Streamlining grant management for startups at UMASS

The Client

The Challenge

• The Airtable base was a stack of spreadsheets with duplicated content.
  Ex: there were 5 places to update a project email address.

• Didn’t have time to set up the correct airtable structure.

• It was a manual/time consuming process following up and verifying if reporting data had been collected.

• 2 admin staff, currently 25 funded projects. Couldn’t scale with these manual efforts.

The Solution

• Connex migrated their Airtable structure to be more of a database with linked tables instead of disconnected spreadsheets.

• Connex built automations and forms, for reminders and data collection from mentors and funded programs.

• Connex improved the interface for reporting to key stakeholders.

The Results

• Mentors and Project leader satisfaction increased through more simple reporting process and reminders.

• Admin staff saved 1 hour a month per funded project allowing them to scale projects without adding staff.

• Admin staff understands Airtable better and can manage and grow the system.