Evaluation & monitoring

WisTAF is committed to funding high quality legal services and programming. To this end, we engage in ongoing risk assessment, evaluation and monitoring of grant recipients. Some monitoring activities additionally reflect requirements of our fund sources. 

WisTAF's approach is risk-based and includes scheduled reporting and additional review as well as regular monitoring visits.

All results are documented.

Risk-based approach

WisTAF uses a risk-based approach in evaluating and monitoring providers’ administration and use of federal funds, in accordance with guidance related to public funding. To ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) for subawards issued to other organizations for which WisTAF is the pass-through entity, WisTAF conducts a risk assessment for each subrecipient annually using a standard risk assessment tool and scoring system. 

We evaluate various risk factors associated with programs and providers to assess whether the provider's overall risk is low, moderate, or high. Factors include, but are not limited to:

• The subrecipient’s prior experience with the same or similar subawards;
• The results of previous audits including whether or not the subrecipient receives a Single Audit in accordance with Subpart F – Audit requirements, and the extent to which the same or similar subaward has been audited as a major program*;
• Whether the subrecipient has new personnel or new or substantially changed systems; and
• The extent and results of Federal awarding agency monitoring (e.g., if the subrecipient also receives Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency.)

*Note that WisTAF does not have authority to waive grant recipients' federal audit requirements as laid out in federal Uniform Guidance.

Scheduled reporting & additional review

Grant recipients are required to submit periodic reports detailing usage of funds and describing outcomes. When necessary, WisTAF will request additional documentation and relevant materials for a "desk review."

Monitoring visits

WisTAF conducts monitoring visits on a regular basis. Prior to the visit, WisTAF representatives review each grant recipient's annual report, financial statements, and other relevant financial reporting.

WisTAF staff and/or board representatives meet with senior grantee agency management staff to learn more about the agency’s fiscal and administrative management, challenges, and opportunities. These visits provide important insights into grantee organizations' operations and foster communications integral to an effective relationship between funder and service provider.