Grants Management Training Day requires a separate registration. NCJA Members and staff of member organizations enjoy special discounted registration rates. To register, please visit the Registration tab. Save $50 by bundling your Forum and GMT Day registration together.

 

​Monday, August 4, 2025

11:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET

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How to Participate

This program is offered fully virtually! Links will be provided below to navigate to each session. Breakout sessions will take place in separate Zoom rooms. Please be sure to provide your full name (first and last) when logging into any session so we can verify your attendance.

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Audio is provided via VOIP (computer speakers), and phone lines are available on request for those who need them. Live captions are also available in each meeting room.

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11:00 – 11:15 PM

Welcome and Introductions

Presenters: Tammy Woodhams, Director of Programs and Grants Training & Kellie Rabenhorst, VOCA Center Director, NCJA

 

11:15 – 12:15 PM

The Changes and Opportunities in the New Federal Grant Landscape

During this session, you will be provided with an update on what we know about priorities, funding, and opportunities within the “new normal” of federal grants administration.

Presenters: Tammy Woodhams, Director, Programs and Grants Training; Hugene Fields, Finance Director, Kellie Rabenhorst, VOCA Center Director; Elizabeth Pyke, Director of Government Affairs, NCJA

 

12:15 – 12:45 PM

Break for Lunch

 

12:45 – 1:30 PM

Ensuring Compliance: Navigating the C.F.R. and DOJ Financial Guide for Pass-Through Entities

This interactive workshop will provide State Administering Agency (SAA) staff with a practical understanding of key compliance requirements outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. Participants will explore how these regulations apply to the administration of federal grants, including monitoring, procurement, subrecipient management, and financial oversight.

Presenter: Kellie Rabenhorst, VOCA Center Director

 

1:30 – 1:45 PM

Break

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1:45 - 2:45 PM

Preventing Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Misuse in Grants: Tools for Detection and Mitigation

Fraud, waste, misuse and abuse can compromise the integrity of grant-funded programs and put agencies at risk of audit findings, reputational harm, and funding loss. This interactive session equips SAAs and grant managers with practical tools and strategies to detect and prevent these risks throughout the grant life cycle.

Presenters: Tammy Woodhams, Director of Programs and Grants Training and Kellie Rabenhorst, VOCA Center Director, NCJA, SAA (invited)

 

2:45 – 3:00 PM

Break

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3:15 - 4:00 PM

Developing Creative Solutions: Conversations with your Fellow Grant Management Experts

2025 has been a year of many personal and professional challenges and opportunities for grant managers! During this interactive session (via break-out rooms) you will have a chance to share your questions and learn from the experiences of fellow grant management professionals from around the country. Use this time to network with your peers and identify solutions to your most pressing issues.

Topics/breakouts include:

1. Creative solutions for managing and revising grant-related polices and practices. Led by Kristin Nguyen, Director of Grants Administration, Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance 

2. Successful SAA Grant Management and Administration. Led by Kellie Rabenhorst, NCJA VOCA Center Director

3. Navigating Close Out of Awards. Led by Melissa Darby, Director of Grants Administration, Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services

4. Grant writing overview and open discussion. How to reconfigure planning and writing a grant proposal in a new environment. Led by Valarie Tickle, Senior Criminal Justice Planning and Grant Coordinator, Delaware Criminal Justice Council

5. Prepping for federal audits and monitors. Led by Hugene Fields, NCJA Finance Director

6. Time with BJA (tentative). Led by Michelle Garcia, Deputy Director, BJA Programs Office 

 

3:45 – 4:30 PM

Managing Your Workload & Environment In Challenging Times!

As a grant manager, you already have a demanding job, and you know one wrong move can put your entire program at risk. During this session, we will talk about the stressors weighing us down, balancing the demands that come with working from home and maintaining a routine to get your work done. You will also hear about some positive strategies that will help you help others in 2025.

Presenter: Trish Davis, Program Manager, Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration 

 

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Wrap up and Adjourn

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