Good Grant Practice Virtual Academy

Overview

African research institutions play a crucial role in driving innovation and development, yet many struggle with financial management and controls. These challenges hinder their ability to secure and manage funding effectively, limiting their impact on critical research and development initiatives.

The Good Grant Practice Virtual Academy initiative seeks to address these gaps by strengthening financial governance, enhancing grant compliance, and improving institutional sustainability. The one-year project, funded by the Gates Foundation, will equip institutions with the tools, knowledge, and systems needed to boost transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing donor funds within the framework of the Good Financial Grant Practices (GFGP) standard.

Specifically, the initiative will provide structured training, mentorship, and technical assistance to institutions across the continent. It will leverage APHRC’s expertise in research and capacity strengthening to deliver targeted interventions, guiding institutions through best grant management practices and compliance with the GFGP standard. The project will facilitate self-assessments on the GFGP portal and institutional reviews to strengthen organizations’ financial governance and prepare them for GFGP certification. 

A key component of this initiative is its implementation through the APHRC Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), ensuring accessible and scalable training for institutions across Africa. The VLA will serve as a platform for delivering interactive training modules, peer-to-peer learning, and expert-led mentorship to support institutions in adopting best financial management practices.

Key Objectives 

1. Improve financial management systems and processes in African institutions.
2. Enhance transparency and accountability in grant management.
3. Increase the number of African institutions securing direct donor funding.
4. Establish a Community of Practice (CoP) for continuous learning.
5. Support institutions with GFGP self-assessments and certification.

Approach

• Training: Delivered through a blend of self-paced courses through the APHRC Virtual Learning Academy, virtual sessions and in-person workshops.
• Technical Assistance: Tailored one-on-one mentorship and virtual consultations provided to support institutions in implementing learned skills and progressing toward self-assessment and GFGP certification.
• Community of Practice: Online platform to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and collaborate to continuously improve grant management practices across institutions.

Courses

The initiative will develop and provide a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip institutions with the skills and knowledge necessary to strengthen financial governance, improve grant compliance, and enhance institutional sustainability. Participants will gain practical insights into financial management best practices, donor compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.

The following courses will be offered:

1. Introduction to Good Financial Grant Practice Standard
2. Grant Management and Compliance
3. Financial Management
4. Accounting for Unique Elements
5. Budgeting
6. Risk Management
7. Governance
8. Human Resource Management
9. Procurement Management
10. Grant Writing