Glossary
Grants

Grant Lifecycle

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

The grant lifecycle includes all steps from applying for a grant to managing, reporting, and closing it out.
The grant lifecycle refers to the complete process that a grant undergoes, from its initial identification and application through to its management, reporting, and final closeout. It typically includes stages such as researching funding opportunities, preparing and submitting grant proposals, receiving and allocating funds, tracking expenses, fulfilling compliance and reporting requirements, and conducting a final review to ensure all obligations are met. Proper management of the grant lifecycle is essential to demonstrate accountability, maintain funding eligibility, and maximize the impact of grant resources for a nonprofit organization.

Key Takeaways

  • Encompasses all phases from grant application to closure
  • Requires diligent tracking and reporting
  • Essential for funding eligibility and compliance
  • Ensures responsible use of grant resources

Why It Matters

Ensures compliance, transparency, and maximizes funding impact for nonprofits.

Real World Example

A community nonprofit identifies a grant opportunity to support youth programs. After submitting a proposal and being awarded the grant, they use Aplos to track every expense and allocate funds according to the grant restrictions. Throughout the year, they generate reports for the grantor, ensuring compliance with the funder's requirements. At the project's end, they complete a final review and close out the grant, having documented every stage of the process and demonstrated transparent use of funds.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos streamlines the grant lifecycle by providing tools for tracking grant income and expenses, managing budgets, and generating reports for compliance. With Aplos, organizations can easily assign transactions to specific grants and monitor financial progress, making it easier to fulfill reporting requirements and demonstrate responsible stewardship to funders.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main stages of the grant lifecycle?

The main stages include identifying grant opportunities, applying, receiving funds, managing and tracking expenses, reporting, and closing out the grant.

Why is it important to manage the grant lifecycle?

Proper management ensures compliance with funder requirements, maximizes funding impact, and maintains future funding eligibility.

How does Aplos help with the grant lifecycle?

Aplos helps nonprofits track grant funds, assign transactions, monitor budgets, and generate compliance reports throughout each stage of the grant lifecycle.

Related Terms

OMB Circular A‑133
Cost Center
Matching Gift
Unrestricted Fund
Restricted Fund
IRS Form 941

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