# Grants Management Certificate Program

Live online certificate program to master federal grants management

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/certificates/grants-management-certificate-program>

## Overview

Annually, the federal government awards approximately $1.2 trillion in grants to state and local governments. Since grants management has evolved in a decentralized manner, the subject can be daunting to master.

This program is focused on the training needs of Federal assistance grantees, pass-through entities, grant managers, grant specialists, Federal program and project staff (including individuals in the GS-1109 classification series), monitoring officials, and auditors whose duties include compliance testing and internal control certifications, as well as attorneys with suspension/debarment responsibilities. The content focuses on both technical competencies as well as professional business competencies identified by the Office of Personnel Management.

## What you'll learn

- Learn federal grant policies and the full grants lifecycle under 2 CFR 200.
- Enhance oversight skills in performance management and monitoring.
- Prepare for and respond to grant audits and close-out requirements.
- Deepen competency in grant governance, cost principles, and recipient controls.

## Curriculum
1. **Introduction to Grants Course**
2. **Monitoring Grants Course**
3. **Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Grants Course**
4. **Cost Principles for Grants Course**
5. **Detecting and Preventing Federal Grant Fraud Course**
6. **Internal Control for Grants Course**
7. **Auditing Grants Course**
8. **AI for Federal Grants Management Course**

## Instructors

### Seitu Stephens, J.D. — Instructor

Seitu I. Stephens, J.D., is a nationally recognized trainer and consultant in federal grants management, compliance, and program oversight. With more than two decades of experience working with federal, state, territorial, and nonprofit organizations, he specializes in helping agencies and grant recipients design, manage, and monitor federally funded programs in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).

Mr. Stephens has trained hundreds of grant professionals across government agencies, community-based organizations, and institutions of higher education. His instruction focuses on practical strategies for managing federal awards, structuring and monitoring subawards, ensuring financial accountability, preparing for audits, and strengthening internal controls to protect federal funds and program outcomes.

He has developed and delivered numerous professional development courses on topics including grant program design, risk assessment, subrecipient monitoring, procurement under federal awards, and audit preparation. His courses combine regulatory expertise with real-world case studies that help participants translate complex federal requirements into effective operational practices.

In addition to his training work, Mr. Stephens advises organizations on strengthening grant management systems, improving compliance frameworks, and building sustainable partnerships between government agencies and community-based organizations.

Mr. Stephens holds a Juris Doctor degree and is widely respected for his engaging instructional style and his ability to make complex federal grant regulations clear, practical, and actionable for practitioners.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $5499