Guidance Available to Local Governments for COVID-19 Resources and Grant Management

With all of the potential federal funding for the medical and economic recovery of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is accessible to local government, RCRC staff attended a Grants Management Webcast for best practices and guidance for COVID-19 federal grants for state and local governments. This funding delivers a range of relief, including personal protective equipment, medical equipment, services, and loans to businesses. It also provides grant funding through programs managed by multiple Federal agencies and designed to benefit a diverse set of recipients/programs. The webinar provided a high level overview of the financial management and internal controls over disaster funding, specifically COVID-19 funding. As local agencies shift to manage and distribute new levels of grant funding, preparation and awareness of responsibilities to manage the funds and track performance is a crucial component. Local governments should ensure they understand the process, from eligibility through reporting and auditing.

Here are some helpful COVID-19 resource links for financial management best practices to use when administering COVID-19 grant proceeds.

• Webinar slides here
• FEMA Coronavirus Emergency Management Best Practices
• FEMA Fact Sheet: COVID-19 and Disaster Financial Management Guide
• FEMA Procurement Under Grants: Under Exigent or Emergency Circumstances
• FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control

Other assistance resources:

• Grant Thornton COVID-19 Resource Center
• eCivis COVID-19 Resource Hub and Funding Toolkit
• Pandemic Risk Assessment
• Webcasts- Upcoming and Previous