Overview

This three-day course provides a foundational overview of federal grants and cooperative agreements from concept through closeout. Participants examine the evolution of policy and the core regulatory framework—especially the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200—to understand how compliance, roles, and documentation are structured across programs. Through lecture, discussion, case studies, and practical exercises, learners connect policy to day-to-day grants management tasks.

Learning outcomes include the ability to identify the stages of the grants lifecycle, distinguish mandatory from discretionary programs, and interpret pre-award and post-award requirements. Participants will become conversant with key award components, the government decision and application processes (including Grants.gov), and recipient monitoring and audit expectations. The course also builds baseline negotiation and performance oversight skills relevant to federal assistance.

Syllabus

Module 1: Evolution of Grant Policy, Regulations, and Management

Overview of the history and development of federal grant policy and oversight.
Key regulations and guidance that shape modern grants and cooperative agreements.
How policy shifts affect agency practices and recipient responsibilities.

Module 2: Uniform Administrative Requirements (2 CFR 200)

Structure and intent of the Uniform Guidance and how it consolidates requirements.
Core definitions, applicability, and compliance expectations for recipients.
Roles of federal agencies and pass-through entities in ensuring compliance.

Module 3: Grant Management Lifecycle—Mandatory and Discretionary Grants

Stages from concept and announcement through award, performance, and closeout.
Differences between mandatory and discretionary programs and their implications.
Decision points, documentation, and oversight touchpoints across the lifecycle.