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Grant Writing Certificate Program

FALL 2024 UPDATE: Due to the devastation in Asheville, NC and the surrounding areas, all Professional Development and Workshops hosted through WCU Educational Outreach are postponed and will be rescheduled for Spring 2025.

For questions please contact learn@wcu.edu or 828-227-7397.

Full Grant Life-Cycle Management Certificate Program

September 26-27, October 3-4, October 10-11 (9am - 1pm each day)
WCU Asheville Instructional Site - Biltmore Park 

Efficient and effective grant management is crucial for organizations seeking funding to support their programs and initiatives. Full Grant Life-Cycle Management is a comprehensive approach to overseeing the entire process, from application submission to grant monitoring and evaluation.

This course provides participants the understanding and ways to effectively managing the full grant life-cycle, organizations can ensure efficient and transparent grant processes, maximize impact with limited resources, build strong relationships with grantees, and uphold accountability to stakeholders and funders. Additionally, attending this program on Full Grant Life-Cycle Management will provide you with practical tools and strategies to optimize your grant management practices. You will learn how to use technology to streamline processes, track progress, and generate reports effectively. Moreover, you will gain insights into best practices for compliance, risk management, and performance measurement in grant management. Ultimately this leads to the success and sustainability of the organization's mission and impact in the communities you serve.

Course Modules:

Module 1 - Grant Life-Cycle and Grant Application Submission - September 26
Module 2 - Application Review and Evaluation - September 27
Module 3 - Grant Approval and Distribution - October 3
Module 4 - Grant Monitoring and Compliance - October 4
Module 5 - Record and Impact Assessment - October 10
Module 6 - System Administration and Training - October 11

Cost:

Individual Session: $160.00
Full Certificate: $799.00

Registration Now Open

   




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Course Module Descriptions

At the end of the program, you will:
• Understand the components of the Grant Life-Cycle, Why Implementing full Grant Life-cycle Management is important, and Identify methods of implementing Grant Cycle Management Methodology.
• Understand what a successful application looks like, by clearly addresses the grantor's priorities and objectives.
• Learn how to effectively manage the grant life cycle and adhering to best practices in grant approval, disbursement, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Learn how to successfully track the progress of funded projects, ensuring compliance with grant agreements, and identifying any issues or challenges that may arise during implementation.
• Learn to utilize tools to ensure accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the
use of funds.
• Learn what an appropriate system should be in place to administer grants and training
that aid in Grants Management.

Module 1: Grant Lifecycle, Application and Submission: During this module, we will introduce and discuss the Full Grant Life-Cycle Management process and the components of the Grant Life-Cycle, why Implementing full Grant Life-cycle Management is important, and Identify methods of implementing Grant Cycle Management Methodology and how important the components of the application and submittal process are.

Module 2: Application Review and Evaluation: During this module, participants will understand the evaluation criteria and requirements set forth by grantors. Ensuring that the application clearly addresses the grantor's priorities and objectives, As well ensuring the necessary supporting documentation and information requested in the application is concise and specific in articulating the project's goals, activities, and expected outcomes.

Module 3: Grant Approval and Disbursement: Ensuring the successful management of grants and maximizing the impact of grant funding. Grant approval and disbursement processes should be transparent, timely, and compliant with all relevant regulations and guidelines. Monitoring and evaluation help to track project progress, measure impact, and assess the effectiveness of grant-funded activities. By effectively managing the grant life cycle and adhering to best practices in grant approval, disbursement, monitoring, and evaluation, organizations can ensure that grant funds are used efficiently and that desired outcomes are achieved.

Module 4: Grant Monitoring and Compliance: Efficient and effective grant monitoring and compliance are essential for ensuring that grant funds are used appropriately, outcomes are achieved, and reporting requirements are met. Grant monitoring involves tracking the progress of funded projects, ensuring compliance with grant agreements, and identifying any issues or challenges that may arise during implementation. We will discuss and provide tools that identify and support the key aspects of grant monitoring and compliance.

 Module 5: Reporting and Impact Assessment: Reporting and impact assessment are critical aspects of grant management that ensure accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the use of funds. We will discuss the key details regarding reporting and impact assessment for grants: Reporting Requirements, Financial and Programmatic Reporting, Impact assessment and reporting tools and templates. Come and delve deeper into any specific aspect of reporting or impact assessment for grants.

Module 6: System Administration and Training: Ensuring you have the right System in place for administration of grants and training play essential roles in effective grants management. We will discuss the key details regarding system administration and training in the context of grants management. From Grant Management Systems, training for grants management, to documentation and compliance.

Instructor - DeMakus Staton

DaMakus Staton

 

DeMakus Staton CGMS, is the Owner/CEO of D&G Associates Consulting Group LLC. DeMakus also worked as the Grants/Contract Manager for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). He has over 13+ years of experience as a key cog in securing and managing EBCI’s external resources serving within the Treasury Division. DeMakus has worked with over 50 different federal, state, and private agencies. He has managed over $50 million of annual expenditures from external sources.

He served as the Chair of the Tribal Administration Committee for United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), also is appointed representative for the Department of Interior Tribal Interior Budget Council and Self-Governance Advisory Committee (Eastern Region). Currently serving as a Board Member, of the National Grants Management Associations (NGMA). Mr. Staton holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting and Entrepreneurship (Western Carolina University) He has been a contributing advisor and presenter for several Federal and local agencies and has obtain the Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) credential and also the Native American Finance Officers association (NAFOA)- Tribal Financial Manger Certificate.

He is a believer in higher education, and continuous training. Organization and communication skills are very important to him. He believes that accuracy and accountability are two qualities that should be held at the upmost standard by any individual that shepherds any financial information.

 

Supports, Modifications, and/or Accommodations for Participants

All participants are welcome. For questions regarding access and accommodations, please contact WCU Educational Outreach at learn@wcu.edu or by phone at 828.227.7397.

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