Grant compliance is simply doing what you promised, on time, in the required format. Most grants require periodic progress reports (what you've achieved, milestones hit, challenges) and financial reports (how funds were spent against budget), plus a final report at the end.
Build a compliance calendar the day you're awarded: every reporting deadline, prior-approval window, financial milestone, and closeout date. Missing even a reporting deadline can trigger corrective action — and repeated non-compliance can mean clawbacks, suspension, or being shut out of future funding.
Two things worth knowing in Canada:
- Awards over $25,000 are publicly disclosed — your funding is a matter of record.
- If something significant changes mid-project (a key staff departure, a budget deviation), tell your program officer proactively rather than waiting for the next report.
A simple monthly 30-minute review per active grant — budget vs. actual, milestone progress, upcoming deadlines — keeps you audit-ready.
The takeaway: compliance is an ongoing job, not a final task. A calendar and a monthly check-in protect your current funding and your eligibility for the next.