Glossary
Grants

Grant Compliance

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

Grant compliance is the process of following all rules and requirements set by a grantor to ensure proper use and reporting of awarded funds.
Grant compliance refers to the process by which nonprofit organizations ensure they are following all rules, regulations, and requirements set by grantors or funding agencies. This includes adhering to spending restrictions, reporting deadlines, allowable costs, and documentation standards outlined in grant agreements. Maintaining grant compliance is crucial for maintaining funding, avoiding legal or financial penalties, and building trust with funders. It often requires tracking expenditures, outcomes, and deadlines precisely, using robust internal controls and transparent financial practices. Nonprofits must also prepare for audits and evaluations, demonstrating how funds were used and outcomes achieved. Effective grant compliance supports sustainability and future funding opportunities.

Key Takeaways

  • Ensures adherence to funder rules and legal requirements
  • Requires accurate tracking and documentation of grant expenditures
  • Supports future funding and builds funder trust
  • Noncompliance can lead to penalties and loss of funding

Why It Matters

Noncompliance risks lost funding, legal issues, and damaged reputation.

Real World Example

A youth services nonprofit receives a $100,000 government grant to run an afterschool program. The grant agreement specifies that funds may only be spent on educational supplies, staff salaries, and transportation costs. The nonprofit uses Aplos to set up a restricted fund for the grant, track every related expense, and attach invoices for documentation. Quarterly, they use Aplos to generate detailed reports required by the grantor, showing exactly how funds have been allocated. Because they maintain strict grant compliance, the nonprofit passes its funder’s audit, retains eligibility for future grants, and strengthens its reputation with donors.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos streamlines grant compliance by enabling nonprofits to track grant-specific funds, expenses, and required reports within the software. This makes it easier for organizations to monitor grant budgets, attach documentation, and ensure they remain compliant with funder requirements, all while generating clear, audit-ready records.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does grant compliance involve?

It involves following all rules, spending restrictions, and reporting requirements set by the grantor, and keeping accurate records of all related activities.

Why is grant compliance important for nonprofits?

It is crucial for maintaining funding, avoiding penalties, and building trust with current and future funders.

How can Aplos help with grant compliance?

Aplos enables organizations to track grant funds, expenses, and required documentation, making compliance easier and more transparent.

What happens if a nonprofit fails grant compliance?

Noncompliance can lead to loss of funding, legal consequences, and damage to the organization’s reputation.

What are common requirements in a grant agreement?

They often include spending restrictions, reporting deadlines, allowable costs, and documentation standards.