Ep. 2 - Grants & Goods: What You Need to Know About Supplies & Inventory


Ep. 2 - Grants & Goods: What You Need to Know About Supplies & Inventory


In this episode, Jasmine dives into a detail that often gets overlooked at the end of a federal grant: what to do with leftover supplies. If your organization has a closet full of unused materials at closeout, this one’s for you. Learn what counts as a “supply” under 2 CFR, how new federal thresholds might affect your next audit, and the steps you need to take to stay compliant.


What You'll Learn:

  • The updated federal threshold for supply value—from $5,000 to $10,000 as of October 1, 2024.

  • What qualifies as a “supply” versus “equipment” under 2 CFR.

  • When you need to repay the federal government for unused supplies.

  • How to calculate what’s owed based on your grant’s funding percentage.

  • Allowable deductions for selling or handling costs.

  • Best practices for documenting internal re-use of leftover items.

  • A compliance reminder for subrecipients on using supplies in fee-based services.


Key Takeaways:

  • Supplies left over at closeout aren’t just yours to keep—you may owe the federal government if the total value exceeds the applicable threshold.

  • Always check your grant's start date and terms to determine which threshold applies.

  • Selling the supplies? You can deduct up to $1,000 in reasonable handling costs.

  • Clear documentation and communication with your program officer are key.

  • Don’t undercut market rates if using federally funded supplies for services—that’s a compliance risk.


Pro Tip: Even if your leftover supplies don’t exceed the threshold, documenting how they’re reassigned or disposed of is a best practice that could save you headaches during audits.


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Quote to Remember: "Strong grant management isn’t just about winning grants—it’s about closing them the right way." — Jasmine Markanday