# Detecting and Preventing Federal Grant Fraud Course

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/detecting-and-preventing-fraud-on-federal-grants-projects>

## Overview

This course builds a practical toolkit for preventing and detecting fraud in federal grants. Participants examine fraud risks, test internal controls, and practice detection techniques using case-based exercises that mirror real oversight situations.

By the end, participants will be able to conduct a fraud-focused risk assessment, design a prevention-oriented monitoring process with action items, evaluate internal controls for vulnerabilities, and analyze cases to determine how fraud could have been prevented or detected earlier.

## What you'll learn

- Conduct fraud-focused risk assessments in the context of federal grants.
- Design monitoring processes that emphasize prevention and include actionable steps.
- Evaluate internal controls to identify gaps and vulnerabilities.
- Apply fraud detection techniques through case-based exercises.
- Analyze real-world scenarios to identify how fraud could have been prevented or detected.
- Build a practical toolkit for reducing fraud risk across awards and subawards.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Federal Financial Assistance—Fraud Risks and Context

- Recognize fraud risk factors across recipients and subrecipients.
- Separate waste/abuse from fraudulent acts and red flags.
- Frame oversight priorities using risk indicators.

#### Module 2: Importance of Internal Controls for Fraud Prevention

- Map controls to common fraud schemes and vulnerabilities.
- Strengthen segregation of duties and system safeguards.
- Link monitoring results to control improvements.

#### Module 3: Detecting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

- Identify transactional anomalies and documentation gaps.
- Use data, sampling, and site reviews to detect issues.
- Escalate concerns and coordinate with oversight bodies.

#### Module 4: Case Studies, Testing, and Action Plans

- Evaluate internal controls for vulnerabilities in scenarios.
- Draft prevention/detection action items with owners and timelines.
- Capture lessons learned to reduce future risk.

## Schedule
- Aug 12, 2026 – Aug 13, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 16, 2026 – Nov 17, 2026 — Live Online

## 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:** $1050