Del Norte County  ·  County Administrative Manual
Title 13: Grants — New Authorization Process
What every department needs to know before submitting a grant application
Full policy text: Administrative Manual Title 13: Grants
Adopted June 9, 2026
Covered by Title 13
Not covered (no action needed)
The five-step process
1
Identify the opportunity
Review program guidelines early. Determine match requirements, staffing impacts, and whether the grant creates a new program or requires ongoing County funding after the grant term.
2
Submit the Grant Application Review Form
Complete the online form before submitting anything to the funding agency. Required by §13.10.020. Submit at least 3–4 weeks before the deadline — review may involve the Auditor-Controller, County Counsel, HR, or the Finance, Grants & Administration TAC.
3
Receive CAO authorization
The CAO or designee will approve, deny, or refer to the Board. No application may be submitted without this authorization. Do not submit while review is in progress.
4
Submit the application
Once authorization is confirmed, proceed with preparing and submitting to the funding agency by the deadline.
5
Award received — Board acceptance
Acceptance is a separate step from authorization to apply. Bring the award to the Board when required. Identify budget adjustments, staffing impacts, and ongoing obligations. Acceptance does not authorize continuation beyond the grant term using General Fund resources without separate Board approval.
Required form — complete before every application
Grant Application Review Form
Submit via Cognito Forms. Have ready: grant name, deadline, budget summary, match source, staffing impacts, and whether ongoing funding is needed.
Submit the form →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the form even if there's no County match?
Yes. Authorization is required for all covered applications regardless of match. The form simply asks you to indicate none is required.
Can I submit a letter of intent before getting CAO authorization?
Contact the CAO's office first. Informal, non-binding inquiries are generally fine. Any formal expression of interest or application on behalf of the County requires prior authorization.
What if the CAO review can't happen before my deadline?
The CAO may consider expedited review case-by-case, but there is no guarantee. Submit the form well in advance — 3 to 4 weeks is the target minimum.
We were awarded a grant — can we start implementing?
Not until the Board formally accepts the award. Bring the item to the Board identifying budget adjustments, staffing impacts, and any ongoing obligations before executing any agreement.
Does Board acceptance mean we can continue the program after the grant ends?
No. Continuation using General Fund or discretionary resources requires separate Board authorization. Acceptance covers only the grant term.
What is the Strategic Funding Plan, and what does my department need to do?
It's a countywide tracking tool (§13.20) maintained by County Administration. Your Review Form submission feeds into it automatically. Respond promptly when CAO staff request status updates on awarded grants — no other separate action needed.
Our department receives annual State formula funds. Does Title 13 apply?
No. Ongoing subventions, formula allocations, and routine pass-through revenues are excluded — unless the CAO or Board directs otherwise.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact the County Administrative Office. CAO staff can confirm whether an opportunity requires review, help you complete the form, and guide you through the process.
Del Norte County Administrative Manual — Title 13: Grants  ·  §13.10 Grant Application Review and Authorization  ·  §13.20 Strategic Funding Plan
Questions? Contact the County Administrative Office
cognitoforms.com/CountyOfDelNorte1/GrantApplicationReviewForm