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Discover Grants Management
Events + Education
Certification
Community
Members
Get to know our grants management superstars!
Senior Consultant
BerryDunn
Patrick Swinick, CGMS, is a senior consultant with BerryDunn, where he works with public sector clients on grants management, compliance and building stronger internal processes. Much of his work includes helping organizations make sense of federal requirements and turning them into practical day-to-day operations. He has supported projects across a range of funding areas, including pandemic recovery, health and human services, climate, and state/local government programs. Patrick recently earned his Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) and is always looking for ways to keep learning and growing in this field.
How did you end up in grants management?
I really found my way into grants management during the COVID pandemic. I was working on CARES Act-related programs, and that experience showed me how much grants can directly affect whether or not communities get the support they need. From there, I got more involved in compliance, program operations, and helping clients navigate federal funding in a practical way.
What is your favorite or most impactful grant program you have been a part of and why?
ARPA/SLFRF is probably the most impactful for me. It was such a huge moment for communities, and I liked being a part of something that helped local governments use that funding in a way that was thoughtful, compliant and useful on the ground. Also, it was not just about getting money out the door, it was about helping build better systems and support long-term recovery after the pandemic.
What is your biggest work challenge and how do you manage it?
One of the biggest challenges is taking complicated grant requirements and turning them into something people can use. Many organizations are juggling a lot, so I try to keep things practical, ask questions early, and break things down into manageable steps. Staying in close communication helps, too.
What NGMA member benefit has been most useful to you?
The NGMA Community Forum and the monthly webinars. I like hearing how other grants professionals are thinking through real-life questions and challenges. It helps me stay current without it feeling overly formal. Those benefits have been especially useful because they are practical and easy to apply to my everyday work.
What is your advice to anyone interested in pursuing the CGMS credential?
Go for it. You probably know more than you think you do, and the process itself helps sharpen how you think about grants management. I’d say do not psych yourself out, stay consistent with your prep, and trust the experience you already have.
How do you recharge after a long week at work?
Quality time with my family and my Sunday basketball league. That usually does the trick.
Showcase your path in the grants world
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