Growing with Grants-Video Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This presentation from NGMA’s “Growing with Grants” program focused on helping organizations assess whether they are truly ready to apply for and manage federal grant funding. Tip Tucker Kendall opened by explaining that the program was created to educate organizations early, before they receive funding, so they understand the long-term compliance responsibilities that come with grants. She emphasized that compliance is especially important now because federal funding is under increased scrutiny and proposed changes to Uniform Guidance may soon affect grant rules.<br /><br />Presenters Abby Rollins and Susan Durham walked through the full grant lifecycle: pre-award, award, post-award, monitoring, closeout, and audit. They explained key topics such as identifying funding opportunities, reviewing NOFOs, checking eligibility, preparing strong proposals, submitting applications correctly, and managing funds responsibly once awarded. They highlighted the importance of internal controls, detailed budgets, accurate reporting, record retention, and monitoring sub-recipients if applicable.<br /><br />The speakers also focused on organizational readiness. Leadership support, a culture of compliance, and cross-departmental involvement from finance, legal, IT, HR, and program staff are essential. They stressed that grants are not “just money,” but mission-driven obligations that require planning, sustainability, and the right mix of staff skills, systems, and training.<br /><br />Finally, they reviewed common risks and consequences of noncompliance, including repayment, fines, audit findings, suspension, debarment, grant termination, and reputational damage. They closed by encouraging organizations to use NGMA’s readiness assessment tool to evaluate people, processes, and resources before pursuing grants.

Keywords

grant lifecycle

grant funding

NGMA

Tip Tucker Kendall

Abby Rollins

Susan Durham

Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200

grant compliance

internal controls

risk management

grant management training

Certified Grants Management Specialist

federal grants

grant readiness

Uniform Guidance

compliance

NOFO review

award management

record retention

subrecipient monitoring

audit findings