when a grant is setup for a single purpose can it be used for something else?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The grants.gov website provides the following advice on federal grants:
What are the responsibilities of award recipients?
Recipients of federal grants have been awarded funds to carry out the goals and objectives identified in the grant. These funds are subject to certain regulations, oversight, and audit.
- Grant recipients are stewards of federal funds.
- Grant dollars must be used for their intended purpose.
- Grant recipients must account for costs and justify expenditures.
Using federal grant dollars for unjust enrichment, personal gain, or other than their intended use is a form of theft, subject to criminal and civil prosecution under the laws of the United States.
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grant-fraud/grant-fraud-responsibilities.html
In some cases there may be exceptions and flexibilities allowed for emergency situations. For a general explanation, see the document "Promoting Public Trust in the Federal Government through Effective Implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act and Stewardship of the Taxpayer Resources" https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/M_21_20.pdf
If you have questions about a specific grant, contact the agency that awards the grant for clarification of policies and compliance.
I hope this information is helpful. If this is not what you need, or if you should require any further assistance, please let us know.
Bobby Griffith
Lead Government Information Reference Specialist
Sycamore Library
University of North Texas Libraries
bobby.griffith@unt.edu