Economic Development

Ensuring Accountability and Maximizing Impact

Whether small business loans or funding for the arts, economic development grants are part of the Vander Weele Group oversight repertoire. We proudly contribute to the mission of grants that drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster economic prosperity.

Grants oversight helps ensure that funds are used as intended, that programs achieve their objectives, and ultimately, improve the quality of life for residents. We provide comprehensive grants monitoring services to ensure accountability, maximize impact, and promote the success of your economic development programs.

Services We Offer

Monitoring Plan Development

Turn-Key Monitoring Plans: We develop customized monitoring plans tailored to your specific program needs, including the necessary tools, technology, and methodologies for effective oversight.

Risk Management

Risk Assessments: We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats to program success and develop mitigation strategies.
Internal Controls Assessment: We evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls to safeguard funds and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
Audit Verification: We verify that grant recipients have undergone required audits (where applicable).

Financial Oversight

Financial Management Systems and Reports Review: We assess the adequacy of financial management systems and review financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Expenditure Verification: We verify that expenditures are allowable and in accordance with grant guidelines.
Financial Monitoring: We review financial reports and invoices to ensure that funds are being used appropriately and efficiently.

Performance Monitoring

Monitoring Reviews: We conduct on-site or remote monitoring reviews to assess program implementation, progress towards goals, and compliance with grant terms.
Site Visits: We conduct site visits to observe program activities firsthand, meet with grantees, and gain a deeper understanding of program implementation.
Performance Reviews: We hold regular meetings with grantees to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies for improvement.
Data Collection and Analysis: We collect and analyze data on program performance to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.

Support and Reporting

Technical Assistance: We provide technical assistance to grantees on grant management, compliance, and performance improvement.
Timely Resolution of Findings: We work with grantees to ensure the timely resolution of any findings or issues identified during monitoring reviews.
Corrective Actions: We help develop and implement corrective action plans to address performance issues, non-compliance, or other challenges.
Regular Reporting: We ensure grantees submit regular reports (e.g., quarterly or annually) that provide detailed information on program activities, expenditures, and outcomes.

To Learn More, Call Us at 773-929-3030 or Inquire Here

Sample Projects

New Jersey: Department of Environmental Protection

In December 2021 the Vander Weele Group, with subcontractor DeLuca Advisory Services, was engaged by the State of New Jersey to monitor $20.6 million in funds allocated to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to provide relief for the fisheries sector. Our team conducted monitoring and performed a risk assessment to support the monitoring of these funds.

In a 2023 notice to the DEP's Deputy Commissioner, the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller (NJOSC), which had conducted its own integrity investigation, praised the Vander Weele Group's report, which “reached substantially similar conclusions” as its own. Collectively, the Vander Weele Group and NJOSC identified the following key findings:

At least $5.9 million of program payments disbursed to applicants are subject to possible recoupment due to overpayment or ineligibility.
A thorough review of the NJDEP’s application and administrative processes found that 34 percent of reviewed applicants failed to provide complete documentation to support their awards, subjecting an additional $1.1 million in relief payments to potential recoupment.

In total, more than $7 million (approximately 49 percent) of Marine Fisheries program relief payments were potentially subject to recoupment.

New Jersey:
Redevelopment Authority

The New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA) engaged the Vander Weele Group to monitor $25.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) that provide eligible businesses and property owners in NJRA-eligible communities grant awards toward monthly lease obligations under the Small Business Lease-Emergency Assistance Grant Program (SBLEAG). We conducted a risk assessment of the SBLEAG Program, monitored a sample of expenditures and applicant files for compliance and eligibility, and provided recommendations for improvement to the NJRA.