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Federal grant management can be complex and challenging, requiring grant managers to juggle multiple tasks, follow strict guidelines, and stay current on the latest regulations. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, it’s essential to have access to the best resources to help you navigate this ever-changing landscape. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of some top resources for federal grant managers across all professional levels. From online training courses to networking opportunities, these resources will help you excel in your role and achieve great success.

1. Grant management software: Grant management software is designed to help entities manage their grant-funded projects more efficiently. It provides tools and features for every stage of the grant lifecycle, from application and proposal writing to post-award reporting and compliance. Grant management software helps grant managers streamline budgeting, financial reporting, project tracking, and performance evaluation tasks. The software also helps organizations comply with grant regulations by providing tools for monitoring and reporting on grant activities. Overall, grant management software is a valuable tool that helps organizations optimize their financial and administrative processes and successfully oversee their programs and projects. Amplifund and eCivis are two grant management software available to help federal grant managers from all organizations and federal entities manage every phase of the grant management process.
2. Grant management checklists: Grant management checklists are detailed lists of tasks and activities that grant managers must complete to ensure compliance with grant regulations and guidelines, successful project implementation, and timely reporting. These checklists may include specific deadlines, required documentation, and other essential details related to the grant. Thompson Grants has several checklists that can be helpful during all phases of the Grants lifecycle. You can use the proposal checklist, designed to help managers prepare for submission and avoid errors in the pre-award stage, and the audit checklist in the post-award stage, which can help promote a successful audit.
3. Templates and sample documents: Templates and sample documents are vital to compliance success in federal grant management because they provide standardized formats and guidelines for creating grant-related documents such as budgets, project plans, progress reports, and compliance checklists. Using templates and sample documents can help ensure that grant managers produce high-quality, accurate, and compliant documents that meet the funding agency’s requirements. They also can save time and reduce the risk of errors by providing a pre-built structure for the document, eliminating the need to start from scratch. Several templates, worksheets, and other resources are available on the Thompson Grants tools and resources page.
4. Professional networks: Professional networks are vital to encourage opportunities for networking, professional development, and access to industry-specific resources and information. By joining such a network, grant staff can connect with others in their field, share knowledge and best practices, and build relationships with potential partners, collaborators, and mentors. Some examples of these networks include the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), which provides networking opportunities, educational resources, and a certification program for grant professionals, and the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), which offers training, certification, and advocacy for grants managers and administrators. Other examples include local grant-writing associations, nonprofit management organizations, and online communities focused on grant management and fundraising.
5. Training and professional development opportunities: Continuing education and professional development can help even the most seasoned grant managers stay up-to-date on best practices, new regulations, and emerging technologies. This may include attending conferences, webinars, or training sessions. Thompson Grants offers various in-person and virtual federal grants training programs that have helped thousands of recipient organizations protect their funding, stay in compliance and meet the requirements for federal agencies, pass-throughs, recipients, and sub-recipients.
6. Grant management consultants: Grant management consultants provide specialized expertise and guidance to entities involved in the federal grant lifecycle. They can work with entities of all sizes and across various industries to help them develop and implement best practices for grant management, ensure compliance with regulations, and optimize their internal processes. Grant management consultants can offer various services, including grant writing assistance, program planning and development, financial management and reporting, performance measurement and evaluation, and compliance monitoring. In some cases, hiring a consultant may be the most efficient way for a seasoned grant manager to complete a project. Consultants like the Bruman Group, a nationally recognized federal grant management consultant, can provide specialized expertise, offer fresh perspectives, and help streamline processes.

In conclusion, staying compliant with federal grant regulations is essential for the success of any grant-funded project. Grant managers can benefit from various resources, including checklists, templates, professional networks, and grant management consultants. Additionally, Thompson Grants offers an extensive selection of resources that cover every stage of the grants lifecycle, from pre-award through closeout. These resources can help grant managers navigate the complex landscape of federal grants, identify funding opportunities that align with their organizational goals, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the entire grant lifecycle. By leveraging these resources, grant managers can optimize their processes, increase their chances of success and make the most of their awarded funding.

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Please note: This blog post is not official or legal guidance. Recipients should consult the federal awarding agency regarding whether the Uniform Guidance applies to a particular federal award.

Subrecipients should consult with the pass-through entity. Thompson Grants is not a grantmaking organization and does not award grants.