Project Management Office
Dedicated to effective planning, execution, and oversight, the Project Management Office (PMO) ensures projects align with our strategic goals. Whether in research or community outreach, the PMO provides expertise in governance, planning, resource management, risk mitigation, quality assurance, performance monitoring, and knowledge management. Faculty and staff can confidently manage projects by leveraging the PMO’s resources, advancing our mission to educate health care professionals for Georgia’s rural and underserved areas.
Support available through our PMO:
Consultation Services
Our PMO offers expert consultation to help you refine project ideas, align them with your organization’s goals, and strategize for success. We understand that the initial planning phase is crucial, and our team is here to provide guidance every step of the way.
Grant Assistance
We can assist you in identifying relevant funding opportunities, crafting compelling grant proposals, and navigating the intricacies of grant applications. Our track record of securing grants for rural healthcare and mental health initiatives speaks to our expertise in this crucial area.
Project Management
We offer a robust framework for project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation. Our methodologies are designed to optimize resource allocation, mitigate risks, and ensure project delivery within scope, on time, and within budget.
PMO Canvas Course
The Project Management Office (PMO) Canvas course is a centralized resource hub designed to support Mercer University School of Medicine faculty throughout the grant application process. This self-guided course provides access to essential tools, templates, timelines, and guidance for preparing and submitting proposals. Faculty enrolled in the course also receive timely notifications about funding opportunities, policy updates, and other relevant announcements to support successful grant development and submission.
Proposal Intake Form
In order to streamline our administrative workflows and provide principal investigators (PIs) with greater transparency into the internal review process, the PMO uses a Proposal Intake Form for all grant initiations.
Project Submission Process
- Intake – Faculty completes the quick Smartsheet notification form to alert the PMO of an upcoming proposal.
- Core Materials Due – Faculty sends the Budget, Budget Justification, Abstract/Summary, and Goals/Aims to the PMO at least 15 business days before the funder’s deadline. ⚠️ Note: Because budgets require a separate internal approval process before finalization, please allow a 2–3 day lead time specifically for budget review.
- PTF Trigger & Routing – Upon receiving your core components, the PMO generates the formal Proposal Transmittal Form (PTF) and immediately launches the internal routing sequence: Faculty/PI ➔ Department Head ➔ Dean ➔ ORSP.
- Submission & Tracking – You can easily track your proposal’s progress via automated Smartsheet updates as it clears final MUSM compliance and is finalized for submission.
Critical Submission Policy
To guarantee adequate time for comprehensive review, compliance checks, and internal sign-offs, all PTFs must be actively in process no later than 15 business days prior to the funder’s deadline.
Useful resources
How to Determine Suitability of a Grant Opportunity
When evaluating whether a grant opportunity is suitable for your project and goals, consider the following steps in a systematic and objective manner:
- Read the Grant Guidelines. This sounds obvious, but many become overly excited about a grant title without reading all the details and requirements. Begin by thoroughly reviewing the grant’s guidelines and eligibility criteria. Ensure that your project aligns with the grant’s specific objectives and focus areas.
- Assess Your Project’s Alignment. Evaluate how closely your project aligns with the grant’s priorities, goals, and intended outcomes. Highlight any synergies between your project and the grant’s requirements.
- Review the Grantor’s Mission and Values. Understand the mission and values of the organization offering the grant. Ensure that your project aligns with their broader mission and objectives.
- Evaluate Grant Requirements. Analyze the grant’s requirements, including deadlines, budget limitations, reporting obligations, and any match funding requirements. Confirm that you can meet these requirements.
- Consider Geographic Relevance. Given your passion for rural healthcare, assess whether the grant opportunity supports projects in rural areas or focuses on mental health care, as these areas align with your expertise and interests.
- Identify Competing Priorities. Be aware of any competing priorities or ongoing projects within your organization. It is essential to understand if others are embarking on a similar project that can complement your project and create a mor comprehensive team. Ensure that pursuing the grant will not overextend your team or resources.
- Seek Feedback. Discuss the grant opportunity with colleagues, mentors, or advisors who are familiar with your field. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis. Perform a cost-benefit analysis to assess whether the potential benefits of the grant outweigh the resources and effort required to apply for it.
- Past Awardees. Research previous grant awardees to gauge the types of projects that have been successful. This can provide insights into the grantor’s preferences.
- Assess Your Readiness. Evaluate your organization’s readiness to take on the proposed project, including the availability of key personnel, infrastructure, and support systems.
- Develop a Grant Strategy. If the grant opportunity aligns with your project and goals, develop a comprehensive grant strategy that includes a clear project plan, budget, and timeline.
- Seek Expert Input. Consider consulting with a grant writing professional or seeking peer review to ensure that your proposal is well-crafted and competitive.
Remember, it’s crucial to be selective in pursuing grants that genuinely support your objectives and can make a meaningful impact in rural healthcare and mental health care. By following these steps, you can make informed decisions about which grant opportunities are the right fit for your portfolio and mission.
NIH Resources
Getting Started with NIH Grant Applications
Applying for an NIH Grant
NIH Application Tools and Forms
Project Management Office Director
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Sherrie Williams, LCSW, PMP
Williams has extensive expertise in grant writing, project management, and operations. Over the past 16 years, her leadership has been pivotal in securing millions of dollars in grant awards, particularly for rural initiatives, substance use, and mental healthcare projects.