Capacity Building FAQs

Amplio is a full-service capacity-building agency. Our services include Comprehensive Needs Analysis, Strategic Plan Development, Programmatic Development, Grant-Related Services (Pre- and Post-Award), Team Development and Training, applying for state and foundation funding, establishing strategic partnerships, development of an Indirect Cost Rate (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement-NICRA), and the creation, development, and refinement of a nonprofit 501(c)(3).

We start by understanding your mission, goals, challenges, and current operations. Based on this assessment, we develop a scope of work with specific objectives and timelines. We then work with you to define specific project goals and expected outcomes. Next, we provide you with the tools, resources, and training to ensure that you will sustain these positive changes when we are finished.

Yes, Amplio professionals are experts in each stage of program design and development. We partner with organizations to conceptualize new programs and analyze their feasibility. After collaborative planning and implementation, we provide monitoring and evaluation.

The Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) delves into your pre- and post-award capabilities, management and positional structure of key roles, existing strategic plan, current policies and procedures, scrutiny of ancillary organizations, and includes an evaluation of ongoing educational, workforce, and/or healthcare programs.

Effective grant management is integral to the overall success of your funded programs. It ensures compliance with funding requirements and facilitates efficient resource utilization, stakeholder engagement, and the achievement of your project goals. Without proper grant management, programs can fall apart, funds may not be spent, monies may have to be returned, and programs may be shut down. Amplio will ensure this never happens to you.

There are several reasons why your corporation might choose to create a new nonprofit entity. Nonprofits are eligible for many different grants and other funding opportunities not accessible to for-profits. Establishing a nonprofit enables your organization to tap into these additional financial resources to support your charitable endeavors.

An indirect cost rate is a percentage of indirect costs incurred by your organization in relation to its direct costs when writing a grant and running a grant-funded program. Your organization can use the indirect cost rate to recover a portion of your indirect expenses from grants and other funding sources. These costs include items such as administrative salaries, utilities, office supplies, and facility maintenance. You always want to secure the highest possible indirect cost rate when applying for a grant. The default indirect cost rate, when you do not have a NICRA, is 10%. (For example, if you apply for a $100,000 grant the default indirect cost is $10,000.)

A NICRA is a formal agreement between your organization and a federal agency that establishes your indirect cost rate. The NICRA rate is exponentially higher (at 30% to 50%) than the standard indirect cost rate of 10%. (This means that for a $1 million grant, you can receive $300,000 to $500,000 in indirect costs).

Amplio builds capacity for higher education institutions, healthcare systems, economic development organizations, social service agencies, and local governments.