Grants Management Training Course

INTRODUCTION

With lots of development projects in the offing, the ability to secure and effectively manage grants is paramount. Grants from donors are often the lifeblood of these initiatives, providing the necessary funding to drive progress and achieve significant impacts. However, managing these funds requires a high level of expertise and precision. Project management teams must ensure that resources are used efficiently, meet donor expectations, and comply with various regulations. This comprehensive training on grants management is specifically designed to equip participants with the best practices and essential skills needed for effective grants management. It is not enough to simply receive a grant; organizations must demonstrate their ability to manage these funds responsibly and transparently.

This course will provide participants with a thorough understanding of the entire grants management lifecycle, from pre-award planning to post-award implementation and reporting. Participants will learn how to navigate the complexities of grant compliance, financial management, and reporting, ensuring that their projects not only remain on track but also maximize their potential for impact. By focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, this training will empower HR professionals to take their grant management capabilities to the next level. Participants will engage with expert trainers, participate in interactive exercises, and delve into case studies that highlight successful grant management strategies. This hands-on approach ensures that attendees leave with actionable insights and the confidence to apply what they have learned to their own projects.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Handle pre-award activities to set their programs on the right track.
• Oversee post-award start-up, operational, and closeout duties.
• Ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Manage grant finances effectively.
• Report grants management progress accurately to stakeholders.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Grants management officers/managers
• Financial managers
• Project managers of donor-funded projects

Course Content

Introduction to Grants Management

• Understanding grants management
• Relationship between grants management and project development
• Key grants-related terminologies

Overview of Project Award Types

• Grants
• Contracts
• Cooperative agreements
• Subcontracts

Types of Grants

• In-kind
• Standard
• Mixed

Grants Lifecycle

• Pre-award activities: Planning, Proposal Submission, Award of Grant
• Post-award activities: Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Amendments, Reporting, Closeout

Elements of Grants Application

• Grants preparation and planning
• Developing goals and objectives
• Finalizing and submitting grants application

Grants Budgeting

• Introduction to grants budgeting
• Grants budget elements
• Budget development
• Budget management

Accounting Essentials for Grants

• Accounting for multiple grants/awards
• Tracking matching funds
• Accounting for in-kind contributions
• Developing an account code structure

Compliance

• Financial and procurement rules
• Contractual agreement compliance
• Donor compliance
• Legislative compliance
• Accounting standards and practices
• Community and cultural compliance

Contract Management

• Contract assessment
• Contract negotiation
• Contract management

Internal Control in Grants Management

• Control environment
• Risk assessment
• Control activities
• Information and communication
• Monitoring activities

Grants Reporting

• Financial reporting
• Narrative reporting
• Evaluations
• Amendments

General Notes

• The course is delivered by experienced trainers with extensive expertise in the field.
• Training includes a mix of practical activities, theoretical knowledge, group work, and case studies.
• Participants receive comprehensive training manuals and additional reference materials.
• A certificate is awarded upon successful course completion.
• Custom-tailored courses to meet specific organizational needs are available. Contact us at training@skillsforafrica.org for more information.
• The training will be conducted at the Skills for Africa Training Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The training fee covers tuition, materials, lunch, and the training venue. Accommodation and airport transfer can be arranged upon request.
• Payment should be made to our bank account before the training starts, and proof of payment sent to: training@skillsforafrica.org