Grants Made Manageable: An Introduction to Grant Writing and Post-Award Compliance
- April 8 - 9, 2026
April 8-9, 2026 | Multi-Day | In-Person | Price: $350
Registration will close on March 31, 2026.
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.
SCHEDULE:
Members of Civic Federal Credit Union (Civic) are eligible to apply for a scholarship towards registration fees for programs offered by the School of Government. There are four deadlines to submit applications:
- March 1: for programs starting between April 1 and June 30
- June 1: for programs starting between July 1 and September 30
- September 1: for programs starting between October 1 and December 31
- December 1: for programs starting between January 1 and March 31
Additional information
SCHOLARSHIP and DISCOUNT INFORMATION:
The School of Government is grateful to offer a number of scholarship and discount opportunities for public officials who wish to participate in our continuing education programs. Scholarships and discounts are available both internally through the School and through the generous support of partnering organizations.
Learn more about the range of these opportunities on our Scholarship and Discount Opportunities page.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Please see the School’s list of recommended area hotels.
PARKING INFORMATION:
Parking details will be provided to you by your program manager the week prior to the program. Additional directions and parking information can be found on our Visitor Information page.
MATERIALS:
Program materials will be available in CANVAS as they are received from instructors. Instructions for accessing or creating a log-in to CANVAS can be found on the program materials site.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Course participants who cancel their registration more than 7 calendar days before the course start date will receive a full refund. Otherwise, participants will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. More information can be found in the full cancellation and refund policy.
- April 8 - 9, 2026View Cancellation PolicyCourse participants who cancel their registration on or before March 31, 2026 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after April 01, 2026, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.$350.00Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414.
Bryan Matthews
