Course Overview

This Regewall Training Institute course is to equip participants with the technical skills and ethical framework necessary to manage donor funds effectively. It bridges the gap between programmatic impact and financial accountability, ensuring that every dollar granted contributes to the intended social change while remaining compliant with strict donor regulations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Navigate the specific compliance requirements of major global donors (e.g., USAID, EU, UN, Global Fund).

• Develop robust project budgets that align with strategic goals.

• Implement internal control systems to prevent fraud and mismanagement.

• Generate accurate financial reports that satisfy both internal stakeholders and external auditors.

• Manage the full “Grant Life Cycle” from proposal to close-out.

Module Outline

Module 1: Introduction to the Donor Landscape

• Understanding Donor Types: Institutional donors, private foundations, and bilateral/multilateral agencies.

• The Grant Life Cycle: From pre-award assessments to post-closeout audits.

• Donor Expectations: Shifting trends from “activity-based” funding to “results-based” financing.

Module 2: Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Linking Programs to Finance: Creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

• Cost Categorization: Distinguishing between direct costs, indirect costs (NICRA/overhead), and shared costs.

• Budget Narratives: How to justify costs to a donor effectively.

Module 3: Compliance and Legal Frameworks

• Grant Agreements: Interpreting “The Fine Print” (Standard Provisions).

• Procurement Standards: Competitive bidding, vendor selection, and anti-terrorism vetting.

• Allowable vs. Unallowable Costs: Identifying what donors will and will not pay for.

Module 4: Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Segregation of Duties: Protecting the organization from internal fraud.

• Audit Readiness: Maintaining the “Paper Trail” (vouchers, receipts, and electronic logs).

• Risk Mitigation: Managing currency fluctuations and inflation in multi-year grants.

Module 5: Financial Reporting and Monitoring

• Budget vs. Actual (BvA) Analysis: Identifying variances and taking corrective action.

• Reporting Cycles: Monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements.

• Matching Funds and Cost-Share: Tracking and documenting organization contributions.

Module 6: Grant Close-out and Sustainability

• The Final Audit: Preparing for external verification.

• Asset Disposition: What happens to equipment purchased with donor funds?

• Sustainability Planning: Transitioning from donor dependence to diversified funding streams.