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Grant Auditing Services

Navigating Grants with Precision and Care

Secure, maintain, and manage your local, state, and federal grants with SSL Associates, your CPA partner in Chicago and nationwide, to guarantee every dollar meets its intended purpose.

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What Is Grant Compliance?

Grant compliance involves adhering to the specific rules, regulations, and requirements set by the federal government for organizations receiving federal funds. This process ensures that grant funds are used appropriately and effectively to align with the stipulated purposes and conditions of the grant. Compliance is crucial for maintaining funding and demonstrating accountability and transparency in the management of received grants.

Who Must Adhere to Grant Compliance Requirements?

For grant recipients, compliance is critical to ensure the proper use of awarded funds. Organizations that receive grants must follow the specific guidelines and requirements stipulated in their grant agreements. This adherence not only allows them to utilize the funds effectively but also helps maintain their reputability and eligibility for future funding. Diligently following these guidelines lays the groundwork for a strong and positive relationship between you, the recipient, and the grantor.

Essential Elements to Master in Grant Management

Navigating the complexities of grant management requires a deep understanding of several key components:

  • Understanding Grant Agreements: Grasping the details of the grant agreement, including the exact funding amount, is vital. This includes comprehensively understanding all terms and conditions so that you are clear on your commitments.
  • Source and Guidance Comprehension: It's crucial to identify the sources of funding and any relevant guidance documents. This knowledge ensures adherence to the necessary compliance standards and regulations.
  • Defining the Scope of Work: Articulating the scope of work accurately is essential for delineating the activities and deliverables expected within the timeframe of the grant. This clarity helps align the project’s objectives with the expectations of the funding body.
  • Building Key Relationships: Effective communication with crucial stakeholders, including contacts at the granting organization and those responsible for managing the grant internally, is key for smooth project execution and compliance.
  • Distinguishing Between Allowable and Unallowable Expenditures: Knowing what expenses are permitted under the grant can prevent misuse of funds and ensure that expenditures align with the conditions of the grant.
  • Compliance with Reporting Requirements: Familiarity with the reporting protocols is needed to submit accurate and timely updates on the grant’s progress and outcomes, which supports ongoing funding and future grant opportunities.

Our Comprehensive Federal Grant Compliance Services

At SSL Associates, our array of specialized services is meticulously designed to facilitate the management of grants at all levels to guarantee adherence to regulations, streamlined operations, and successful outcomes. Here are the refined service offerings:

Compliance Verification for Grants

We ensure that your projects adhere strictly to all required local and federal regulations and funding stipulations to minimize risks and enhance the potential of your grants.

Preparation and Review of Indirect Cost Rate Proposals

Our specialists are ready to prepare or carefully review your indirect cost rate proposals to ensure compliance with funding agency standards.

Detailed Grant Reporting Services

We provide comprehensive and precise reporting services to meet funder requirements and support your ongoing eligibility for funding.

Subrecipient Compliance Monitoring

Our monitoring services ensure that all associated partners adhere to the necessary guidelines, securing your grants.

Development and Implementation of Grant Management Policies

We help create and enforce tailored management policies and procedures that fit your organization’s specific needs.

Our team provides dedicated support to prepare your organization for Single Audits to ensure you meet all compliance standards

Capacity Evaluations for New Grants

Assess and improve your organization’s ability to manage and secure new grants with our comprehensive evaluations.

Grant Application Optimization Services

Enhance your grant applications with our professional review services to increase your success rate.

Response Handling for Funder Inquiries

Efficiently manage and respond to any queries or concerns from funders with our professional support.

Get Your Audit and Secure Your Grants Today

Check out our grant audit services and complete your reporting process.

Numerous grant types necessitate strict adherence to compliance requirements. Here’s a detailed look at these grants and their specific needs:

Common Grant Types Requiring Rigorous Compliance

Numerous grant types necessitate strict adherence to compliance requirements. Here’s a detailed look at these grants and their specific needs:

Contracts

When grants involve contracts for goods or services essential for project implementation, they require a competitive procurement process, adherence to federal cost principles, and rigorous documentation to maintain compliance.

Youth Program Grants

Programs involving minors must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to protect the privacy and integrity of educational records and ensure the security of minors' personal information.

Subaward Administration in Federal Programs

When primary grant recipients allocate funds to other organizations for specific activities, both parties must manage grant expenditures diligently, maintain accurate records, and perform regular monitoring to align with the grant objectives.

Nonprofit Hospital Initiatives

These programs need to document community benefits meticulously to maintain tax-exempt status and comply with the Affordable Care Act, demonstrating their commitment to community health needs.

Research Initiatives Receiving Federal Support

Research projects, especially those in medical device manufacturing or pharmaceuticals, must comply with the Physician Payments Sunshine Act for financial transparency. Research involving human subjects must also adhere to ethical guidelines set by Institutional Review Boards to protect participants.

Why Select SSL Associates for Your Grant Audit

Getting your audit from SSL Associates for your grant compliance offers numerous advantages. Here’s what makes SSL Associates the right choice for you:

Hear from Our Clients

Seamus Naughton, Lake Shore Glass

5.0

As the owner-operator of a construction company, my hours are spent focusing on the operational aspects of our business. Managing our year-end financials was an unwelcome challenge that was a large drain on my time. Having SSL Associates, Ltd. freed me to focus my attention where it best served my company, and gave me peace of mind that our accounting would be done accurately, professionally, and on time. Their ability to work hand in hand with our accounting department allows us to tackle problems as they arise throughout the year to ensure all tax & financial reporting deliverables are free of any last-minute headaches.

Steve Brown, VP Business, Sabre Hockey Association

5.0

SSL Associates, Ltd. has been an invaluable resource for our youth hockey non-profit organization. Their team's expertise in tax compliance and financial reporting has been instrumental in ensuring transparency and accountability to our many families, donors and stakeholders. Their commitment to excellence and their deep understanding of the non-profit sector have made them an indispensable part of our success and a valued partner that we trust and rely on for their guidance.

Kristin Newell, Director of Finance and Administration, Evolution Soccer Club

5.0

When we started the not-for-profit youth travel soccer club, we quickly grew large enough that we are required to be audited by an independent accounting firm each year. We have used SSL Associates Ltd. for the past seven years and couldn’t be happier with their services. SSL also helped us make improvements to our Quickbooks so that the Audit is now very efficient. Their responsiveness and expertise in non-profit accounting has enabled our staff to stay focused on our mission of providing a competitive and positive learning environment to develop our players both on and off the field.

Mark Huelskoetter

5.0

SSL Associates has been a trusted advisor to Wenzak for many years. Their knowledge and valuable insights around tax and reporting impacts of business issues has helped us to navigate key decisions and stay focused on our core business. We greatly appreciate the personal approach and responsiveness of the entire team.

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Reach Out Today!

Don't let complexities in grant compliance procedures hold you back. Contact us at SSL Associates today to discover how our expertise can streamline your processes and secure your funding.

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FAQs

What is the OMB Compliance Supplement and how does it assist grant recipients?

The OMB Compliance Supplement is a vital resource for entities managing federal grants. It provides exhaustive guidelines on compliance requirements, audit objectives, and procedures critical for ensuring adherence to federal regulations. By consulting this supplement, organizations can effectively understand and navigate the complexities of federal grant compliance.

What are the reporting requirements under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA)?

FFATA mandates that information about federal fund recipients be publicly disclosed on USAspending.gov. This includes details like the recipient's name, grant amount, and funding agency. Prime awardees must file progress reports through the FFATA Sub-award Reporting System (FSRS), and certain sub-recipients must have their data submitted through the same system for transparency and accountability.

What types of data are federal grant recipients required to report?

Federal grant recipients are expected to provide a variety of data types, including financial data detailing expenditures, compliance information to confirm adherence to federal regulations, and project data that showcases progress and community impact. This data can be collected via progress reports, site visits, technical assistance, and audits to help grant-making agencies assess how effective their programs are.