Subgrantee

A subgrantee is an entity, such as a non-profit organization, university, or local government, that receives a grant from a primary grant recipient (the grantee). This secondary recipient then uses these funds to implement specific projects or activities outlined in their proposal, often in alignment with the larger goals of the original grant. The subgrantee is accountable to the grantee for the proper use of funds, reporting on progress, and adherence to all applicable regulations and terms of the grant. The relationship creates a tiered funding model.

Subgrantee meaning with examples

• The city council, acting as the grantee for a federal infrastructure grant, selected several local community groups as subgrantees. These groups, in turn, were tasked with executing various aspects of the project, like park improvements and sidewalk repairs, thereby facilitating broader community engagement and impact within the specified area. The subgrantees were subject to regular audits to ensure responsible spending.
• A large research university, awarded a major NIH grant, acted as the grantee, then distributed portions of the funds to smaller, specialized labs within its network, designated as subgrantees. Each subgrantee lab focused on a particular aspect of the overall research, fostering collaborative efforts. They had to submit detailed reports and progress updates to the university, showcasing their contributions.
• A national environmental organization, as a grantee, provided funding and technical support to regional conservation groups acting as subgrantees. These subgrantees initiated and managed local habitat restoration projects within their specific regions. This approach allowed for localized implementation of conservation efforts while ensuring oversight by the national organization, with regular audits of the subgrantees.
• The state Department of Education was the grantee for a federal program to improve literacy rates. The department selected individual school districts, as subgrantees, to implement specific programs, such as after-school tutoring and teacher training. This streamlined the implementation process. Each subgrantee was required to adhere to the guidelines and outcomes of the original grant.