Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Grant Financial Management
- Overview of the financial components of grant applications.
- Understanding the role of budgeting in grant competitiveness.
- Key terminology and concepts in grant finance.
Week 2: Crafting Accurate Budgets
- Techniques for developing comprehensive and realistic budgets.
- Identifying budget categories and estimating costs effectively.
- Strategies for including direct and indirect costs.
Week 3: Justifying Costs and Budget Alignment
- Methods for justifying budget items to funders.
- Ensuring alignment of budget with project objectives and outcomes.
- Addressing common funding agency expectations for budget justification.
Week 4: Best Practices for Financial Tracking
- Establishing systems for monitoring financial performance.
- Techniques for maintaining accurate financial records and documentation.
- Utilizing software and tools for budgeting and financial management.
Week 5: Compliance and Reporting Requirements
- Understanding compliance issues related to grant funding.
- Developing skills for preparing financial reports and statements.
- Best practices for communicating financial information to stakeholders.
Week 6: Preparing for Future Funding Opportunities
- Leveraging financial management success for future grant applications.
- Identifying new funding opportunities based on budgetary successes.
- Strategies for building a sustainable financial plan for ongoing research initiatives.
