Strong Starts: Building Grant Management Skills that Last

Effective grant management is critical for ensuring compliance, safeguarding resources, and achieving project goals. This two-day training provides participants with a practical introduction to the fundamentals of managing federal and non-federal grants. Through interactive discussions, case examples, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to interpret grant terms and conditions, track expenses, prepare reports, and avoid common compliance pitfalls. The session will highlight the key differences between federal and non-federal funder requirements, while also reinforcing universal best practices for accountability, documentation, and communication.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
  • Differentiate between federal and non-federal grant requirements, including key regulations such as 2 CFR 200. 
  • Explain the roles and responsibilities of principal investigators, project staff, fiscal officers, and grant administrators. 
  • Apply best practices for financial management, including allowable costs, budget monitoring, cost sharing, and documentation. 
  • Recognize common compliance requirements such as reporting deadlines, procurement standards, and subrecipient monitoring. 
  • Develop strategies for communicating effectively with funders, internal stakeholders, and auditors. 
  • Identify tools and processes that support successful grant management, from project startup through closeout.

Summary of Topics

  • Understanding the grant lifecycle and key roles
  • Federal vs. non-federal requirements (including 2 CFR 200)
  • Budget monitoring, allowable costs, and cost share rules
  • Compliance responsibilities: reporting, procurement, and subrecipient oversight
  • Documentation and audit readiness best practices
  • Effective communication with funders and internal partners
  • Common pitfalls and practical problem-solving strategies

Available Sessions

Inquire about upcoming sessions at ExecEd@louisville.edu.