About The Event
This specialized workshop provides in-depth training for managing USAID grants effectively. Participants will learn the intricacies of the USAID funding process, including proposal development, compliance requirements, financial reporting, and performance monitoring. Through practical exercises and real-life case studies, attendees will gain the skills necessary to secure and manage USAID grants, ensuring successful project implementation and accountability.
Introduction to USAID Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Morning Session:
Welcome and Workshop Overview
Introduction to participants and facilitators.
Overview of workshop objectives and structure.
USAID Grant Mechanisms Overview
Types of USAID funding mechanisms (grants, cooperative agreements, contracts).
Differences between grants and cooperative agreements.
Key USAID Policies and Regulations
Introduction to USAID Automated Directives System (ADS).
Key regulations governing USAID grants (2 CFR 200, ADS 303).
Afternoon Session:
Understanding USAID Program Cycles
Overview of USAID’s planning, design, and implementation processes.
USAID’s program cycle stages and their impact on grant management.
Case Study
Review of successful USAID-funded projects.
Group discussion on lessons learned.
Activities:
Group discussion on USAID funding mechanisms.
Case study analysis.
Grant Proposal Development and Compliance
Morning Session:
Proposal Writing for USAID
Key elements of a winning USAID proposal.
Aligning proposals with USAID priorities and objectives.
Budgeting for USAID grants: Developing a compliant and realistic budget.
Compliance with USAID Rules
USAID’s compliance requirements: financial, programmatic, and regulatory.
2 CFR 200 and its implications for grant recipients.
Afternoon Session:
Cost Principles and Allowable Costs
Overview of USAID’s cost principles (direct, indirect, allowable, unallowable costs).
Budget narratives and justification.
Workshop on Proposal Development
Hands-on session: Developing a grant proposal outline.
Activities:
Group exercise: Creating a budget for a USAID proposal.
Hands-on practice: Writing key sections of a USAID grant proposal.
Financial Management and Reporting
Morning Session:
Financial Management Best Practices
Overview of USAID financial management requirements.
Accounting systems, internal controls, and financial oversight.
Developing a financial management plan for USAID grants.
Cost Share and Program Income
Understanding cost share (match) requirements and documentation.
Program income: how to generate, report, and utilize it under USAID regulations.
Afternoon Session:
Financial Reporting for USAID Grants
Reporting requirements (SF-425 and other financial reports).
How to prepare accurate and timely financial reports for USAID.
Audit Requirements
USAID audit requirements (Single Audit, ADS 591).
Preparing for audits and ensuring compliance.
Activities:
Group exercise on developing a financial reporting schedule.
Practical session: Preparing a sample financial report for USAID.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) for USAID Projects
Morning Session:
Introduction to USAID MEL Requirements
Key concepts of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL).
USAID MEL frameworks and how to align them with grant objectives.
Developing MEL Plans
How to design an MEL plan for USAID projects.
Identifying performance indicators and setting up monitoring systems.
Afternoon Session:
Data Collection and Reporting
Methods and tools for data collection.
Reporting results and performance to USAID.
Learning and Adaptive Management
Using MEL data for adaptive management.
Integrating learning into project design and implementation.
Activities:
Group exercise: Developing a sample MEL plan for a USAID-funded project.
Data analysis and reporting practical session.
Risk Management, Closeout, and Sustainability
Morning Session:
Risk Management in USAID Grants
Identifying and managing risks in USAID-funded projects.
Risk mitigation strategies and USAID’s risk management requirements.
Grant Closeout Procedures
Steps for the closeout of USAID grants.
Final financial and performance reporting requirements.
Afternoon Session:
Sustainability and Exit Strategies
Developing sustainability plans for USAID-funded projects.
Strategies for long-term impact and transitioning from USAID support.
Final Presentations and Wrap-up
Participants present their grant management strategies.
Recap of key learnings and Q&A.
Activities:
Group presentations on risk management and sustainability.
Workshop evaluation and feedback.
Deliverables:
Workshop materials (manuals, templates, guidelines).
Certificate of completion.
Target Audience:
NGO managers, grant officers, finance officers, and any professionals working on USAID-funded projects.
This workshop covers the end-to-end process of managing USAID grants, from proposal development to compliance, financial management, and project closeout.
