Part 2: Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Compliance Framework
What Effective Policies and Procedures Look Like
Not all written policies are created equal. To satisfy Uniform Guidance requirements and withstand audits, policies and procedures must be:
- Comprehensive – Covering all areas specified in 2 CFR 200, from procurement to recordkeeping.
- Clear and Accessible – Written in plain language that staff can understand and apply.
- Tailored – Reflecting the organization’s unique structure, processes, and program needs.
- Consistently Applied – Supported by training and reinforced through monitoring.
- Regularly Updated – Reviewed annually or whenever regulations, funding conditions, or internal processes change.
Strong policies not only meet compliance requirements but also create consistency across the organization. They help staff make decisions with confidence and ensure programs operate smoothly.
Moving From Reactive to Proactive Compliance
Too often, organizations only think seriously about their policies and procedures after an audit finding occurs. By then, the damage, both financial and reputational, is already done. A proactive approach to compliance is far more effective. This includes:
- Engaging Leadership – Securing buy-in from executives to prioritize compliance as an organizational goal, not just a back-office function.
- Conducting a Gap Analysis – Reviewing existing policies against Uniform Guidance requirements to identify missing or outdated areas.
- Education and Training – Ensuring all employees and stakeholders involved in grant management understand and apply policies consistently.
- Monitoring and Internal Reviews – Implementing regular checks to confirm that written policies are not just on paper but are actively being followed.
- Seeking External Expertise – Partnering with compliance professionals to build and sustain a strong framework.
How IntegrityM Can Help
At IntegrityM, we understand the challenges agencies and grant recipients face when managing federal awards. With more than 16 years of experience in compliance, monitoring, and program integrity, we provide tailored solutions to help organizations not only meet but exceed the requirements of 2 CFR 200.
Our services include:
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Compliance Assessments
- Training and Capacity Building
- Monitoring and Oversight Support
- Strategic Advisory
Compliance as a Path to Success
Written policies and procedures may appear to be a compliance checkbox, but in reality, they are a powerful management tool. They safeguard federal funding, protect organizational reputation, and empower staff to deliver programs effectively. The Uniform Guidance makes it clear that documentation is not optional, it is essential.
The most common audit finding, lack of written policies and procedures, does not have to be your organization’s story. By taking a proactive approach and partnering with experts, you can turn compliance into a strength rather than a weakness.
At IntegrityM, we stand ready to help agencies and grant recipients build strong, compliant, and sustainable grant management frameworks. Let’s work together to ensure that your organization is not only audit-ready but also positioned for long-term success.
Contact IntegrityM today to learn how we can help your organization strengthen its policies, safeguard its funding, and achieve its mission with confidence.
