# Monitoring Grants Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/monitoring-grants>

## Overview

This focused course clarifies what effective grant monitoring looks like, how to scale oversight by risk, and how to complete closeout correctly. Participants learn the language of monitoring, the linkage between risk and internal control, and how to select and execute the right mix of oversight techniques.

By the end, participants will be able to explain legislative requirements for monitoring and internal controls; define key terms related to monitoring and risk assessment; describe programmatic and fiscal monitoring techniques; outline site-visit benefits and steps; develop recommendations for closeout; and summarize pass-through monitoring responsibilities and closeout requirements.

Ideal for program and grants personnel who conduct recipient oversight, pass-through entities responsible for subrecipient monitoring, and newer staff tasked with closeout duties seeking practical, step-by-step guidance.

## What you'll learn

- Explain legislative requirements that govern monitoring and internal controls.
- Define key terms related to monitoring, risk assessment, and internal control.
- Describe both programmatic and fiscal monitoring techniques.
- Outline the benefits and essential steps of conducting site visits.
- Develop recommendations and procedures for effective grant closeout.
- Summarize responsibilities for pass-through monitoring and closeout compliance.

## Prerequisites

Students should have prior experience in grants management or program oversight, including familiarity with risk assessment concepts, internal control principles, and basic programmatic or fiscal monitoring practices.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Legislative Requirements for Monitoring, Risk Management, and Internal Controls

- Interpret statutory/administrative expectations for monitoring.
- Tie risk management to internal control frameworks and oversight.
- Translate requirements into actionable monitoring plans.

#### Module 2: Monitoring and Risk—Key Terms and Concepts

- Define risk criteria and monitoring terminology in the grants context.
- Use risk ratings to tailor oversight activities.
- Document rationales for monitoring intensity and scope.

#### Module 3: Best Practices in Programmatic Monitoring Techniques

- Assess progress vs. performance measures and budget alignment.
- Record findings and corrective action timelines.
- Understanding performance metrics and measurements.

#### Module 4: Best Practices in Fiscal Monitoring Techniques

- Plan and conduct desk reviews, data checks, and evidence requests.
- Record findings and corrective action timelines.
- Best practices in internal auditing.

#### Module 5: Benefits and Mechanics of Site Visits

- Prepare agendas, sampling approaches, and interview guides.
- Verify internal controls and source documentation on-site.
- Communicate results and required follow-up.

#### Module 6: Closeout Roles, Steps, and Best Practices

- Compile final technical and financial reports and property records.
- Resolve open items and confirm audit/reporting completion.
- Establish retention timelines and transition obligations.

## Schedule
- Aug 26, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online
- Dec 14, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online

## Instructors

### Alan McCain — Curriculum Program Manager

Alan McCain is a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer. He brings over 30 years of experience spanning federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics support, supply chain and inventory management, as well as major IT acquisition.

 

He possesses extensive, hands-on budget and audit experience across Federal, State, and Local government operations, including work within the Executive Office of the President and the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C., among others.

 

Alan’s consulting background includes strategic planning and business development with the District of Columbia government, multiple federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Certified Government/Defense Financial Manager (CGFM/DFM), holds a Teaching Certification from Harvard University’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and earned an Executive MBA in International Business from The George Washington University.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $649