Webinars
Inside Grants by Team DWC
Learn from the people who wrote the playbook.
Federal grants are complicated. The rules change, compliance is strict, and mistakes can cost you time, money, and credibility. And with less government support than ever, nonprofits are left to figure it out on their own.
That’s why we created Inside Grants, a webinar series led by former federal insiders who know the system from the inside out. In each session, you’ll get clear explanations, practical tools, and real-world strategies to:
- Straight talk on shifting federal rules
- Real strategies to dodge compliance traps
- Tools to make budgets, reports, and communications a whole lot easier
Whether you’re managing one grant or an entire portfolio, Inside Grants gives you the clarity and confidence to keep your programs strong and compliant.
No jargon, no fluff. Just expert guidance you can use right away to make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Ready to Cut Through the Red Tape?
Join us for the Inside Grants webinar series and get insider strategies you can put to work right away.
The Rules Have Changed: The Playbook on Navigating the Rules Shift
The shift from 45 CFR 75 to 2 CFR 200 under HHS brings changes that go well beyond the regular 2024 updates to 2 CFR 200. Dave Wickstrom and Dr. Scott Moore, former Director of Grants and Acquisitions Management at HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, will walk you through what’s different, what to watch for, and the pitfalls that trip up even seasoned grantees. Something as simple as the wrong procurement documentation can now trigger an audit finding. Stay compliant and confident by understanding the rules before they catch you.
Date: September 16th
Time: 12:30 EST & 12:30 PST
Cracking the Budget Code: The Playbook on the Federal Budget Process
Ever wonder how the federal budget really gets made and what it means for you? Nich Fox, ACL’s former budget director, pulls back the curtain on who does what (and when), how the process has changed in recent years, and what the proposed FY26 budget means for aging and disability networks. You’ll walk away knowing how to connect the numbers to your own programs and planning, so don’t miss this.
Date: October 1st
Time: 12:30 EST & 12:30 PST
Reporting Without the Headaches: The Playbook on Financial Reporting
The SF-425 is a notorious trouble spot, and mistakes here create big headaches. Former Director of the Office of Independent Living Dr. Corinna Stiles and former ACL Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Aaron Taylor bring a combined program and fiscal perspective to help you get it right. They will break down what each section really means, show you how to avoid the most common errors, and explain how accurate reporting can strengthen the way you manage your grants. Did you know if your match numbers don’t align across sections, it is an automatic red flag for reviewers?
Date: October 8th
Time: 12:30 EST & 12:30 PST
Telling Your Story: The Playbook on Communicating the Impact of Your Work
Your grant documents are telling a story, whether you mean them to or not. The words you use in reports, program plans, and performance documents are just as critical as what’s on your website. Christine Phillips, ACL’s former Director of External Affairs, will show you how to highlight your impact and ROI in today’s environment. She’ll share practical tools and examples to help you frame your message clearly, confidently, and in a way that resonates with funders and decision-makers.
Date: October 22nd
Time: 12:30 EST & 12:30 PST
Paying People the Right Way: The Playbook on Compensation Strategies
Incentive pay is one of the most common compliance traps for grantees, especially at fiscal year-end or during the holidays. Dr. Scott Moore, a former OIG attorney and former Director of Grants and Acquisitions Management at HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, and Aaron Taylor, former ACL Supervisory Grants Management Specialist, bring insider expertise on what’s allowed, how to structure it properly, and the mistakes that land grantees in hot water. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to keep your compensation policies both compliant and defensible.
Date: November 19th
Time: 12:30 EST & 12:30 PST
Date: December 10th
Time: 12:30 EST
Meet the Experts
Inside Grants is led by seasoned federal insiders who’ve shaped the very policies, priorities, and compliance systems grantees navigate today. Together, they bring decades of experience and practical know-how you can put to work right away.
Dave Wickstrom
Corinna Stiles, J.D., Ph.D
Aaron Taylor
Scott Moore, J.D., Ph.D.
Christine Phillips
Nich Fox
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Leading?
Federal grants don’t come with an instruction manual, but now you’ve got the people who wrote the playbook. Seats are limited, and every session is packed with insider strategies you won’t find anywhere else.
Register above and secure your spot in Inside Grants.
Let’s Get to Work.
Inside Grants is just the start. If you’re ready to tackle your organization’s biggest grants challenges with expert support, let’s talk.
From compliance strategy to budgeting, reporting, and communications, our team has the insider experience to help you stay ahead of the rules and focus on what matters most: your mission.
