Risk assessment is a critical responsibility for grant funders and is strongly linked to informed funding decisions, effective oversight, and successful grant outcomes. In this session, participants will explore the purpose and practical application of risk assessment in grantmaking and grants management. We will examine how risk assessment affects the full grants lifecycle—from pre-award decision-making and award issuance to the post-award environment. Participants will review sample risk assessment formats and methodologies, and focus on on how risk assessment can strengthen—not strain—the funding relationship. Participants will learn strategies for using risk assessment results to inform monitoring plans, target technical assistance, support grantee capacity-building, and promote stronger programmatic and compliance outcomes for both funders and recipients.
Learning Objectives:
Jerry Bertrand
Jerry Bertrand, CGMS, leads Public Impact Advisors, a federal grants management consulting and training firm. Jerry’s background includes work in state government and the nonprofit sector, implementing and overseeing state/federal program funding. Jerry’s areas of specialty include the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200); grants and financial management compliance, policies, procedures and systems; cost allowability; avoiding and recovering from audit challenges; and training in all of these areas.