Managing Public Grants
Introduction
| Roles
and Relationships in Managing Federal Grants
Managing Grants Overview
This guidebook serves as a resource to assist intermediary organizations in effectively managing Federal grants so that funded project goals are achieved in compliance with Federal regulations and reporting requirements. It is a resource for answering frequently asked questions and directing you to necessary resources and information to assist in effectively and efficiently implementing your funded project.
As a recipient of Federal funds, understanding and honoring the requirements set forth by the Federal awarding agency is critical to successfully implementing your funded project. Unlike funds from private foundations or individuals, Federal funds require compliance with what may initially seem to be an overwhelming number of requirements. This guidebook will provide you with resources and general information about grant management policies for most Federal funding agencies. Questions are bound to arise as you set up and implement your funded project. Since each Federal agency has specific requirements, it is critical that you become very familiar with the terms of your award and the Federal staff assigned to oversee your project.
Critical
Elements of Grants Management
Your application details the specific project activities your organization will undertake and the objectives you want to accomplish. The cooperative agreement or grant agreement specifies the terms of the award. The award package includes the notice of award specifying the amount of the award, project period, budget period, standard terms and conditions, reporting requirements and required forms for submission.
| Implementing and managing your funded project is a group effort. The process involves your program staff and administrators and Federal staff-including a Federal program officer and a grants management officer. Federal program officers work in concert with grants management officers in overseeing funded projects. We'll examine their different roles later on in the next section, Roles and Responsibilities in Managing Federal Grants. | |
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| For now, you need to understand that both will provide valuable assistance to you. Your project staff will work together with Federal staff, guided by the terms and conditions of the award, to effectively and successfully manage the funded project. | ||||||
Federal Grants
Management Policies
Who develops the policies related to grants management? The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) works cooperatively with grantmaking Federal agencies and the recipient community to lead in the development of government-wide policy. They assure that grants are managed properly and that Federal dollars are spent in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
OMB Circulars
Office of Management and Budget circulars govern all rules for Federal grant management. It is very important to become familiar with government-wide circular requirements that apply to your organization type. OMB circulars can be accessed online at www.omb.gov. The information presented in this guidebook is derived from the following OMB Circulars:
- OMB Circular A-110: Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Nonprofit Organizations
- OMB CircularA-122: Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations
- OMB Circular A-127: Policies and Standards for Financial Management Systems
- OMB CircularA-133: Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations
- OMB Circular A-134: Financial Accounting Principles and Standards
Educational institutions and commercial (for-profit) companies are governed by different OMB Circulars, which are not discussed in this guidebook. However, those OMB Circulars and additional information can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/omb.
Agency Requirements
Each Federal awarding agency is governed by OMB A-110 and applicable Federal law. You can find The Code of Federal Regulations online at www.gpo.gov/nara/cfr. The following list will help you identify the governing legislation in the Code of Federal Regulations for each of the agencies listed below:
- Health & Human Services 45 CFR 74
- Education 34 CFR 74
- Housing & Urban Development 24 CFR 84
- Justice 28 CFR 70
- Labor 29 CFR 95
The governing legislation for each agency details specific terms, requirements and conditions for all funding awards issued by the applicable Federal agency. The CFR is organized by subsection; accessing it online will provide you with direct links to specific sections. This allows you to easily search for information related to a topic or question you may have.
Introduction
| Roles
and Relationships in Managing Federal Grants