Here is the minimalist guide to internal controls: Just remember 3-5-7. Let’s face it, understanding internal controls is critical to continued grant funding. A lack of well-developed internal controls can lead to costs being disallowed and even suspension and debarment from future grants. Does it seem overwhelming? Look at our simplified approach of 3-5-7. The […]
Best Practices
Inspector General Finds Unallowable Grant Costs
“Repay the unallowable costs!” That is the result no grant manager wants to hear, especially with federal funding. So, I speak a lot about keeping federal grants from being unallowable grant costs in terms of strong internal controls. Let’s shift gears and look at a real-life case study from the Office of the Inspector General […]
5 Things I learned at the Grant Professional Association (GPA) Conference
I’m attending and presenting at the upcoming Grant Professional Association Conference. Now I admit it. I was slow to join any type of professional organization. It seemed impossible to fit into my already busy schedule. But I took a chance on the GPA and what I discovered is that connecting with other grant professionals not […]
Mystery of the Grant Fraud Triangle
Grant fraud is a mystery to many of us. How can it happen? Why would someone do it? And more importantly: How can federal grant recipients avoid grant fraud? Solving the mystery of “The Fraud Triangle” was led by criminologist Dr. Donald Cressey and is based on his well-accepted behavioral research model studying embezzlers. 3 […]
How Safe is Your Grant from Conflicts of Interest?
Good grants management requires grantees to use their federal funds in the best interests of their Federal grants and not have a conflict of interest. But when the people put their personal best interests before the best interests of the Federal program the result can shatter trust-both with the funding agency and within the organization. And […]
How to Create Written Procurement Procedures from Scratch
The requirement for written procurement procedures is part of the Uniform Guidance that many federal grant recipients have been slow to implement. So if you are wondering how to create the “dreaded” written procurement procedures manual from scratch, don’t worry. I have created a roadmap for success on this federal grant requirement. Written Procurement Procedures […]