Department of Education Provides Guidance on Use of Federal Grant Funding

Last week, the Department of Education released a new set of "Frequently Asked Questions" designed to help grantees appropriately use funds for conferences and meetings. This new guidance applies to all federal grant funds, both formula and discretionary, including programs like Perkins.

The topics covered in the frequently asked questions include hosting a meeting or conference, paying for food (which is generally not allowed), and paying for the costs of attending a meeting or conference sponsored by the agency or a third party. For example, the new document includes guidance on how to tell if federal funds can be appropriately used for hosting a conference, and when paying for travel is appropriate. Other resources, such as the relevant OMB circulars, are also referenced.

I encourage everyone to review this new document to ensure that you are appropriately using federal funds!