What is the purpose of maintaining auditable records in grant management?

• A. To enable quick closure of the grant after a project
• B. To document expenditures for audits
• C. To provide a complete paper trail for compliance and audit verification
• D. To determine salaries of staff

Answer: (C)

Maintaining auditable records in grant management creates a traceable, verifiable history of how funds were used. These records document that costs are allowable, properly allocated, and in line with the approved budget and grant terms, including approvals, dates, and activities. This enables internal and external auditors to verify compliance and accountability, providing a complete paper trail for audits. The aim is to ensure funds are managed responsibly and in accordance with requirements, not merely to document expenditures or to close a grant quickly, and it isn’t about setting staff salaries.