The Grant Contract

You have gone through months of planning, researching and writing your proposal to the funder. After weeks or even months of waiting for a response, the day's mail brings you the envelope you have been waiting for. Encouraged because it seems thicker than the typical one page denial letter, you eagerly rip open the envelope. Your heart beats with joy as you quickly scan the document that explains how your beloved funder has decided to give life to your project with their generous funds. You thumb through the rest of the document. Wait…what is the rest of this information? A contract, this sounds serious. Your pulse slows and breathing may seem a little more labored as you read several pages of lingo that must have taken a team of lawyer’s years to develop. Do not fear. For many foundations and all government agencies, the grant contract is a standard business procedure.

This contract may spell out the precise terms of the award. Some of the components may include allowable expenditures, specific reporting requirements, expected deliverables (Program outcomes) preferred recognition/publicity methods and much more. Study this document before you sign and return it to the funder. Make sure you are able to do exactly what is required.

If there have been program changes since you submitted your proposal, now is the time to call and discuss them with your funder-before you sign the legally binding grant contract and send it back to the funder.

Not every funder requires a signed contract when awarding a grant. Each contract will vary based on the funding organizations requirements. If a funder requires a contract, typically the check will be sent after you return the signed contract. Look at everything very closely, and if you have questions, call your contact person at the funding agency.