The Funding Frontline Blog

by Erin MurphyJanuary 14, 2026

5 Grant Budget Examples to Supercharge Your Funding

While your proposal narrative captures the heart of the reviewer, your grant budget captures their brain. It’s the first place reviewers look to test whether your plan makes financial sense.

In other words, a beautifully written narrative can still lose out to a more modest proposal if that other application backs up every claim with a grounded, transparent, and compliant budget. In competitive cycles, reviewers often use the budget as a tiebreaker, awarding points for clarity, completeness, and adherence to funder rules on direct, indirect, and unallowable costs.

In grant writing, a strong, transparent budget shows that your organization not only dreams big but also operates with discipline. It reassures funders that your team understands federal cost principles, can manage different categories such as personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, and contractual expenses, and will be able to report back on spending without surprises. This guide goes beyond definitions to show five distinct, real-world budget structures and seven actionable best practices that prove your organization’s financial stability and impact.

Table of Contents:

Grant Budget FAQs
Distinct Grant Budgets
Best Practices for Grant Budgeting

Stay compliant, stay confident. Grant Compliance Expert has you covered with real-time insights. Click to get started.

Grant Budget FAQs

What is a grant budget?

A grant budget is the financial translation of your project’s scope of work. It’s not simply math; it’s a credibility document that demonstrates you understand what resources it will take to fulfill your mission.

Once approved, the budget effectively becomes a contract. You are legally obligated to spend the awarded funds as outlined (within reasonable variance). For this reason, accuracy and realism are key. Federal agencies and many private funders treat your approved budget as part of the official award; significant shifts often require prior written approval, especially if you move funds between major categories like personnel, equipment, or contractual services. This is why seasoned grant professionals build in realistic assumptions from the start.

A strong grant budget also:

Sets internal expectations for your team about staffing levels, timelines, and output.
Serves as the baseline for financial reporting and monitoring once the grant is active.
Helps leadership assess whether a proposed grant is actually feasible or would stretch capacity too thin.

Treat the budget as a management tool that lives beyond submission day, not just a form you complete to satisfy the application.

What are the components of a grant budget?

Most federal and private grant budgets share a similar core structure. These categories may be presented in slightly different ways depending on the funder’s format, but the underlying logic remains consistent:

The components of a grant budget (as explained below)

Personnel (Salaries and Wages): Payments to staff directly working on the project.
Fringe Benefits: Payroll costs such as healthcare, retirement, or paid time off.
Travel: Flights, lodging, mileage, and per diems tied to project activities.
Equipment: Tangible assets with a unit cost typically over $5,000 and a useful life of more than one year.
Supplies: Consumable, lower-cost materials like office items or lab reagents.
Contractual (Consultants or Subawards): Payments to external experts or partner organizations.
Indirect Costs: Administrative and facility costs supporting operations (e.g., utilities, accounting, or executive oversight).

Many federal forms (such as SF-424 and related supplements) also include “Other” or “Construction” categories, which may capture items like facility rentals, participant incentives, or renovation costs that don’t fit neatly into standard lines. In every case, the funder’s instructions will define which costs belong where and whether certain items are allowable, restricted, or capped. For example:

A computer might be considered “equipment” under one program (if over $5,000 per unit) but “supplies” under another with a different capitalization threshold.
A part-time administrative assistant could be charged as a direct personnel cost if dedicated specifically to the project and explicitly approved, but otherwise would normally fall under indirect costs.

Funders often provide a mandatory template or budget form; always follow it exactly. Consistency between your budget forms and your internal accounting systems can also make post-award management much simpler.

What is the difference between direct and indirect costs?

The differences between direct and indirect costs, as explained below.

Direct costs are expenses tied entirely to the specific project. They answer the question: Would this cost exist if this project didn’t? Some examples include:

The project manager’s salary (if dedicated fully to the grant).
Workshop materials for program participants.
Bus rentals for field trips.

Indirect costs, often referred to as “overhead” or “Facilities & Administrative (F&A) costs,” are shared organizational expenses that keep everything running — think leadership salaries, rent, insurance, or audit fees.

In federal guidance, direct costs are those that can be specifically identified with a particular project “with a high degree of accuracy,” while indirect costs are necessary for joint objectives and cannot be easily broken out. Many organizations develop a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with a federal agency, which sets an official rate and defines the base (such as Modified Total Direct Costs) to which that rate applies. This matters because some costs, like equipment over $5,000 or the portion of subawards over $25,000, may be excluded from the base before the indirect rate is applied.

Pro Tip: Check the funder’s specific Indirect Cost Rate cap before applying. Some federal grants allow a negotiated rate above 20%, but many private foundations limit indirects to 10–15%. If your negotiated rate is higher than the cap, you will need to decide whether your organization can afford to contribute the excess as cost share or whether to pursue different opportunities.

What is a grant budget justification?

Your budget justification is the story behind the numbers. It’s the narrative that explains why each cost exists and how it supports your goals. A detailed justification prevents reviewers from assuming your expenses are inflated or unnecessary.

A strong justification typically:

Follows the same order and categories as the budget form (personnel, fringe, travel, etc.).
Explains how each line item is necessary to accomplish the aims of the project.
Shows how you calculated the costs (hours, rates, quantities, travel assumptions).

For example, when justifying local travel, you might specify: number of trips, average miles per trip, mileage rate, and which staff will travel and why that travel matters for outreach or data collection. Likewise, a personnel justification would reference titles, roles, and level of effort (e.g., 0.25 FTE Program Manager) to align with what is described in the narrative.

When reviewers understand the reason behind costs, they can more easily connect the numbers to the project’s outcomes and judge whether your estimates are reasonable and necessary.

5 Distinct Grant Budget Examples

Below are five sample layouts illustrating how budgets differ depending on funding purpose. Each table follows a consistent, scannable format: Category | Item | Amount, with totals highlighted for quick review.

These examples are simplified to show structure rather than full, multi-page budgets. In your own proposals, you may need to expand each category into multiple lines, attach a multi-year summary, or upload a separate spreadsheet following the funder’s template. The key is to maintain internal logic: if an activity appears anywhere in your work plan, there should be a corresponding cost in one of these tables and an explanation in your budget narrative.

1. The Restricted Project Budget

This budget supports a specific, time-bound initiative, such as a “2025 Youth Literacy Summer Camp.” All income and expenses are isolated to this project, and no shared or organizational costs are included.

Category	Item	Amount
Personnel	Camp Counselors (4 x 8 weeks)	$28,800.00
Supplies	Reading Materials and Workbooks	$4,200.00
Travel	Bus Rentals for Field Trips	$3,500.00
Equipment	Portable Classroom Supplies	$2,000.00
Indirect Costs (10%)	Administrative Support	$3,850.00
Total		$42,350.00
Cost per participant		$42,350 ÷ 50 students = $847.00 each

Including a cost-per-participant metric communicates efficiency and value to reviewers, a proven tactic for youth and workforce development grants. It also gives you a quick internal benchmark when comparing different program models or when a funder asks what it costs to “serve one additional participant.” If you can show how incremental dollars translate into more seats, more sessions, or better outcomes, you make the funding decision much easier.

2. The General Operating Budget

This format supports unrestricted funding, the holy grail of philanthropy. Instead of isolating a single program, it captures your organization’s overall operations and infrastructure.

Category	Item	Amount
Personnel	Executive Director, Program Directors, Support Staff	$220,000.00
Fringe Benefits	Health and Retirement Contributions	$44,000.00
Rent and Utilities	Office Space and Maintenance	$36,000.00
Software and Systems	CRM, Fundraising Platform	$12,500.00
Insurance	General Liability and D&O	$6,000.00
Development	Marketing and Donor Events	$8,500.00
Total		$327,000.00

Frame these costs as infrastructure, not overhead. Sustainable operations are what allow great programs to exist in the first place. When preparing general operating budgets, many nonprofits break out “Core Mission Support” to highlight how functions like fundraising, HR, finance, and IT directly underpin program delivery. This repositioning helps combat the outdated “overhead myth” and educates funders on why paying the electric bill and maintaining secure data systems are essential to impact.

If a funder allows only a portion of your full operating budget to be covered, you can use this format to show how their grant fills a specific gap, such as leadership continuity or technology modernization, without pretending those costs are disconnected from your mission.

3. The Capital Budget

Used for large, one-time physical investments, such as construction, renovation, or equipment acquisition. Funders reviewing capital budgets look for evidence of professional planning and risk mitigation.

Category	Item	Amount
Architectural Services	Design and Blueprints	$25,000.00
Permits and Fees	City and Inspection Costs	$7,500.00
Construction	Materials and Labor	$190,000.00
Equipment	HVAC Systems, Fixtures	$28,000.00
Contingency (8%)	Unexpected Costs	$20,000.00
Total		$270,500.00

Including a contingency line item (5–10%) signals maturity. Experienced applicants know that physical projects rarely go exactly as planned. Construction materials fluctuate in price, permitting timelines change, and discoveries during renovation (like outdated wiring) can introduce new work. Building a realistic contingency (and explaining it clearly in your justification) can prevent mid-project crises and reassure funders that you’ve budgeted for the real world, not a best-case scenario.

For capital campaigns spanning several years, consider adding a separate schedule showing anticipated cash inflows and construction milestones. This demonstrates that you have a plan to manage cash flow, not just total cost, which is particularly important when grants are paid in installments tied to progress.

4. The Capacity Building Budget

Capacity building projects strengthen how your organization works, not what it does. For example, digitizing your grant management, upgrading a CRM, or training staff in data analytics.

Category	Item	Amount
Technology	CRM System and Integration	$10,000.00
Staff Development	Data Analysis Training	$5,000.00
Equipment	Laptops and Hardware Upgrades	$7,500.00
Contractual	IT Consultant (System Migration)	$4,000.00
Indirect Costs (10%)	Administrative Support	$2,650.00
Total		$29,150.00

Position these as efficiency multipliers, investments now that unlock savings later. For instance, a $10,000 database improvement may save $50,000 in staff time over three years. In your justification, quantify these benefits where possible: fewer duplicate data entries, faster reporting cycles, improved donor retention, or reduced error rates in financial reports. Funders increasingly value strong data infrastructure because it supports better evaluation and accountability.

Many capacity-building grants also encourage you to include change management and staff training costs, recognizing that technology alone doesn’t create impact — people need time and support to adopt new tools. Make sure your budget accounts for these “soft costs,” not just software licenses.

5. The Multi-Year “Step-Down” Budget

Multi-year grants typically aim for sustainability. Funders often cover full costs at first, then taper support so the organization gradually absorbs expenses.

Category	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Personnel	$100,000.00	$60,000.00	$30,000.00
Supplies	$10,000.00	$6,000.00	$4,000.00
Travel	$5,000.00	$3,000.00	$1,500.00
Indirect Costs (10%)	$11,500.00	$6,900.00	$3,500.00
Total Grant Support	$126,500.00	$75,900.00	$39,050.00
Committed Future Revenue	—	$25,000.00	$50,000.00

This format proves sustainability by showing how funding responsibility transitions over time — a must for multi-year or foundation exit strategies. In your narrative, connect the “Committed Future Revenue” line to specific sources: multiyear pledges, earned income, fee-for-service growth, or planned individual donor campaigns. Funders look for evidence that you have diversified revenue streams and that your organization will not face a cliff once their support winds down.

You can also layer in non-cash support like volunteer hours or donated space to further demonstrate long-term viability. Just be sure to follow the funder’s rules on valuing and reporting in-kind contributions.

Want to create your own grant budget? Out hands-on worksheets have you covered. Click to access them.

7 Best Practices for Grant Budgeting

Even the best-designed forms can falter if the underlying logic is sloppy. Apply these seven best practices before hitting “submit.”

1. Perform a Line-by-Line Review Before Submitting

Print your proposal narrative and budget, and read them side-by-side. Every activity mentioned in the text should have a corresponding financial line. If your program says you’ll host a gala, your budget should show event software, catering, or venue rental. If it’s in the text, it must appear in the budget.

This review is also your best defense against one of the most common reasons proposals are downgraded: inconsistency across application sections. Reviewers quickly notice when the narrative describes two staff positions but the budget lists three, or when the budget includes equipment that is never discussed in the work plan. Build time into your internal workflow for at least one independent reviewer — someone who did not draft the narrative — to perform this cross-check before submission.

2. Use Real Quotes

Vague estimates breed doubt. Contact vendors for real quotes — even if they’re just written emails. A precise figure like $1,250 shows preparation and legitimacy, whereas $1,000.00 feels rounded and arbitrary.

3. Budget for Data and Technology

Many nonprofits still hide technology under “administrative” or “miscellaneous” lines, but modern funders view tech as a driver of efficiency. Explicitly include systems for data integration, CRM management, and donor engagement platforms. Reliable software enables transparency and reduces future administrative costs.

4. Build in a Reasonable Cushion

A budget can be too lean to succeed. Funders can spot unrealistically small numbers — they signal inexperience or risk. Ensure that your salaries meet industry norms and build buffers for inflation or market price changes. Being conservative is better than being underfunded mid-project.

5. Format for Scannability and Speed

Reviewers analyze dozens of budgets daily. Make their job easy by:

Grouping related items under clear sub-headers.
Using round numbers when appropriate.
Bold totals and use clean decimals (e.g., $10,000 not $9,999.73).

Readable formatting invites confidence — and often, higher review scores.

6. Prove Sustainability with Match Funding

Funders like momentum. Show them they’re not the only ones with skin in the game. Display your in-kind (volunteer time, donated materials) and committed/pending funds from other sources. When others already back your mission, reviewers feel safer joining the cause.

7. Tailor the Budget to the Funder

No two funders think alike. Some foundations prefer supporting new programs, while others invest primarily in infrastructure or capacity building. Review guidelines carefully, and align your cost categories, indirect rates, and phrasing to their expectations, not just your templates.

Wrapping Up

A strong budget is the backbone of a strong proposal. It transforms your grant from a dream into a deliverable plan. By aligning your numbers with your narrative, using real-world costs, and investing in the right tools and infrastructure, you turn the budget from a passive math problem into a persuasive, strategic argument for trust.

Think of your next budget draft as a live test: can someone unfamiliar with your work read your narrative, scan your budget, and clearly see how every dollar moves your outcomes forward? If not, use the discussed review method, refine your justifications, and check that each cost is both reasonable and necessary under your funder’s rules.

As funding landscapes tighten and reporting expectations grow more complex, organizations that master grant budgeting will stand out not just for compelling stories, but for operational excellence.

Ready to test your draft? Audit your proposal and ensure every goal in your narrative directly connects to a line item in your budget.

by Erin MurphyDecember 3, 2025

3 Sample Grant Proposal Templates to Help You Win Funding

If you’ve ever stared at a blank grant proposal and felt your pulse rise, you’re not alone. Writing a complex federal grant can require 100+ hours, and even foundation proposals take 10–20 hours to complete. In today’s uncertain funding landscape, the pressure to secure grant revenue is only intensifying—yet “blank page anxiety” and the fear of making compliance errors often slow proposals before they start.

Most templates on the internet focus solely on storytelling. But a competitive proposal is more than a compelling narrative; it’s a financial business case. Solid grant writing requires understanding the standard anatomy of a proposal, how to make your financial narrative airtight, and how to avoid mistakes that later affect grant compliance, audit readiness, and grant management.

In this guide, we’ll break down the eight core components of a winning proposal and provide a downloadable template to get you started.

Table of Contents

The Anatomy of a Standard Grant Proposal
Sample Grant Proposal Templates
Grant Proposal FAQs

The Anatomy of a Standard Grant Proposal

Below are the essential components of a strong grant proposal. While this is the standard order, always prioritize and follow the funder’s specific request for proposal (RFP) sequence.

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter introduces your request and confirms basic compliance details such as eligibility, program alignment, and total funding sought. It should reference the funder’s program name and opportunity number (if applicable) and briefly highlight the outcomes your project will deliver.

While it allows for a more personal tone than the narrative, it must remain precise and professional. A strong cover letter signals organizational readiness, responsiveness to the RFP, and an understanding of the funder’s priorities—all without repeating the full proposal.

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a concise preview of the entire proposal and is often reviewed first. It should clearly outline the problem, your proposed solution, the population served, expected outcomes, and the total funding request.

This section must be data-grounded and tightly aligned with both the program design and the budget. For competitive grants, it may also reference required performance measures or priority criteria. A well-crafted executive summary helps reviewers quickly understand feasibility and fit before reading the full narrative.

3. Statement of Need

The Statement of Need is the evidence base of your proposal. Funders expect recent, local, and credible data, ideally from recognized sources such as:

Federal datasets
State agencies
Academic institutions
Prior evaluations

This section must quantify the population affected, document existing service gaps, and identify the systemic barriers your program addresses.

Reviewers also look for a clear problem-to-solution pathway; in other words, the need you present must logically require the specific activities you propose. Avoid generalized claims, outdated statistics, or national data that lacks local relevance—these weaken feasibility and risk assessment.

Also, a strong Statement of Need not only justifies the project but also guides cost assumptions in your budget, especially in areas like staffing levels, service volume, and evaluation scope.

4. Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives establish the performance framework for the entire project. Goals articulate broad, long-term change, while objectives define quantifiable, time-bound results that can be measured consistently during post-award monitoring.

Well-crafted objectives include three components:

Target population (who)
Desired change (what)
Timeframe and quantity (how much, by when)

For federal grants, objectives must be aligned with performance measures, ensuring the project’s success can be validated with both programmatic and financial data. Weak or vague objectives often lead to budget revisions, reallocation restrictions, or challenges during federal site visits.

5. Methods and Program Design

The program design details the operational mechanics of the project: staffing plan, service delivery model, timeline, partnerships, and required resources. This is where reviewers assess whether your organization has the capacity, infrastructure, and internal controls to manage the award.

A strong design includes:

A timeline (ideally with milestones that connect to measurable outputs)
Clear staff roles that directly align with personnel costs
Identification of partners and procurement needs (which must follow the funder’s procurement rules)
A feasibility demonstration: reviewers should be able to “see” how the project will run day-to-day

This section directly informs your budget: any activity not referenced here should not appear in your cost structure.

6. Evaluation Plan

Your evaluation plan demonstrates accountability and ensures funders you can verify outcomes with reliable, replicable methods. Funders expect a balance of:

Quantitative metrics (output & outcome data, performance indicators, participant tracking)
Qualitative evidence (interviews, focus groups, case studies)

The evaluation must include both data collection methods and data ownership, who collects, who analyzes, and how data is stored compliantly.

For federal grants, evaluation plans must align with OMB standards for evidence, and any costs associated with third-party evaluators or assessment tools must appear in the budget narrative. Poorly aligned evaluation plans are a frequent cause of denial or post-award corrective action plans.

7. Budget and Budget Narrative

The budget is the financial engine of your proposal and the first place reviewers check for feasibility. It must align with the program design and comply with cost principles such as 2 CFR Part 200 for federal grants (which, according to Thompson Grants’ federal grant checklist, governs everything from allowable costs to subrecipient monitoring). Every cost must be allowable, allocable, reasonable, and necessary—and the budget narrative must show exactly how each figure was calculated.

Break costs into standard categories, such as

Personnel (which should list job titles, FTE percentages, and salary bases)
Fringe (which must show your rate methodology
Travel (which requires purpose, destination, and calculation details)
Equipment and supplies (which should have distinguished equipment from $5,000 up)
Contractual (which you should justify contractor rates with deliverables and hours)
Other direct costs
Other indirect costs (specify if you’re using a NICRA, the 10% de minimis, or a funder-required rate)

A strong budget narrative not only strengthens competitiveness, it sets the foundation for compliant grant management, financial reporting, and a clean audit.

8. Organizational Background

Your organizational background demonstrates why you are a low-risk, high-capacity grantee. Highlight core elements such as leadership experience, programmatic expertise, financial controls, prior grant performance, and the systems you use to manage awards. Funders want to see evidence that you can deliver results and meet reporting, procurement, and audit requirements.

This section should directly reinforce your ability to execute the project described in the narrative and manage the budget you’ve proposed. Demonstrating stable governance, strong internal controls, and a track record of compliance strengthens reviewer confidence.

Need help getting started with your grant proposal?

Thompson Grants has you covered with three sample grant proposal templates that can be adapted to your unique needs. Plus, they’re completely free to use and download!

Access the sample grant proposal templates

Grant Proposal FAQs

How do I write a simple grant proposal for beginners?

Grant proposals don’t have to be complicated! Follow these steps to launch your grant proposal:

Start with the budget. Budgeting first forces clarity about staffing, units of service, and the scale of activities, elements that are often unclear when starting from a narrative.
Create modular building blocks. Draft reusable paragraphs for mission, population served, organizational capacity, and core programs. Update only the parts that must be tailored.
Validate allowability. Before writing, confirm that the items you plan to request (staff, equipment, indirect) are permitted under the RFP or federal cost principles.

What is the most common reason grant proposals are rejected?

The primary reason, beyond eligibility errors, is budget-to-narrative misalignment. This happens when the scale of the project described cannot be supported financially. This might look like:

A proposal claims it will “serve 500 participants” but budgets for one part-time staff member.
A narrative emphasizes data collection but allocates $0 to evaluation tools.
A project requires licensed clinicians, but salaries are budgeted below market rates.

Funders view these inconsistencies as red flags for financial instability, weak planning, or future audit issues. However, you can avoid these issues by conducting a line-by-line review. Before submission, physically trace the connection between your text and your numbers. If you find an activity in the text that isn’t in the budget—or an expense in the budget that isn’t justified in the text—you have found a misalignment that needs correcting.

Once you’ve completed this step, ensure that you conduct the same walkthrough with key decision-makers at your nonprofit to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Can I use AI to write a grant proposal?

Yes, but only as a productivity assistant, not a research tool. It’s important to distinguish between the acceptable and risky uses of AI in grantwriting.

Acceptable AI Use Cases

Restructuring text to match character limits
Condensing repetitive sections
Generating outlines
Converting bullet points into cohesive paragraphs
Drafting alternative phrasing for readability
Formatting citations

Risky AI Use Cases

Generating statistics or “local need” data
Describing populations using generalized or assumed information
Inserting fictional budget numbers
Fabricating evaluation results or evidence tiers

Bottom line: AI can improve clarity and speed, but all data, numbers, and facts must come from your organization, public data, or the RFP.

How long should a grant proposal be?

It varies widely based on the funder:

Letter of Inquiry (LOI): Typically 1–2 pages; some portals cap at ~4,000 characters.
Foundation Proposals: Usually 5–10 pages but can be longer for capacity-building or multi-year requests.
Federal Proposals: 40–100+ pages including attachments, mandatory forms (SF-424, budgets, résumés), logic models, and appendices.
Online Submission Portals: Highly restrictive; many give each section a character limit (e.g., “1,500 characters including spaces”) forcing precise, modular writing.

Always follow the exact format, font, spacing, margin, and file naming requirements in the RFP. Deviations lead to administrative rejection.

What is the difference between a grant proposal and a grant application?

Think of the grant proposal as your strategic pitch—it consists of the persuasive narrative and the budget that convince the funder your project is worth the investment.

The grant application, however, is the complete package. It houses your proposal plus the critical compliance infrastructure that proves your organization is capable of managing the funds. This includes mandatory evidence such as:

Board roster
501(c)(3) determination letter
Audited financial statements
Indirect cost rate agreement
Work plan or logic model
Procurement or travel policies
Letters of support
Match documentation

In other words, a brilliant proposal is useless inside an incomplete application. Far too many high-scoring narratives are disqualified simply because the application packet was missing a single attachment.

Do I need a professional grant writer to win funding?

Not always. Many small nonprofits win grants internally, especially when they have strong outcome data, clear financial documentation, and a well-designed program.

However, professional help becomes valuable when:

The opportunity is federal or highly technical
The RFP requires detailed evaluation or evidence tiers
You must coordinate across multiple departments
The organization has previously failed compliance checks or audits

Regardless of who writes it, the proposal must follow the RFP exactly, including formatting, required attachments, and section order.

Wrapping Up

Using modular sample templates doesn’t just save time, it ensures your financial narrative aligns with your programmatic goals, protecting you from “unrealistic budget” rejections. But remember: winning the award is only the beginning of the grant lifecycle.

Once the award letter arrives, the clock starts on grant compliance, reporting deadlines, allowable cost rules, procurement requirements, and post-award monitoring. A well-written proposal—one that clearly defines indirect costs, allowable expenses, and evaluation metrics—makes your future audits cleaner and reduces administrative burden.

Explore more resources and training opportunities:

Online Grant Databases that Help Organizations Find Funding. Having trouble finding your best-fit funding? This guide has you covered.
Grants Management Training. The experts at Thompson Grants have decades of experience helping organizations leverage federal funding. Our training resources are a great place for your organization to start transforming your grant strategy.
Grants Intelligence and Regulatory News. The world of federal grant compliance is constantly evolving. Never miss a beat with our updates HQ.

About the Author

Erin Murphy

Erin Murphy, MBA, is the Vice President of Marketing at Thompson Grants, where she leads strategic initiatives to expand the organization’s reach and impact. She leads initiatives that connect grant professionals with expert guidance, training, and tools designed to simplify compliance and strengthen funding strategies. Erin combines her background in marketing with a passion for supporting nonprofits, governments, and institutions as they navigate the complex world of grants management.

Maximize your funding and minimize your mistakes. Thompson Grants' Grants Compliance Expert simplifies grants compliance from pre-award to audit. Click here to start a free trial!

by Erin MurphyOctober 28, 2025

Secure Federal Grants with This Complete Audit Checklist

If the thought of a federal grant audit makes your pulse quicken, you’re not alone. For many grant-funded organizations, the process can feel like navigating a maze of regulations, documentation requests, and compliance standards—often under the looming pressure of potential penalties or the dreaded “high-risk grantee” label.

At the center of this complexity lies the OMB’s Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)—the federal government’s framework for managing grants and ensuring accountability. It governs everything from allowable costs to subrecipient monitoring (more on that later), and it’s the foundation every grant manager must understand before audit season begins.

This article isn’t just another procedural checklist. It’s a strategic guide designed to help you think like an auditor, anticipate problem areas, and confidently demonstrate compliance. Whether you’re preparing for your Single Audit or strengthening your internal controls, this checklist will help you:

Gather the right documentation and evidence of compliance
Identify and address potential red flags before the auditor does
Strengthen financial management systems
Reduce the risk of disallowed or questioned costs

By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to turn audit preparation from a source of stress into a strategic advantage—keeping your organization trusted, compliant, and ready to secure future federal funding.

Federal Grant Audit FAQs
The Comprehensive Federal Grant Audit Checklist
Best Practices for Managing Federal Grant Audits

Stay compliant and stay confident. Grants Compliance Expert has you covered with real-time insights. Click to get started,

Federal Grant Audit FAQs

Navigating a federal grant audit can feel daunting—even for experienced grant managers. To help you prepare, here are key answers to the most frequently asked questions, based on Thompson Grants’ Single Audit Requirements Guide and the OMB’s Uniform Guidance.

What is a Single Audit?

A Single Audit is a comprehensive review that combines a financial statement audit with an assessment of compliance with federal program requirements. According to Thompson Grants’ guide, “A single audit is a rigorous review that combines a financial statement audit with an assessment of compliance with federal program requirements. It is required for any non-federal entity that spends $1 million or more in federal awards during a fiscal year for fiscal years starting Oct. 1, 2024.”

It’s called a “single” audit because it consolidates all of a grantee’s federal programs into one review rather than requiring separate audits for each award. A properly conducted Single Audit helps prevent:

Loss of funding
Repayment of disallowed or misused funds
Heightened audit scrutiny
Damage to organizational reputation

Ultimately, the Single Audit ensures public funds are spent responsibly and transparently.

Who is required to have a Single Audit?

As of October 2025, any non-federal entity—including nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and local governments—that expends $750,000 or more in federal awards during a fiscal year must undergo a Single Audit. This threshold will increase to $1 million for fiscal years ending on or after September 30, 2025, reducing the burden on smaller entities while maintaining oversight of larger, higher-risk grantees.

The threshold applies to total federal expenditures, not individual awards. Subawards and pass-through funds all count toward this total.

What’s the difference between a recipient, subrecipient, and contractor?

When a federal agency awards a grant, it places its trust and funds in the hands of the nonprofit, which is officially referred to as the Prime Recipient. This recipient is now 100% accountable for every dollar and every project goal.

However, complex programs are rarely executed by one organization alone. Complex Recipient nonprofits might need to partner with other organizations to deliver services or secure resources.

The moment a recipient decides to pay one of these outside entities with federal grant money, they must make a critical classification. Understanding these functions (and noting them on your audit paperwork) is critical. Here are the roles to remember:

Recipient (Prime Recipient): Receives federal funds directly from an agency and is responsible for programmatic and financial compliance.
Subrecipient: Receives a subaward from a recipient to carry out part of a program and may also require a Single Audit if their federal expenditures exceed the threshold.
Contractor (Vendor): Provides goods or services for the recipient but does not perform programmatic functions. Contractor payments are not subject to Single Audit requirements, though procurement rules still apply.

Misclassifying these relationships is one of the most common Single Audit findings, so ensure your team understands these roles.

How should grantees select an auditor?

Choosing your auditor is one of the most important procurement decisions your organization will make. You aren’t just hiring an accountant to check your math; you are hiring a technical expert to test your compliance with the complex federal regulations.

Furthermore, a low-quality audit that is late or gets rejected by the government can put your organization in “high-risk” status and jeopardize future funding. A good auditor, on the other hand, can be a vital, long-term partner in strengthening your internal controls.

When selecting an auditor, follow these best practices:

Develop a clear statement of work and timeline
Issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP)
Evaluate bids based on experience and qualifications—not just price
Ensure the auditor is independent and qualified in Single Audits

Also, remember that auditors who have prepared an organization’s indirect cost proposal or cost allocation plan cannot perform the audit due to conflict of interest.

Where and when do I submit my Single Audit Report?

Completed audit reports must be submitted to the General Services Administration’s Federal Audit Clearinghouse (GSA FAC) within the earlier of:

30 days after receiving the auditor’s report, or
Nine months after the end of the fiscal year.

Late submissions can delay reimbursements, trigger added scrutiny, or jeopardize future funding eligibility.

Never miss a compliance update! Get started with our Single Audit Information module. Click to access now.

Federal Grant Audit Checklist

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Financial & Compliance Documentation

Are financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP?

Do you have a complete Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) that aligns with your general ledger?

Are supporting documents—like invoices, receipts, and contracts—organized and accessible?

Have you documented internal controls to prevent fraud and misuse?

Are all account reconciliations current and reviewed regularly?

Resource Management

Are all costs charged to federal awards allowable, reasonable, and necessary under 2 CFR §200.403?

Can you provide accurate time and effort reports for employees working on federal programs?

Are payroll allocations supported by certifications or system-generated reports?

Do you have a process for reviewing indirect cost rates and ensuring alignment with approved cost allocation plans?

Procurement & Subrecipient Monitoring

Does your procurement policy comply with 2 CFR §200.317–§200.327?

Can you provide records of competitive bids or sole-source justifications?

Have you verified subrecipient eligibility and issued compliant subaward agreements?

Do you monitor subrecipients through reports, site visits, or reviews?

Are there procedures for addressing subrecipient audit findings?

Reporting & Record Retention

Are all financial and performance reports accurate and submitted on time?

Are reports reviewed and reconciled before submission?

Do you retain records for at least three years after final reporting per 2 CFR §200.334?

Are electronic records securely stored with restricted access?

Completing this checklist not only helps you prepare for your next audit—it reinforces sound financial management and positions your organization for continued federal funding success.

Best Practices for Managing Federal Grant Audits

A checklist is only one part of audit readiness. Long-term success depends on strong systems, clear communication, and an organizational mindset built around compliance.

Best practices for audit readiness (as explained below)

1. Implement a Culture of Compliance

Move beyond “audit season” thinking. Build compliance into daily operations across departments—from finance to program delivery. Maintain current policies, update documentation regularly, stay updated on federal grant news, and discuss compliance as part of routine reviews. Also, ensure your grant management tech is compliant by working with product experts.

When compliance is continuous, you’ll always be audit-ready rather than scrambling at the last minute.

2. Embrace Technology for Efficiency

Manual spreadsheets can’t keep pace with today’s complex grant environment. They are prone to typos, broken formulas, and version-control nightmares. More importantly, they lack the clear audit trail required to show auditors who approved an expense and when. This makes it incredibly difficult to prove you have strong internal controls.

Investing in a dedicated fund accounting or grant management system is a cornerstone of modern grant stewardship. These tools are designed to enforce compliance, streamline the process of tracking expenses by specific grants, prevent staff from accidentally coding a cost to the wrong award, and can generate accurate, real-time reports (like the SEFA).

Track expenses by grant
Automate reports
Flag unallowable costs
Centralize key records

This technology isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a tangible demonstration to your auditor that your controls are systematic and reliable.

3. Conduct an Internal Mock Audit

The worst time to find a weakness is when the external auditor is sitting in your office! Conducting a “mock audit” or internal self-assessment several months before the real one is the single best way to ensure a “no surprises” experience. Have a staff member—ideally one who is independent of the day-to-day grant accounting—use the official Compliance Supplement to test a sample of transactions.

Review your procurement files, timekeeping records, and subrecipient monitoring checklists. Are the required documents actually there? Is the math correct? This process gives you invaluable time to identify and implement corrective actions for any issues you find. Walking into an audit with a problem you’ve already identified and started fixing is far better than being caught unaware.

4. Focus on the Human Element

A successful audit depends as much on communication and organization as it does on documentation. Your relationship with your auditor should be professional and transparent, not adversarial. Remember, they are on a tight deadline, and a disorganized client costs them time, which can increase your audit fees and strain the relationship.

The key here is to be proactive. Reach out early to clarify timelines and expectations. When they send the “Prepared by Client” (PBC) list, provide all requested materials promptly and in an organized digital format. Also, if you know there’s a problem (e.g., you discovered a misspent cost), don’t hide it. Disclose it proactively, along with the corrective action plan you’ve already put in place. This transparency builds trust and signals that you are a competent, responsible steward of federal funds.

Preparing for a federal grant audit doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the Single Audit process, maintaining organized documentation, and promoting a culture of compliance, your organization can approach audits with confidence.

Audits aren’t just a compliance requirement—they’re an opportunity to demonstrate accountability and strengthen your organization’s reputation.

About the Author

Erin Murphy

You’ve got federal funds—we’ve got your back. Join the Single Audit Information Service and turn compliance from stressful to second nature. Click to start your trial.

by Erin MurphySeptember 18, 2025

Nonprofit Organization Financial Grant Resources: A Guide

Grants offer a powerful way for nonprofit organizations to advance their missions, but they are much more than just another source of funding. Beyond providing essential financial support, securing a grant lends credibility to your work and increases your visibility among stakeholders. Plus, grants can provide a stable foundation for financial sustainability and help diversify your revenue streams, unlike individual donations or earned income, which often fluctuate.

However, this stability comes with expectations. Successfully winning and managing grants requires significant effort, a clear strategy, and a firm commitment to compliance. This guide will walk you through the resources and best practices needed to navigate the grant landscape effectively.

Need to find your best-fit funding? Access over 180,000 Grantor Profiles in one simple solution. Click to try Grantscape.

Types of Grants and Funding Sources

Navigating the grant landscape begins with understanding the different types of funders and the grants they offer. Each source has unique motivations, requirements, and benefits, so knowing where to look is key to building a successful grant strategy. The four primary sources of grant funding for nonprofits are government agencies, private foundations, corporations, and community foundations. Let’s explore these deeper:

Government grants are available at the federal, state, and local levels. These grants use public funds to address specific societal needs, from public health to infrastructure. Federal grants, often found on platforms like Grants.gov, are typically large but come with strict compliance and reporting rules. State and local grants are usually smaller and more focused on regional issues, but they still demand rigorous oversight. While complex, government funding can provide significant, long-term support for programs that align with public priorities.
Private foundations are non-governmental entities established to support charitable activities via grants. This category includes independent foundations (often funded by a single family, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), which pursue specific missions, and operating foundations, which run their own charitable programs. Private foundations offer more flexibility than government grants and often seek innovative solutions to social problems. Building relationships with program officers is often crucial for securing funding.
Corporate giving programs are managed by for-profit companies as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Funding priorities are frequently aligned with the company’s industry, values, or geographic footprint. These grants may come with co-marketing opportunities and employee volunteer engagement, offering benefits beyond just financial support.
Community foundations and regional funds pool donations from various sources to support a specific geographic area. They possess deep knowledge of local challenges and award grants to nonprofits addressing those needs. For organizations with a strong local focus, community foundations are an excellent resource, as they are invested in seeing their immediate area thrive.

List of Key Financial Grant Resources for Nonprofits

Finding the right grant opportunities requires knowing where to look. The internet is filled with databases and directories, but a targeted approach will save you time and increase your chances of success. That’s why we’ve curated a list of essential resources, from comprehensive federal portals to niche foundation directories, designed to help you find funding that aligns with your mission.

Featured Resource: GrantScape

GrantScape brings unparalleled advantages to nonprofits searching for funding. First and foremost, GrantScape helps you uncover new funding opportunities by offering the most comprehensive and up-to-date grant database available. Its powerful filters let you customize your grant alerts so you can choose what types of grants you want to see and how often you’re notified—and only the most relevant opportunities get delivered directly to your inbox.

What truly sets GrantScape apart is its level of detail: it covers far more data points and grant opportunity details than any other source, helping you drill down to the grants that matter to you. Never miss a deadline again, thanks to automatic notifications for upcoming submission dates. Its robust search tools ensure you’re seeing the full landscape—not just a limited subset—broadening your access to available grants.

Plus, GrantScape’s save and share features make team collaboration simple: save opportunities, download details, and circulate them among stakeholders with ease. You’ll gain access to elusive information on private funders, giving you deeper insights into potential funding sources.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your grant strategy, GrantScape makes it simple to identify the best-fit opportunities and move ahead with confidence.

Federal / Government Resources

Grants.gov

As the official, centralized portal for all U.S. federal grant opportunities, Grants.gov is an essential starting point for any nonprofit seeking government funding. It consolidates listings from every federal agency into a single, searchable database. You can search for grants by keyword, category, or agency and subscribe to receive notifications for new opportunities that match your criteria. Its true value lies in being a one-stop shop for the entire federal application process, from finding the announcement to submitting your final proposal.

SAM.gov Assistance Listings

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) features Assistance Listings, the official catalog of all federal financial assistance programs. This resource goes beyond grants to include loans, insurance, and other types of support.

Nonprofits can use SAM.gov to research the full scope of federal aid available for their sector. By searching the listings, you can identify relevant programs, understand their objectives, and learn about eligibility requirements before a specific funding opportunity is even announced, giving you a strategic head start.

USA.gov Grants and Loans

For those new to federal funding, USA.gov provides a clear and simple guide to the landscape. It explains the different types of government funding and helps you determine if your organization is eligible.

While it doesn’t host applications itself, USA.gov serves as a trusted directory, leading you to official channels like Grants.gov. Also, it demystifies the complex world of federal aid and prevents nonprofits from falling for scams or misleading third-party sites.

Private and Foundation Resources

Candid’s Foundation Directory Online (FDO)

FDO is a premier subscription-based database for researching private foundations. It provides detailed profiles of U.S. foundations, including their giving priorities, past grantees, and key decision-makers.

Nonprofits use FDO to create highly targeted prospect lists by filtering foundations based on subject area, geographic focus, Form 990 data, and grant size. Its power is in the depth of its data, allowing you to move beyond basic searches and truly understand a funder’s patterns and preferences.

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer

ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer is a free, searchable database of nonprofit tax filings. It offers a user-friendly interface for quickly looking up a foundation’s financial details, including total assets and annual giving. It’s a quick and efficient tool for conducting initial due diligence on potential funders or researching organizations similar to your own to see who is funding their work.

Community Foundation Locator

Hosted by the Council on Foundations, this directory helps you find community foundations serving your specific geographic area. These foundations focus on local needs and are often more accessible than large national funders. By using the locator to identify and research your regional community foundation, you can tap into a vital source of local support and build relationships with funders invested in your immediate community.

Corporate and Other Resources

Double the Donation

While primarily known for matching gift software, Double the Donation’s database is also a valuable resource for identifying corporate giving programs and volunteer grants. Many companies offer grants to organizations where their employees volunteer. Nonprofits can use this resource to discover new corporate partners and unlock revenue by encouraging their existing volunteer base to apply for these grants on their behalf.

Charity Navigator’s Corporate Giving Resources

Charity Navigator provides guidance and curated lists of top corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. This resource helps nonprofits understand what motivates corporate funders and identify companies whose values align with their own mission. It’s a great tool for researching potential corporate sponsors and finding links to their giving program guidelines and application portals.

America’s Charities

This organization helps connect nonprofits with workplace giving campaigns. By becoming a member of America’s Charities, organizations gain access to a network of corporate partners and their employee engagement programs. This provides a streamlined way to receive funding from thousands of employees through payroll deductions, expanding your donor base and securing a consistent source of revenue.

Sector-Specific Resources

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants

The NEA is the primary federal agency supporting arts and culture organizations across the United States. Its website is the go-to resource for nonprofits in the arts sector seeking federal funding. The NEA offers grants for specific projects, from dance performances to public art installations, and provides detailed guidelines to help organizations prepare competitive applications.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants

As the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research, the NIH is the essential resource for nonprofits in the medical and public health fields. Its website offers a comprehensive database of funding opportunities for research, training, and career development. Organizations can search for grants related to specific diseases or health topics and find extensive resources to guide them through the rigorous application process.

Chronicle of Philanthropy Grants Listings

The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a leading news source for the nonprofit world, maintains a regularly updated list of grant opportunities from major foundations and corporations. This resource is valuable for staying current on new funding initiatives and RFPs (Requests for Proposals). Subscribing to their updates ensures you are among the first to know when a new grant that fits your mission becomes available.

How to Choose the Right Grant Opportunities

Finding grant opportunities is only the first step; selecting the right ones is what leads to success. A disciplined evaluation process prevents wasted effort on applications that are a poor fit. Before you start writing, assess each opportunity against four critical criteria.

Ensure strong mission and program fit. The proposal must directly support your existing, board-approved programs and strategies. If you find yourself having to invent a new program just to qualify for the funds, it’s not the right grant. Chasing money that pulls you away from your core mission is a common pitfall that can strain resources and dilute your impact.
Honestly evaluate your capacity and compliance readiness. Do you have the staff bandwidth to manage the grant’s reporting requirements? Are your data collection and documentation systems prepared for the funder’s demands? Even a perfectly aligned grant can lead to failure if your organization lacks the internal capacity to manage it effectively.
Gauge financial alignment. You’ll need to scrutinize budget allowability and funding mechanics closely. Start by mapping your project costs to the funder’s categories, checking for disallowed expenses, and understanding any cost-share requirements or caps on indirect costs.
Conduct a quick time and return-on-investment (ROI) check. Estimate the hours required to write the proposal—typically 15-25 for foundation grants and over 80 for complex federal grants. Weigh that effort against your realistic probability of winning by reviewing the funder’s 990s to see their past grantees and average award sizes. This simple go/no-go decision will save your most valuable resource: time.

Best Practices for Managing Grant Funding

Strong post-award management ensures compliance, builds trust with funders, and sets the stage for future support. A structured approach from start to finish is key to navigating this process effectively.

Set up your grant management structure before the funds even arrive. Create restricted codes in your accounting system to track spending, build a reporting calendar with all due dates and owners, and clearly assign roles for the program lead, finance lead, and grant manager. Once the award is official, hold a kickoff meeting to review the project scope, budget rules, data collection plan, and any match or procurement requirements.

Also, be sure to implement firm spending controls and documentation practices. Require pre-approval for major costs, meticulously save all receipts and timesheets tied to grant codes, and separate financial duties to ensure accountability.

Monitor your budget closely with monthly reviews comparing actuals to projections, and track your burn rate to stay on course. If issues arise, proactive reporting with clear narratives and clean financials is crucial for maintaining funder confidence.

Grant Closeout Best Practices

Don’t drop the ball as you approach the grant closeout phase! Ensure your team:

Archives all records: Ensure that every document, receipt, report, and communication related to the grant is securely stored. This helps prepare your organization for future audits and simplifies information retrieval for renewals or new applications.
Holds a debrief meeting: Bring together your team to discuss what went well and what challenges arose during the grant period. Document these lessons learned to improve your processes for future funding opportunities.
Expresses gratitude to the funder: Send a thoughtful thank-you letter or email to show appreciation for their support. Highlight key outcomes from the grant and your plans for ongoing impact, strengthening the relationship for possible future funding.
Plans for next steps: Use the closeout phase to outline logical next actions, such as applying for renewal, seeking multi-year support, or exploring new funding partnerships based on your experience.

As you build your repertoire of nonprofit financial grant resources, keep in mind that new opportunities emerge every day. To stay updated, check out our Grants News and subscribe to Grants Compliance Expert. That way, you’ll never miss the perfect funding opportunity for your nonprofit, and you’ll have the tools needed to manage funding.

Discover the grants that help you grow with Grantscape! Click to start searching today.

by Erin MurphyAugust 27, 2025

Mastering Single Audit Requirements: An Essential Guide

If your organization receives a lot of federal funding, here’s something important to know: starting with fiscal years that begin on or after October 1, 2024, any group spending $1 million or more in federal awards will need to undergo a Single Audit (or, in some cases, a program-specific audit).

Think of the Single Audit as a financial “check-up.” It’s designed to make sure federal funds are being used properly and in line with program rules. This applies to a wide range of entities, including states, local governments, nonprofits, universities, and tribes. Federal financial assistance comes in many forms—grants, but also cooperative agreements, loans, commodities, insurance, and more—so it’s worth double-checking how your funding is classified.

Not every organization falls under the requirement (for example, some for-profits and international groups may be exempt), but award agreements will spell out exactly what’s expected. And even if you’re under the $1 million threshold, you still need to maintain good records and be prepared for possible reviews.

Single Audit Requirements FAQs

What Is a Single Audit?

A single audit is a rigorous review that combines a financial statement audit with an assessment of compliance with federal program requirements. It is required for any non-federal entity that expends $1 million or more in federal awards during a fiscal year for fiscal years starting Oct. 1, 2024.

The primary purpose of the single audit is to verify that federal funds are managed properly, spent in accordance with laws and regulations, and that the intended program objectives are met. This process ensures accountability and transparency, helping federal agencies confirm that recipients fulfill their obligations and uphold the integrity of federal programs.

Why Are Single Audits Important?

Single audits are essential for promoting accountability and transparency in the use of federal funds. Failure to complete a required audit can lead to serious consequences, including loss of current or future funding, repayment of improperly used funds, increased audit scrutiny and reputational harm with funders and stakeholders.

Thresholds and Triggers

The expenditure threshold applies to an organization that expends at least $1 million in total federal funding within a fiscal year, not to each grant individually. This threshold is based on an entity’s fiscal year:

For January–December fiscal years, the rule applies Jan. 1, 2025, onward
For July–June fiscal years, July 1, 2025, onward
For October–September fiscal years, Oct. 1, 2024, onward.

Entities should carefully review their fiscal year to determine whether their next audit is subject to the previous $750,000 threshold or the new $1 million requirement.

Who Performs a Single Audit?

A single audit must be conducted by an independent certified public accountant (CPA) with experience in federal grant auditing. The auditor is responsible for reviewing the organization’s financial statements, Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), internal controls and compliance with federal requirements. They identify major federal programs, issue findings and submit audit reports.

Meanwhile, the entity being audited must maintain complete and accurate records, prepare the SEFA, provide access and documentation to the auditor, respond to any findings, and ensure all required reports are submitted promptly to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC).

Single Audit Requirements to Know

Single audits must meet rigorous federal standards to ensure proper stewardship of federal funds. Key requirements include:

Governing Regulations: Audits are conducted under the authority of the Single Audit Act and the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Guidance. Auditors must also adhere to the annually updated OMB Compliance Supplement, which provides detailed rules for auditors testing specific federal programs for compliance.
Scope of the Audit: The audit must cover the entity’s entire financial operations. This includes both a standard financial statement audit and a detailed compliance audit of federal program requirements to ensure funds were spent appropriately.
Major Program Determination: The auditor identifies “major programs” for in-depth testing. This selection is based on total expenditure levels and a risk assessment that considers program complexity, past audit findings and any federal oversight concerns.
Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA): Your organization is responsible for preparing a SEFA, a comprehensive list of all federal awards expended during the fiscal year. This schedule must include Assistance Listing Numbers (ALNs), program names, award amounts and pass-through entity details.
Reporting Requirements: The final audit package is a comprehensive collection of documents. It must include the auditor’s opinion on the financial statements, a report on compliance and internal controls, the SEFA, a schedule of findings and questioned costs, and a corrective action plan for any identified issues.
Submission Requirements: The complete audit package and a Data Collection Form (DCF) must be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) by the specified deadline. Copies must also be provided to any pass-through entities that awarded subrecipient funding.

Common Single Audit Findings

Understanding the most frequent audit findings can help organizations proactively address potential issues before they become compliance problems. These recurring deficiencies often stem from inadequate preparation, poor internal controls or misunderstanding of federal requirements.

Things that successful single audits can prevent, as explained below.

Inaccurate or Incomplete SEFA: The SEFA frequently contains errors such as missing federal awards, incorrect Assistance Listing numbers or unreported subawards to other organizations.
Late FAC Submission: Missing the Federal Audit Clearinghouse deadline typically results from delayed auditor work, poor project scheduling or inadequate coordination between the entity and its auditor.
Weak Internal Controls: Common control deficiencies include insufficient segregation of duties, undocumented financial processes and inadequate review procedures for federal expenditures.
Failure to Meet Program Objectives: Auditors often find spending that’s misaligned with stated program goals or evidence of missed performance milestones and deliverables.
Cybersecurity Deficiencies: Organizations frequently struggle with weak access controls, unencrypted sensitive data and inadequate information security policies.

Addressing these areas proactively can significantly reduce audit findings and demonstrate strong stewardship of federal funds.

Best Practices for Preparing for a Single Audit

Effective preparation for a single audit involves year-round organization, clear roles and diligent documentation. Focusing on a few core best practices will help ensure smoother audits and fewer findings.

Establish Strong Internal Controls

Strong internal controls are the backbone of audit readiness. Start by creating clear, written policies and procedures that cover tracking, reporting, and compliance. Designate a single audit coordinator who can serve as the central point of contact and keep everyone aligned. To reduce risk, separate key duties among staff so no single person controls an entire process. Finally, build in regular internal compliance checks to identify and resolve potential issues before they become problems.

Understand All Compliance Requirements

A successful audit starts with knowing the rules that apply to you. Stay informed of relevant regulations by reviewing grant agreements and the most recent OMB Compliance Supplement, which explains compliance requirements in detail. Determine your oversight or cognizant federal agency, since they may have specific requirements.

Maintain Accurate Financial and Program Records

Strong recordkeeping and effective tech is essential for passing an audit. Use separate accounts or fund codes for each grant, and document every expenditure and approval. Reconcile accounts regularly to catch discrepancies early and confirm that costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. For staff working on multiple programs, maintain clear time and effort reports so labor costs are properly supported.

Prepare the SEFA Early

Begin work on your SEFA well ahead of deadlines. List all direct and pass-through awards, including correct Assistance Listing numbers, award amounts, clusters and subrecipient details. Reconcile the SEFA with your general ledger and double-check for common errors like missing awards or incorrect numbers to avoid findings.

Use Thompson Grants’ Compliance Alerts

Written by leading experts in auditing, Thompson Grants’ Single Audit Information Service Module is the most extensive and easy-to-use guide of its kind that delivers detailed analyses of every aspect of single audit requirements and procedures, ranging from determining major programs, procuring an auditor, reviewing auditee reports, conducting site visits, and preparing auditor findings.

Wrapping Up

Preparing for a single audit doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have the right strategies in place. By establishing strong internal controls, understanding compliance requirements, maintaining accurate financial records, preparing your SEFA early and leveraging Thompson Grants’ specialized compliance information, your organization can navigate the audit process with confidence.

Start by reviewing your current processes to identify areas for improvement, then implement systematic changes that strengthen your compliance framework year-round. Take advantage of available resources, expert guidance and compliance tools to ensure your organization is audit-ready. With proper preparation and the right support, you can transform single audit compliance from a challenge into a demonstration of your organization’s commitment to responsible stewardship of federal funds.

About the Author

Erin Murphy

by Erin MurphyApril 8, 2025

Online Grant Databases that Help Organizations Find Funding

From nonprofits to hospital systems, securing funding is an essential but ongoing challenge. The ability to deliver impactful programs, expand reach, and serve communities often hinges on finding grants that align with your organization’s mission and needs. Federal, state, local, and foundation grants offer solutions, but navigating various opportunities without the right tools can be overwhelming.

That’s where online grant databases come in. These powerful platforms streamline the search for funding by centralizing opportunities, offering robust filters, and tailoring results to help nonprofits find grants that best fit their mission.

Here are just a few reasons why online grant databases are game-changers for nonprofits seeking funding solutions:

Centralized Access: Discover countless grants in one place, rather than scouring multiple websites or contacts.
Timesaving Search Tools: Advanced filters help you sift through countless options quickly and zero in on those relevant to your nonprofit.
Up-to-Date Information: Many databases update in real-time to provide accurate and timely opportunities.
Niche Opportunities: Specialized platforms may highlight grants for specific industries, from education to health to sustainability.
Customized Features: Some tools offer tailored notifications, personalized dashboards, and even funder insights.

Whether you’re new to grant seeking or a seasoned nonprofit professional, the right grant database can make all the difference in how you find and secure funding.

Jump to:

The Benefits of Using an Online Grant Database
What to Look For in an Online Grant Database
The Best Online Grant Databases for Any Need

The Benefits of Using an Online Grant Database

Online grant-finding databases are more than just search engines. They are critical tools that enable entities searching for federal funding to efficiently identify, qualify, and pursue funding opportunities. Below are key benefits of using these platforms:

Centralized Access to Opportunities. Instead of bouncing between websites or spending hours on email threads with potential funders, online databases consolidate information in one place. This makes it easy to discover various grants, from federal options to local foundation opportunities.
Streamlined Search Capabilities. Advanced search filters save time by helping you narrow results based on specific criteria like funding amount, application deadline, focus area, or organization size.
Frequently Updated Information. Online platforms are often updated promptly to include the latest funding announcements or adjust deadlines, ensuring nonprofits are always working with the most current information.
Better-Fit Grants. By refining searches and accessing detailed criteria, nonprofits are more likely to find opportunities that align with their mission and improve their chances of success.
Platform-Specific Features. Many grant databases offer customizable notifications or tools that allow users to save searches, track applications, and explore funder histories.
Access to Niche Opportunities. Some platforms specialize in niche areas, such as education, sustainability, or health, helping organizations find grants tailored to their unique focus.

What to Look For in an Online Grant Database

Not all grant databases are created equal. When choosing a platform, consider the following features to ensure you’re investing in a tool that aligns with your organization’s needs:

Cost-Effectiveness. Balance the platform’s subscription cost with its benefits. Free databases can work for some, but premium platforms often offer advanced tools and more comprehensive coverage.
Advanced Search Filters. Look for granular filtering options, such as location, funding amount, eligible applicants, and program area, to quickly identify relevant opportunities.
Consistently Updated Data. A great grant database reflects the latest funding opportunities, making it easier to track deadlines, eligibility changes, or new programs.
Alignment with Team Needs. Choose a tool that suits your team’s technical skills, grant-seeking expertise, and existing workflows. A user-friendly platform is often a better fit for smaller teams without dedicated grant writers.
Comprehensive Listings. The more comprehensive the database, the more opportunities you’ll have to find a perfect match. Platforms that consolidate federal, state, local, and private funding sources are especially valuable.
Support and Resources. Does the platform offer tutorials, guides, or customer support to help you make the most of its features? Having access to assistance when you need it can save time and frustration.

Investing in the right database ensures you’re not just navigating the world of grant funding but doing so efficiently and effectively.

The Best Online Grant Databases for Any Need

Online grant databases (as explained below)

GrantScape by Thompson Grants

GrantScape by Thompson Grants sets the gold standard as the most comprehensive and user-friendly platform for nonprofit grant seekers. With a reputation built on over 50 years of expertise, Thompson Grants continues to lead the field with cutting-edge tools tailored to organizations navigating federal funding.

What makes GrantScape the best online grant database?

Here’s what makes GrantScape stand out from the crowd:

Thompson Grants’ Trusted Reputation: With decades of experience, Thompson Grants is synonymous with excellence in grants management. Professionals across industries have relied on its expert resources to succeed.
Comprehensive Coverage Across All Levels: GrantScape covers federal, state, local, and foundation funding opportunities, making it one of the most diverse grant sources available.
Advanced Search Functionality: Customize your searches with filters based on location, funding type, eligible applicants, focus area, and more.
Personalized Alerts: Stay ahead of deadlines and opportunities with tailored notifications delivered straight to your inbox.
Intuitive User Interface: GrantScape’s platform is designed to be easy to use, even for those new to grant-seeking.
Detailed Funder Information: Access funder profiles to learn more about past grantmaking habits, application tips, and contact details.
Integrated with Other Thompson Grants’ Tools: Subscribers to the Grant Compliance Expert gain complimentary access to GrantScape as well as additional tools, templates, news, and expert analysis, providing a one-stop solution for grants management and compliance.

How to get started with GrantScape

Watch a Demo: See GrantScape in action through this recorded showcase.
Subscribe Today: Start leveraging GrantScape’s powerful features by subscribing here.

Other Online Grant Databases

When it comes to meeting specific needs for organizations, other grant databases can complement Grantscape’s comprehensive offerings. Here are some options to consider:

Federal Grants: Grants.gov

Grants.gov is the premier database for accessing federal funding opportunities across all sectors. It offers a centralized portal to explore grants from agencies like the Department of Education, Health and Human Services, and more. Best of all, it’s free to use, making it an essential tool for nonprofits seeking government funding.

Small Businesses: GrantWatch

GrantWatch specializes in grants for nonprofits working alongside small businesses or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Its subscription-based platform offers advanced search filters, including funding opportunities by state and industry focus, starting at $18 per week.

Environmental and Sustainability: Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA)

EGA caters to environmental nonprofits by connecting them with funders who prioritize sustainability and conservation efforts. While access requires membership, the platform provides exclusive insights and networking opportunities to align nonprofits with eco-driven donors.

Health: NIH Grants

Focused on advancing health research and healthcare services, NIH Grants is a go-to resource for nonprofits in the medical space. It offers detailed funding opportunities through major institutes such as the National Cancer Institute. Access is free, but applications require technical expertise and compliance with NIH guidelines.

Education: Donors Choose

DonorsChoose is an innovative platform tailored for nonprofits and individuals supporting K-12 classrooms. It stands out by allowing educators to directly post project needs, with donors funding specific initiatives. There are no subscription costs, but the platform takes a percentage of donations to cover fees.

Foundation Grants: Foundation Directory (Candid)

Powered by Candid, the Foundation Directory provides detailed profiles of private foundations, including their funding priorities, typical grant sizes, and connections to past recipients. With subscription pricing starting at $49.99 per month, it’s a favorite for nonprofits seeking private grantmakers.

These specialized platforms can help organizations address niche funding needs while rounding out any organization’s grant-seeking strategy. That said, GrantScape remains the most versatile and user-friendly option for organizations aiming to streamline their grant management efforts. Its intuitive interface, competitive pricing, and robust database of grant opportunities make it the top choice for nonprofits of all sizes and missions.

Wrapping Up

Grant opportunities are abundant, but finding the right ones for your organization requires tools that simplify the process and improve results. Comprehensive databases of fundraising opportunities are indispensable resources for organizations seeking to secure funding efficiently while minimizing the complexity of the search.

While many platforms offer valuable features, Grantscape by Thompson Grants stands out as the most comprehensive, user-friendly, and effective solution for organizations of all sizes and sectors. With Grantscape, organizations can take the guesswork out of grant-seeking and focus more on advancing their mission.

Take the next step in your grant search today. Subscribe to Grantscape or explore other featured platforms to find the opportunities that best fit your organization’s needs.

Empower your organization with the resources it needs to thrive—because securing funding shouldn’t feel impossible.

About the Author

Erin Murphy

by Erin MurphyMarch 18, 2025

Grant Management: 6 Essential Best Practices to Know

Did you know that approximately 30% of U.S. nonprofits receive funding through government grants? For these organizations, grants represent a vital lifeline, enabling them to launch new programs, strengthen communities, and scale their missions. However, receiving a grant is just the beginning. Along with this crucial funding comes a complex web of stipulations, reporting requirements, and compliance expectations to ensure the sustainability of future funding opportunities.

Navigating these complexities isn’t just important; it’s essential. Missteps in federal grant management can lead to penalties, revoked opportunities, or even a loss of credibility. To help you make the most of your federal funding while avoiding common pitfalls, we’ll walk you through six grant management best practices that every nonprofit leader and grant manager should know. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of federal grants, these insights are designed to elevate your grant management strategies and help you achieve success.

Grant Management FAQs

What is grant management?

Grants management refers to the structured process of overseeing and administering grants, ensuring that the funding serves its intended purpose while meeting all compliance and reporting requirements. For recipients, it’s much more than simply receiving funds; it’s a continuous responsibility that involves careful planning, execution, and evaluation at every stage. Whether for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or government agencies, effective grant management is critical to achieving program goals and maintaining trust with funding sources.

For grant seekers, the federal grant management process follows a lifecycle. It starts with identifying projects aligned with the goals of potential funders and researching funding opportunities. Once a suitable grant is identified, organizations prepare and submit applications. Following approval, the project is implemented, and funding is managed according to the grant’s stipulations. Closing out the grant involves detailed reporting. Each stage requires precision and thorough documentation to meet funder expectations and sustain future opportunities.

Meanwhile, grantmakers focus on creating applications, selecting impactful proposals, and refining processes. By understanding the distinct roles of stakeholders, the grants ecosystem fosters collaboration and maximizes funding’s value.

The lifecycle of a grant (as explained below)

Why does grant management matter?

Effective federal grant management ensures compliance and reduces risk. Adhering to regulatory requirements helps organizations avoid penalties and retain funding credibility. Meeting these standards also builds trust with funders. A strong reputation paves the way for long-term partnerships and future funding opportunities.

Grant management also improves financial management by offering clear insights into budgets and funding allocations. Streamlined systems reduce administrative overhead, allowing teams to focus on their mission. Measuring impact through data provides proof of success for funders while identifying areas for improvement. Ultimately, grant management amplifies an organization’s effectiveness and its ability to achieve meaningful change.

What are the different types of grants?

Grants fall into two main categories: federal and private. Federal grants are provided by the U.S. government and governed by guidelines like Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). These grants often involve strict restrictions and high levels of accountability, with recipients subject to audits if spending exceeds $1,000,000 annually.

Private grants, offered by foundations or corporations, typically allow more flexibility while tailoring processes and requirements to funders’ priorities. However, both federal and private grants require accountability, compliance, and regular reporting. Strong management ensures funds are used effectively regardless of the grant’s source.

Federal Grants

Governed by standardized regulations. These regulations ensure a consistent process for grant administration, providing clarity but also demanding rigorous compliance.
Subject to audits for high funding levels. Audits help verify appropriate fund usage, making documentation and financial oversight critical.
Restricted primarily to specific project goals. For example, if funding is designated for infrastructure, it cannot be redirected to unrelated operational costs.

Private Grants

Requirements vary by funder. Some private funders may focus on specific areas like education or healthcare, while others support broader initiatives.
More flexible funding for broader needs. Organizations can often allocate private grants to areas like staff training or equipment upgrades that align with their mission.

Shared Traits

Both grant types demand strong accountability, requiring accurate reporting to demonstrate proper fund usage and impact.
Financial oversight is critical to avoid mismanagement or non-compliance issues, ensuring all expenditures directly benefit the intended goals.
Adherence to guidelines builds trust with funders, whether they are government agencies or private entities, ensuring the sustainability of future funding opportunities.

Grant Management Best Practices

Start your grant management efforts strong with these tips:

Hire a grant manager

A skilled grant manager is indispensable for successful funding efforts. The role includes overseeing the grant process and requires key competencies:

Organizational skills for managing timelines and documentation.
Knowledge of compliance requirements.
Financial expertise for budgeting and expense tracking.
Communication skills for coordinating with teams and funders.

For in-house hiring, look for candidates with relevant experience in grant administration. They offer the advantages of a dedicated approach but require investment in training and benefits. Conversely, outsourcing to seasoned consultants may be more cost-effective and provides access to specialized expertise, though it involves less day-to-day involvement. The choice depends on your organization’s size, budget, and goals.

Leverage the best grant management tools

The right tools can streamline grant management while reducing errors. Grant tracking software (e.g., AmpliFund) consolidates data and tracks deadlines, ensuring compliance. Budgeting tools, such as QuickBooks, manage funding allocations effectively.

Document management systems (e.g., Dropbox) ensure secure storage of important files, while compliance tools (e.g., Compliance Expert) simplify adherence to funding requirements. Platforms like GrantScape aid in researching and developing competitive proposals. Investing in these solutions not only optimizes processes but also enhances tracking, compliance, and overall outcomes.

Train your Team

Training your team elevates grant management by reducing errors and fostering accountability. Use reputable materials, like those from Thompson Grants, to ensure accuracy. Conduct ongoing education to keep up with evolving regulations and tools.

Customized training meets each team member’s needs—for example, financial staff can focus on budgeting compliance, while program managers can hone metrics tracking. Offer both structured sessions (workshops, webinars) and self-paced resources (online courses, guides) to ensure comprehensive and flexible learning.

Adopt a compliance-first mindset

A compliance-first mindset protects funding and credibility. Stay informed on the latest updates and prioritize compliance at every organizational level to ensure commitment from all staff members.

Establish internal controls by creating processes for approval, checks, and accountability. Timely, accurate reporting is also crucial; a simple solution is a calendar to track deadlines. These practices reduce risks and build funder trust for future opportunities.

Monitor grant performance

Tracking grant performance ensures goals are met while building funder confidence. Set performance metrics aligned with your proposal’s objectives. Use tools to monitor progress and collect data consistently.

Regular check-ins help your team address challenges, refine strategies, and improve outcomes. Being prepared for evaluations and audits by maintaining thorough documentation further reinforces compliance and trustworthiness.

Maintain positive relationships with funders

Strong relationships with funders foster trust, leading to future funding opportunities. Align expectations early by discussing goals and timelines. Communicate proactively through regular updates to show value and transparency.

Treat funders as collaborators rather than simply financial supporters. By being accountable and open about performance, your organization can cultivate partnerships that extend well beyond a single grant.

Wrapping Up

Effective grants management underpins your organization’s ability to secure and sustain funding. From hiring a grant manager and using advanced tools to prioritizing training, compliance, and performance tracking, these best practices set you up for success. Maintaining positive funder relationships further bolsters your long-term funding potential.

To get started, evaluate your current grant management processes and identify areas for improvement. Resources like Grants Compliance Expert can help you stay compliant and optimize funding strategies. By taking small, actionable steps, your organization will strengthen its federal grant management and achieve its mission more effectively.

About the Author

Erin Murphy

by Erin MurphyFebruary 27, 2025

Mastering Grant Compliance: An Ultimate How-To Guide

Navigating the complexities of grant compliance is no small task. For organizations receiving grants, it’s crucial to adhere to regulations and requirements to ensure continued funding, reduce risks, and avoid penalties. However, with shifting priorities under the new administration, staying compliant can feel like a moving target.

This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of successful grant compliance, including:

Grant Compliance FAQ

Best Practices for Ensuring Grant Compliance

How to Find Grants Compliance Resources

by Timika RileyAugust 11, 2023

Thompson Grants Lifecycle Support & Training

It is essential for federal grant managers to have a deep understanding of the grant lifecycle because it enables them to effectively manage every stage of the process, from grant application to closeout.

In federal grant management, the pre-award stage refers to the period before a grant is awarded. During this stage, potential grant applicants research grant opportunities, develop their grant proposal and submit their application to the funding agency. Thompson’s Federal Grants Development module is designed to help grant professionals find sources for federal funding, develop competitive proposals, and take the steps needed to comply with federal grant rules.

The post-award stage refers to the period after a grant is awarded. During this stage, grantees execute their program or project, manage the grant’s budget, and comply with all regulations and reporting requirements outlined in the Office of Management and Budget’s uniform guidance. Many grant professionals believe the post-award stage requires the most significant investment in staff training and development. This includes training on budget management, reporting requirements, compliance monitoring, and audit preparation. The Thompson Grants’ Federal Grants Management Module is designed to help your organization manage its grant awards, ensure they meet regulatory requirements, and manage their grants effectively.

For those seeking federal grants, it’s crucial to understand the grant lifecycle from start to finish. Luckily, Thompson Grants has been a trusted resource in grant compliance since 1972. With products and services covering the entire grants lifecycle, from pre-award planning to post-award management, we can help you navigate the tricky waters of federal grants. Understanding each process step and the requirements outlined in the uniform guidance is crucial to successful grant applications. Don’t let the complexity of the grants process keep you from securing funding — trust in Thompson Grants to help you succeed.

Please note: This blog post is not official or legal guidance. Recipients should consult the federal awarding agency regarding whether the Uniform Guidance applies to a particular federal award. Subrecipients should consult with the pass-through entity. Thompson Grants is not a grantmaking organization and does not award grants.

by Timika RileyAugust 8, 2023

Effectively Training Your Higher Education Staff on Grant Rules and Regulations

Compliance with federal governmentwide grant requirements and awarding agency policies and directives are critical for institutes of higher education (IHE). These grants often provide institutions with essential funding for research, student support services, and more. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of these grants can potentially lead to severe consequences, including the repayment of funds and legal action. That’s why all staff members and faculty involved in grant management should undergo training and stay up-to-date to maintain compliance. IHEs often receive awards from multiple agencies, which necessitates keeping abreast of the requirements and policies of each funding agency. A comprehensive training program can offer both new and experienced members of your college or university the tools they need to succeed when implementing your programs using federal grant funding.

Be aware that managing a grant is not solely the responsibility of the IHE accounting or financial department or program officer. Numerous participants contribute to overseeing a grant-awarded project or program, including sponsored program administration, research administration, budget preparers, project managers, and more. In larger institutions, department chairs also hold a crucial role in determining the level of staff involvement in research and development. They also play a vital role in securing seed funding for faculty to compete effectively for external funding. In smaller institutions, academic deans often take on this responsibility. Ensuring compliance is a multifaceted effort that involves various departments.

For IHEs that receive federal funding through Title IV, effectively overseeing financial reporting and recordkeeping can be a top priority. These funds significantly impact the institution’s budget because they represent a substantial source of revenue. They support various research projects, educational programs, and services, including student financial aid, academic support services, and institutional infrastructure. Failure to comply with Title IV regulations can lead to penalties, including fines, sanctions, or loss of access to these funds.

For IHEs that receive Department of Education grant funding, here are some key considerations and programs:

Drug-free schools and campuses regulations: IHEs must certify that they have implemented programs to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.
Free inquiry rule: IHEs must offer First Amendment protections and take action to prevent discrimination.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) program: Many IHEs received greatly needed COVID-19 emergency relief funding through HEERF and are continuing to take steps to manage these funds effectively.
Federal mandates: IHEs must comply with mandates from the Department of Education and other federal agencies under various laws.
Emergency Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education: This program provides emergency assistance to institutions and students and has its compliance requirements.
Title III Part A Programs – Strengthening Institutions: This program helps IHEs to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen their academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.
Predominantly Black Institutions Program: IHEs must meet basic and program-specific eligibility requirements to qualify for funding under this program.
Educator Preparation Program: IHEs offering educator preparation programs must comply with state-specific regulations, including licensure endorsement requirements.

Another vital agency that awards grant funds to IHEs is the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is crucial in advancing scientific research and promoting educational opportunities for students. In addition to federal statutes, regulations, and appropriations acts, IHEs must adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure that research is conducted safely and responsibly and that the work is impactful and trustworthy.

Register for the Virtual Federal Grants Forum for Institutions of Higher Education: September 13-14, 2023

Various tools and resources help grantees stay in compliance, such as the HECA Compliance Matrix. This helpful tool highlights critical federal laws and regulations that colleges and universities must follow to ensure they operate within legal limits. Understanding the intricacies of these laws can be challenging, but with the Compliance Matrix, it’s all laid out in an easy-to-read format, complete with concise summaries of each requirement. Aside from online tools, customized training programs are the most effective way to ensure your institution maintains compliance. Through targeted grants training, teams can become more adept at understanding and adhering to complex regulations, enabling them to build more efficient systems and processes. Not only does this result in better compliance with grant guidelines, but it can also lead to more successful grant applications. Investing in customized grants training for your team can help you leverage these benefits and successfully manage your grants program.

By taking advantage of customized, expert-led grants compliance training for your IHE staff from our experienced consultants here at Thompson Grants, you can guarantee that your institute is one step ahead in meeting its obligations and furthering its mission. Our training provides an easy way to bring your employees up to speed on critical information, such as key requirements and guidance for compliance with applicable laws and regulations – all while providing support along the way.

¹US Department of Education (ED). (2023, March 13). President’s FY 2023 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education. Home. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/budget23/index.html