Training

by Timika RileyAugust 11, 2023

Thompson Grants Lifecycle Support & Training

It is essential for federal grant managers to have a deep understanding of the grant lifecycle because it enables them to effectively manage every stage of the process, from grant application to closeout.

In federal grant management, the pre-award stage refers to the period before a grant is awarded. During this stage, potential grant applicants research grant opportunities, develop their grant proposal and submit their application to the funding agency. Thompson’s Federal Grants Development module is designed to help grant professionals find sources for federal funding, develop competitive proposals, and take the steps needed to comply with federal grant rules.

The post-award stage refers to the period after a grant is awarded. During this stage, grantees execute their program or project, manage the grant’s budget, and comply with all regulations and reporting requirements outlined in the Office of Management and Budget’s uniform guidance. Many grant professionals believe the post-award stage requires the most significant investment in staff training and development. This includes training on budget management, reporting requirements, compliance monitoring, and audit preparation. The Thompson Grants’ Federal Grants Management Module is designed to help your organization manage its grant awards, ensure they meet regulatory requirements, and manage their grants effectively.

For those seeking federal grants, it’s crucial to understand the grant lifecycle from start to finish. Luckily, Thompson Grants has been a trusted resource in grant compliance since 1972. With products and services covering the entire grants lifecycle, from pre-award planning to post-award management, we can help you navigate the tricky waters of federal grants. Understanding each process step and the requirements outlined in the uniform guidance is crucial to successful grant applications. Don’t let the complexity of the grants process keep you from securing funding — trust in Thompson Grants to help you succeed.

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.

by Timika RileyAugust 8, 2023

Effectively Training Your Higher Education Staff on Grant Rules and Regulations

Compliance with federal governmentwide grant requirements and awarding agency policies and directives are critical for institutes of higher education (IHE). These grants often provide institutions with essential funding for research, student support services, and more. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of these grants can potentially lead to severe consequences, including the repayment of funds and legal action. That’s why all staff members and faculty involved in grant management should undergo training and stay up-to-date to maintain compliance. IHEs often receive awards from multiple agencies, which necessitates keeping abreast of the requirements and policies of each funding agency. A comprehensive training program can offer both new and experienced members of your college or university the tools they need to succeed when implementing your programs using federal grant funding.

Be aware that managing a grant is not solely the responsibility of the IHE accounting or financial department or program officer. Numerous participants contribute to overseeing a grant-awarded project or program, including sponsored program administration, research administration, budget preparers, project managers, and more. In larger institutions, department chairs also hold a crucial role in determining the level of staff involvement in research and development. They also play a vital role in securing seed funding for faculty to compete effectively for external funding. In smaller institutions, academic deans often take on this responsibility. Ensuring compliance is a multifaceted effort that involves various departments.

For IHEs that receive federal funding through Title IV, effectively overseeing financial reporting and recordkeeping can be a top priority. These funds significantly impact the institution’s budget because they represent a substantial source of revenue. They support various research projects, educational programs, and services, including student financial aid, academic support services, and institutional infrastructure. Failure to comply with Title IV regulations can lead to penalties, including fines, sanctions, or loss of access to these funds.

For IHEs that receive Department of Education grant funding, here are some key considerations and programs:

Drug-free schools and campuses regulations: IHEs must certify that they have implemented programs to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.
Free inquiry rule: IHEs must offer First Amendment protections and take action to prevent discrimination.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) program: Many IHEs received greatly needed COVID-19 emergency relief funding through HEERF and are continuing to take steps to manage these funds effectively.
Federal mandates: IHEs must comply with mandates from the Department of Education and other federal agencies under various laws.
Emergency Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education: This program provides emergency assistance to institutions and students and has its compliance requirements.
Title III Part A Programs – Strengthening Institutions: This program helps IHEs to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen their academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.
Predominantly Black Institutions Program: IHEs must meet basic and program-specific eligibility requirements to qualify for funding under this program.
Educator Preparation Program: IHEs offering educator preparation programs must comply with state-specific regulations, including licensure endorsement requirements.

Another vital agency that awards grant funds to IHEs is the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is crucial in advancing scientific research and promoting educational opportunities for students. In addition to federal statutes, regulations, and appropriations acts, IHEs must adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure that research is conducted safely and responsibly and that the work is impactful and trustworthy.

Register for the Virtual Federal Grants Forum for Institutions of Higher Education: September 13-14, 2023

Various tools and resources help grantees stay in compliance, such as the HECA Compliance Matrix. This helpful tool highlights critical federal laws and regulations that colleges and universities must follow to ensure they operate within legal limits. Understanding the intricacies of these laws can be challenging, but with the Compliance Matrix, it’s all laid out in an easy-to-read format, complete with concise summaries of each requirement. Aside from online tools, customized training programs are the most effective way to ensure your institution maintains compliance. Through targeted grants training, teams can become more adept at understanding and adhering to complex regulations, enabling them to build more efficient systems and processes. Not only does this result in better compliance with grant guidelines, but it can also lead to more successful grant applications. Investing in customized grants training for your team can help you leverage these benefits and successfully manage your grants program.

By taking advantage of customized, expert-led grants compliance training for your IHE staff from our experienced consultants here at Thompson Grants, you can guarantee that your institute is one step ahead in meeting its obligations and furthering its mission. Our training provides an easy way to bring your employees up to speed on critical information, such as key requirements and guidance for compliance with applicable laws and regulations – all while providing support along the way.

¹US Department of Education (ED). (2023, March 13). President’s FY 2023 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education. Home. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/budget23/index.html

by Timika RileyJuly 20, 2023

Mastering Grant Compliance in 2023: A Must-Have Resource Guide and Training Opportunities for Federal Grant Managers

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Navigate Grant Compliance with Ease – Start Your Free Trial of Thompson Grants Compliance Expert Now!

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.

by Timika RileyJuly 18, 2023

Unlocking the Secrets of the Uniform Guidance: The Often-Overlooked Allowable Cost for Federal Grants Training

Many nonfederal entities may focus on securing federal financial assistance and executing their grant-funded project. However, an often-overlooked cost principle in the uniform guidance can significantly impact an organization’s success in the grant award lifecycle – using grant funds as an allowable cost for staff training and professional development.

By investing in staff training, entities can improve their compliance with grant regulations, optimize their grant management processes, limit risks, and ultimately increase their chances of success in securing future grant funding. Let’s explore the importance of staff training as recipients aim to progress through the federal grants lifecycle successfully and how nonfederal entities can leverage federal grant funds to invest in their staff to serve the public through their grant-funded projects better.

According to the Subpart E cost principles of the uniform guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200), the cost item provision for memberships, subscriptions, and personal activity costs at §200.454 states: ”the cost of a nonfederal entity’s subscription to business, professional, and technical periodicals are allowable,” adding that “the cost of training and education provided for employee development is allowable.”

Of course, you should check with your program director, finance officer, or awarding agency to ensure no restrictions in the approved grant budget or the award documents preventing such subscriptions or training. If subscriptions or training are not covered under your approved budget, you may request a budget amendment or check to determine if these costs can be included within your indirect costs pool.

Above all, consider that a better-trained staff can encourage improved award administration and fewer audit findings and/or risks of improper payments, which could threaten access to current or future federal funding for your programs.

In conclusion, this often overlooked provision related to training is pivotal for entities seeking to maximize their success in the grant award lifecycle. By leveraging federal grant funds to invest in staff training, organizations can improve compliance with grant regulations, optimize grant management processes, and enhance their capacity to secure future grant funding. With Thompson Grants, federal grant professionals can benefit from expert training options, including Federal Grants Forums, workshops, eLearning courses, webinars, and custom group training programs. These resources help your team stay compliant and provide valuable continuing education credits, allowing your organization to excel in the competitive world of grant funding. If you’re considering a Thompson Grants subscription or training program, remember that you can charge the cost to a federal grant, making it even more accessible for your organization. Don’t ignore this important provision; it can help you gain training opportunities to propel your organization to new heights in federal grant management.

Additional Resources:

Intro To Indirect Cost Recovery Webinar

The Dos and Don’ts of Cost Allowability

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.

Category: Training

Thompson Grants Lifecycle Support & Training

Effectively Training Your Higher Education Staff on Grant Rules and Regulations

Mastering Grant Compliance in 2023: A Must-Have Resource Guide and Training Opportunities for Federal Grant Managers

Unlocking the Secrets of the Uniform Guidance: The Often-Overlooked Allowable Cost for Federal Grants Training

THOMPSON GRANTS

COMPLIANCE

RESOURCES

HELP

CONTACT