What is a grant audit? After a grant is awarded, the grantor should ensure that the money is being spent the way it was intended. A grant audit is a formal check-up on a specific grant-funded project. While a “normal” audit generally looks at all of an organization’s finances, a grant audit only looks at […]
Any organization that relies heavily on grant money to operate projects or programs will likely experience a grant audit at some point. While many people think of an audit as a broad look at an organization’s overall finances, a grant audit is a more focused assessment. It looks specifically at how grant funds were spent
Being awarded a grant is an exciting achievement for any organization, but getting the award is only the first step in a long process. To succeed, a grantee’s team must treat grant management carefully and strategically by balancing strict financial rules with the actual performance of the project. By following a clear strategy, an organization
In today’s volatile economy, the line between a business that thrives and one that fails can be drawn by how well its leadership has prepared itself, from startup through operations and growth. People might think a business plan is just a document used to get a loan from a bank, but it should serve as
When an organization wins a grant, it feels like a massive victory, but that excitement can quickly turn into a heavy responsibility. The shift from managing a general bank account to handling grant money is like moving from a simple family budget to managing a legal contract. While standard business accounting looks at whether a
Small local nonprofits have served as the heartbeat of our communities for decades. They are often started by people with big hearts and a lot of energy, fueled by a simple desire to help. However, many of these operations are run like a hobby rather than a professional organization. They rely on informal rules, inconsistent
Getting a grant isn’t just about having a great idea, it’s a high-stakes journey that must be navigated through a complex system. For an organization to win funding, it needs to follow an application, review, and award lifecycle that requires strategy, precision, and a deep understanding of what grantmakers want. The process begins when a
In today’s fast-moving world, organizations – especially new or small businesses and nonprofits – often overlook a basic tool for success: formal, written policies and procedures. While some might dismiss these as unnecessary red tape, they serve as the backbone of a successful organization. Documented guidelines provide the structure an organization needs to grow, stay