This comprehensive short course on Grant Management and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) for NGOs is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage donor-funded projects while ensuring compliance with internationally recognized accounting standards. Tailored specifically for non-governmental organizations, the course integrates core principles of IPSAS with the full grant lifecycle—from fundraising and budgeting to reporting and close-out. Participants will gain a solid understanding of accrual and cash basis accounting, donor compliance requirements, internal control frameworks, and IPSAS-compliant financial reporting. Through real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and interactive discussions, the course enhances institutional capacity to improve financial transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.

Course Schedule

NGO program and finance officers, grant managers, accountants, M&E officers, procurement staff, internal auditors, and senior leadership engaged in financial compliance and reporting.

Course Duration

5 Days

What you will learn  

By the end of this training the participants will be able to gain skills on:

• Understand the core principles and conceptual framework of IPSAS
• Apply the full grant management cycle
• Develop and manage grant budgets
• Prepare IPSAS-compliant financial statements and reports
• Ensure organizational compliance with donor, legislative, and financial regulations through effective internal control systems and contract management.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on grant performance
• Support the transition from cash-based to accrual-based accounting

Course Outline 

Module 1: Foundations of IPSAS and Grants Management in the NGO Context

• Introduction to IPSAS and its relevance to NGOs
• Evolution, objectives, and conceptual framework of IPSAS
• Importance of accounting standards in public administration
• Grants management overview: definitions, types (grants, contracts, cooperative agreements), and lifecycle
• Relationship between grants management, financial reporting, and donor trust
• Case study: Differences between IPSAS and local accounting standards
• Group activity: Mapping an NGO grant lifecycle

Module 2: Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Accounting for Grants

• Budget development and grants budgeting elements
• Accounting essentials: coding structure, in-kind contributions, matching funds
• Accrual vs. cash basis in grant accounting
• Transition strategies from cash to accrual (IPSAS focus)
• IPSAS standards relevant to budgeting (e.g., IPSAS 1, 17, 31, 23)
• Exercise 1: Develop a sample donor budget with narrative
• Exercise 2: Tracking multiple grants using accrual accounting

Module 3: IPSAS-Compliant Financial Reporting and Disclosure for NGOs

• Core financial statements (statement of financial position, performance, cash flow, notes)
• IPSAS on property, plant, and equipment (IPSAS 17), intangible assets (IPSAS 31), and non-exchange revenues (IPSAS 23)
• Revenue recognition for exchange and non-exchange transactions (IPSAS 9, 23)
• Disclosure under IPSAS: policies, errors, events
• Donor-specific financial reporting vs. IPSAS-compliant reporting
• Comparative exercise: IPSAS-compliant report vs. donor-specific report
• Template walkthrough: Notes to the financial statements for NGO grants

Module 4: Grant Compliance, Internal Control and Risk Management

• Internal control framework: risk assessment, control environment, monitoring
• Donor and legislative compliance: procurement, financial, and contractual
• Contract management and sub-recipient oversight
• IPSAS and grant audit readiness
• Community and cultural compliance considerations
• Practical: Create a compliance checklist for an NGO project
• Case scenario: Internal control failure and remediation

Module 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Close-out Procedures

• M&E frameworks for grant-funded projects
• IPSAS-aligned performance monitoring
• Reporting requirements: narrative, financial, and audit reports
• Grant amendments and close-out best practices
• Institutional strengthening for IPSAS transition and sustainability
• Practical: Draft a grant close-out report including financial and narrative sections
• Role-play: End-of-grant evaluation meeting