Growing with Grants-Video Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Growing with Grant’s presentation, hosted by NGMA Executive Director Tip Tucker Kendall alongside experts Abby Rollins and Susan Durham, aims to equip organizations with the knowledge and tools to effectively secure and manage grant funding, emphasizing long-term sustainability and compliance. The session covers the full grant lifecycle: pre-award (finding and applying for grants), award acceptance, post-award implementation, ongoing monitoring, closeout, and audits. It stresses the critical importance of understanding grant rules, regulations (especially the federal Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200), and compliance to avoid pitfalls like misuse of funds, reporting errors, and legal issues including fraud.<br /><br />Key topics discussed include the necessity for strong internal controls, comprehensive policies and procedures, clear roles and responsibilities, and a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethics throughout an organization. Leadership buy-in is vital to secure resources, streamline processes, and foster collaboration. The presentation highlights risk management strategies and the use of readiness self-assessment tools to evaluate organizational capacity, gaps, and sustainability plans before pursuing grants.<br /><br />Speakers detailed the importance of assembling skilled teams with diverse expertise (accounting, legal, project management, compliance) and leveraging technology—from financial systems to AI—for efficiency. They also underscored the significance of ongoing training, particularly on compliance and federal regulations, to prevent costly errors and audit findings. The presentation closed with guidance on working with subrecipients versus contractors, navigating audits, and maintaining meticulous documentation to demonstrate compliance and preserve public trust. NGMA’s resources, certifications (Certified Grants Management Specialist), and upcoming trainings were promoted as vital supports for grant professionals navigating an ever-evolving funding landscape.

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