Organizations awarding, seeking or currently managing federal grant funds will benefit from this jam-packed session where we will cover key financial management requirements associated with federal grant funding, distilling and explaining key facets of federal requirements for award management. You will leave with practical understanding of how to integrate these requirements into your financial management to create compliant and efficient practices and avoid frustrating, time-consuming, and potentially costly mistakes and audit challenges. Note: While the focal point of this session is federal grant funding, much of the content covered serves as best practice and provides a useful framework for navigating all types of governmental and private funding and the compliance requirements thereof. (Upcoming dates: 5/24/27, 11/9/27)

Federal grantees may experience audits from different sources including CPA firms, state auditors, various Inspectors General, and others. This class will cover responsibilities of key parties in the audit process, including the auditor, auditee, and direct funder of the auditees grants. We will focus on audit procurement requirements, audit readiness, report format, funder oversight related to audits, corrective action, with an emphasis on Single Audits and Office of Inspector General audits. Participants will also learn tips to avoid common audit challenges and explore key resources for viewing and analyzing audit reports related to government grant funds, including the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and agency Inspectors General websites, enabling grant recipients and subrecipients to be more prepared for the audit environment. (Upcoming dates: 2/8/27, 8/18/27)

Funders of grants must accurately assess financial capability of prospective grantees in the pre-award environment, allowing the organization to make funding decisions and risk assessments appropriately. This class will focus on assessing the financial health or organizations and their ability to adhere to financial requirements of grants. We will cover details around the review of financial management questionnaires, financial statements and audit reports, policies and procedures, and proposed grant budgets, with an emphasis on spotting areas of risk and mitigating risk appropriately. (Upcoming dates: 5/21/27, 11/17/27)

This class will equip participants to understand the process of prospecting and applying for federal grants. We include a detailed review of Assistance Listings, Grants.gov, notices of funding opportunity/application instructions. Content will focus on the process of assessing opportunities and considering organizational readiness, creating and application project plan, assembling a team, and creating a grant application that is responsive to the NOFO, allowing an organization to be as competitive as possible. We will also consider key tips and best practices for a successful application. (Upcoming dates: 5/25/27, 11/16/27)

Artificial Intelligence applications in the grants environment are myriad, including across pre and post-award processes, for funders, applicants, and grantees. Participants will explore various AI uses in the pre-award environment, including assistance in opportunity prospecting, research, proofreading against the funding opportunity documentation, accuracy reviews, and funder intake, narrative, and budget review. We will also consider AI uses in the post-award environment, including in data analysis, reporting, and funder oversight. You will also participate in case studies modeling use of AI in the grants environment and consider potential AI uses in your context. Last, we will discuss cautions and caveats related to AI, and what those mean for you. (Upcoming date: 3/1/27)

In this class, we will have an opportunity to dig into more detailed understanding and application of the 2 CFR 200 Cost Principles, including in the areas of cost allocation, indirect costs/indirect cost rates, and various selected items of cost, including salaries and wages, fringe benefits, equipment, rental costs, travel, and conferences. In addition, we will focus on using the Cost Principles on the job, including in grant review, budget development, allowability determinations, budget modifications and prior approval requests, and audit/monitoring review and associated corrective action. (Upcoming dates: 2/9/27, 8/23/27)