You Won a Grant: Now What? Post-Award Management Tips

You Won a Grant: Navigating Post-Award Management

Winning a grant is a major achievement, but it is only half the battle. Post-award management—the process of tracking and reporting how funds are spent—is where many SMEs struggle, potentially leading to audits or the requirement to return unspent funds.

The Responsibility of Success

In 2026, digital transparency is often mandatory for federal awards. This means maintaining separate accounting for grant funds and strictly following the reporting schedule outlined in your award letter. Failure to provide timely "Milestone Reports" can result in the suspension of future funding tranches.

Best Practices for Compliance

Implement real-time expense tracking and keep digitized records of every invoice and payroll draw associated with the grant project. Proactive compliance not only protects your current funding but also builds the "Performance History" needed to win larger grants in the future.