The Cost of Non-Compliance in Grantmaking

Non‑compliance leads to wasted funds, public criticism and regulatory action; prevention is far cheaper than remediation.

• Poor records undermine decisions and reporting.
• Missing checks expose funders to avoidable risks.
• Recovery and reputational repair consume scarce time.

Common failure points

Small issues accumulate into serious problems.

• Unclear eligibility and inconsistent decisions.
• Weak due diligence and payment controls.
• Inadequate monitoring and close‑out.

Key takeaway: basics, done consistently, avert most incidents.

Prevention playbook

Adopt proportionate controls and clear documentation.

• One platform for applications, checks and reporting.
• Decision notes and conflict logs.
• Training and calibration for reviewers.

Key takeaway: Plinth embeds good practice by default.

Response and recovery

When issues occur, act quickly and transparently.

• Pause payments and gather evidence.
• Notify stakeholders as required.
• Record learning and update processes.

Key takeaway: honest response protects long‑term credibility.

FAQs

Are small funders at risk?

Yes—lightweight controls are vital where resources are thin.

Do we need external audits?

Periodic independent reviews add assurance and insight.

Can software fix everything?

No—leadership, culture and proportionate policy remain essential.