Athens State University accepts grants from federal, state or local sources to fund activities that are related to the mission of the University.

As required by the Financial Affairs Policies and Procedures Manual and the Grants and Contracts Policy, a Grant Summary/Approval Form must be prepared prior to the grant application and reviewed for each grant or contract proposal. This form is submitted to the Vice President for Financial Affairs for review to ensure that the scope of the award supports the institution and is related to the University’s strategic goals. In addition, the Vice President for Financial Affairs reviews the budget considerations and matching requirements, if applicable, to determine that the project is financially feasible. The Vice-President for Financial Affairs and the appropriate College Dean and/or the department head must indicate their approval of the grant proposal by signing the approval form. All Grant Summary/Approval Forms require the final approval of the President. The Grants and Contracts Policy and the Grant Summary/Approval Form are both available on the University’s Policies and Procedures Operational Policies webpage.

Athens State University maintains post-award controls over externally funded or sponsored grants and contracts. The Office of the Vice President for Financial Affairs reviews grants and contract proposals and oversees financial disbursements for these activities. The Business Manager reconciles accounting records to grant reports. Direct and indirect costs are charged to grants in accordance with the requirements of each grant contract and for federal grants in accordance with the requirements of OMB Circular A-110 as specified in the Financial Affairs Policies and Procedures Manual and the Grants and Contracts Policy.

Athens State University has proven that it maintains control over its financial resources, including externally funded research and programs, as evidenced in its annual audited financial statements (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009). Externally funded federal grants and programs are listed in the financial statements as part of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. In addition, required supplemental information listing all grants, contracts, gifts and appropriations from local, state and federal sources are submitted with the annual financial statements to the Department of Postsecondary Education. These schedules and required supplemental information are audited by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts as part of the annual financial statement audit. Part of the audit process addresses the controls over externally funded activities, including an OMB Circular A-133 review. Athens State University has received favorable reports from state auditors regarding internal control over funds provided by external sources and has had no findings or questioned costs.