Presented by EY
A Project Born in Crisis
Fenstermacher recalls that the idea for a new accelerator grew directly out of the early days of the pandemic. Grants managers across federal, state, and local levels — as well as international counterparts — were overwhelmed. Applicants needed relief funds urgently, but legacy systems were bogged down in paperwork, siloed data, and rigid processes.
She and her colleagues set out to design a solution that could be “stood up quickly in the event of a disaster or emergency” and also flexible enough to support a wide range of funding models. That included not just traditional grants, but also benefits, assistance programs, and even claims. The common thread was speed and adaptability — the ability to scale up when a crisis hits, without losing accountability or control.
A Unified Platform for the Lifecycle
At the heart of the accelerator is a single, unified platform. Fenstermacher argues this is the most important feature because it ties together every step of the grants process — from application intake to auditing and reporting. Traditionally, each of those functions relied on different systems and processes, making it nearly impossible to see the big picture.
By bringing the lifecycle together, the accelerator allows agencies to measure not just outputs — such as meals served or services delivered — but actual outcomes: whether communities are experiencing lasting improvements as a result of funding. This shift from fragmented paperwork to holistic analysis is what Fenstermacher calls “elevating the user experience” for everyone involved — grant makers, auditors, applicants, and ultimately, the beneficiaries themselves.
Harnessing Data and AI
The unified platform also opens the door to data-driven innovation. Fenstermacher explained how agencies can use the system to aggregate information from across programs, enabling them to apply lessons learned in one area to strengthen another. For example, disaster recovery efforts led by one agency could inform small business grants overseen by another.
Artificial intelligence and automation play a central role in this vision. Rather than relying solely on human review, the accelerator can flag anomalies, highlight potential misuses of funds, and repurpose dollars where needed. Fenstermacher emphasized that many of these efficiencies don’t even require advanced AI — simple automation can drastically reduce the manual burden on staff, freeing them to focus on solving real problems rather than shuffling paperwork.
Her quip that “the grants universe is long, but it bends towards paperwork” underscored how deeply entrenched the problem has been. Technology, she argued, is finally giving the community a way to bend it toward progress instead.
Building a Federal Data Model
While the accelerator brings powerful tools, Fenstermacher noted that systemic change also depends on a more consistent data model for grants management across the federal government. Efforts are already underway to establish common standards, but success hinges on platforms that can balance uniformity with flexibility. Each program has unique requirements, so systems must maintain a common core while also adapting to specialized needs.
This balance — between standardization and customization — is what makes it possible for data to flow across agencies and programs. Imagine, Fenstermacher suggested, FEMA being able to draw on insights from the Small Business Administration, or vice versa, to strengthen after-action analysis and improve future response.
Faster Relief, Stronger Accountability
For citizens and communities, the most pressing issue is speed. Fenstermacher acknowledged that while it’s easy to set up a simple web form to collect applications, the real delays come later — in verifying spending, tracking compliance, and ensuring funds are used as promised. That’s where the accelerator provides real value.
By embedding diligence and accountability directly into the system, the platform helps agencies surface anomalies quickly and provide clear answers about how taxpayer dollars are spent. The result is faster delivery of funds without sacrificing oversight. For disaster response, where time is critical, this balance could prove transformative.
A Federal Green Light
Perhaps the most significant milestone for the accelerator is its recent FedRAMP approval, which grants authority to operate across federal agencies. This not only validates the platform’s security and reliability but also lowers the barrier for adoption. Any agency can now deploy the system without starting from scratch on compliance. As Fenstermacher put it, the accelerator is not just about speeding up grants management once in place — it also accelerates the path to adoption itself.
Key Takeaways
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Grants management has long been slowed by fragmented systems and paperwork, but unified platforms can transform speed, accountability, and impact.
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Data integration and automation enable agencies to detect anomalies, share insights across programs, and deliver measurable community outcomes.
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With FedRAMP approval, federal agencies now have a ready-to-use accelerator that can modernize grants management and better serve the public.