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Postcards from the Edge of United Way’s Grant World. Things you really need to know before you take on that grant. Financial Management and Human Resources Forum. Atlanta, GA October 7-9, 2013. “ It Takes a Village”. October 8, 2013.
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Postcards from the Edge of United Way’s Grant World Things you really need to know before you take on that grant Financial Management and Human Resources Forum Atlanta, GA October 7-9, 2013
“It Takes a Village” October 8, 2013
Organization Preparedness Considerations:Should we apply? • Is it an organizational fit? • Does your UW understand the requirements of the grant? • What are the financial implications? • Are you prepared to say no? • COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE October 8, 2013
Organization Preparedness Considerations:Applying for the Grant • Assemble a cross-functional team and assign a grant owner • Set regular meetings • Establish work plans and deadlines • Understand the resources needed to implement and execute the grant (remember you can still say no) • COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE October 8, 2013
Organization Preparedness Considerations:You got the grant, now time to implement • Establish department leads • Assign roles and responsibilities • Understand reporting and deadlines • Set regular meetings • COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE October 8, 2013
“And There’s One More Thing” October 8, 2013
Human Resources Considerations: • Pre-Hiring Considerations • Position description specific to grant need • Position posting internally • Management of employment application • Pre employment testing • Offer of employment letter October 8, 2013
Human Resources Considerations: • Human Resources Policy Changes • Compensation policy • Personal automobile insurance required for grant functions • Facility security • Grant employee retention • Allocation of time for all employees October 8, 2013
Human Resources Considerations: Other Changes • Allocation of time for employees • Identifying “indirect” personnel • Workers comp rate increase due to grant needs • New reception procedures if grant includes client contact • Conflict over grant acquisitions (furniture, laptops) October 8, 2013
Assets Purchases and Building Space Considerations: • Grant Determines Asset Ownership • Allocation of Office Costs • Software • Managing Multi-site Grants October 8, 2013
“Free Money, What’s the Catch?” October 8, 2013
Financial Considerations: Cash-Flow • Fee for Service/Cost Reimbursement/Pay for Performance Grants • Funding upfront costs outlays • Matching Funds Requirements • Billing • Funds spent or days funding requirements • Audit Costs • Reimbursable October 8, 2013
Financial Considerations: Cost Recovery • Administrative Cost Recovery • Allowable? • Actual costs recovery or standard allowance • Potential conflicts with CI/Development on need for Administrative cost recovery • Program Costs Fully Recovered • In-kind requirement October 8, 2013
Financial Considerations: Other • Additional Work for Finance/Accounting & the Rest of the Organization • Small grants may be as much work as large grants • Revenue Recognition Confusion • Multi-year grants/crossing fiscal years • Information Systems Adequacy • Are additional investments required? Will grant cover? • Manual processes/work • End of Grant Life Planning • Does the program end post grant funding or is UW on the hook • Insurance October 8, 2013
Financial Considerations: Grant Compliance & Administration • State/Federal/Private Foundation • Big difference for compliance • Grant Funds Restrictions • Clarity on fund use • Internal Controls & Policies Needed to Ensure Compliance • Costs associated with putting controls/policies in place • Subcontractor/Recipient Monitoring Review & Reporting • Employee Time Tracking & Cost Allocations • Funder Audits • Reporting October 8, 2013
Not done yet!! ... and now the fun begins... October 8, 2013
Audit Considerations: • Overview of A-133 Audit • Cost of the audit and how you pass it on to grants • Ask your auditor to quote and bill grant fees separately • A-133 Audit Process • Audit Committee Oversight for A-133 audit • General audit plan / compliance supplement • Demonstration grants and changing rules • Auditor experience with A-133 audits • Also...Subject to Federal Audits • Audit of the indirect cost plan by the cognizant federal agency • OIG audits vs. Departmental funding audits vs. A-133 audits October 8, 2013
Audit Considerations: • Program Reporting • As required by funder and keeping the documentation to back up both program and financial information • Program information may be written files and not in a computer program • Sub grantee auditing & your responsibility • Recordkeeping and Retention • Keeping the materials after the grant is over may take storage and more space than anticipated October 8, 2013