Many agencies of the Federal and State governments make monetary grants for research and other projects. Such grants are often made to universities and research institutions.
False statements made to secure a grant or statements made to continue to receive funding under a grant can be a source of liability as can any violation of a condition of the grant.
The following may be red flags:
- Violation of a law or regulation where compliance is mandated by the grant. This may include violations of environmental, wage and hour, or health and safety standards.
- Violation of ethical standards that are a condition of the grant.
- Violation of organizational conflict of interest standards that are a condition of the grant.
- Use of grant money for purposes outside the scope of the grant or for otherwise improper purposes.