Veterans Land Board Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham challenged the State of Texas to show their support for World War II veteran, Ethelyn Szad Bell. With Mrs. Bell's 100th birthday taking place on October 4th, she asked to receive 100 birthday cards at her current residence at Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home.

A recent update from Commissioner Buckingham reported that both the state and the nation stepped up to the challenge, and Mrs. Bell received over 7,200 birthday cards! GrantWorks is proud to have personally taken part in this celebration by sending Mrs. Bell a floral arrangement along with our best birthday wishes.

This challenge is a wonderful show of support for our nation's veterans, and at GrantWorks, we continue to recognize veterans for all they've sacrificed for our freedom.

World War II Veteran receives over 7,200 cards on 100th birthday BONHAM On Thursday, Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman and Texas Land Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckingham M.D., updated Texans on U.S. Army Veteran and Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home resident Ethelyn Szad Bell’s request to receive 100 cards for her 100th birthday on October 4. In a stunn...