Grants Made Manageable is a two-day, workshop-style course designed for new grants professionals seeking a practical, hands-on introduction to grant writing and grant management. Using real-world examples and interactive exercises, the course follows the full grant lifecycle—from identifying funding opportunities to post-award management and closeout. While federal grants are used as the primary teaching framework, the concepts, tools, and compliance principles covered in the course are broadly applicable to state, local, and private grant programs as well.

Day one focuses on the front end of the process: how to identify grant opportunities, evaluate eligibility and organizational readiness, and craft strong, competitive applications. Participants will learn how to read and interpret a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), align projects with funder priorities, develop clear narratives, and avoid common application pitfalls.

Day two introduces core federal compliance concepts grounded in the Uniform Guidance. Participants will learn to:

• Assess whether costs are allowable, reasonable, and properly documented;
• Establish budgeting and financial tracking practices that support audit readiness;
• Navigate responsibilities related to real property and equipment; and
• Understand how federal and state procurement rules apply to everyday purchasing decisions, including how to choose the correct procurement method, comply with common contract requirements, and avoid common mistakes.

The course is ideal for local government staff who are new to grants or seeking a clearer understanding of how grant writing and compliance fit together.