Most sponsors require periodic progress reports. Deadlines and the format for progress reports are sponsor-specific but most agencies require at least an annual report and, in many cases, will not release incremental funding without timely submission of a progress report.
The intent of these reports is to summarize the project’s accomplishments and highlight any achievements or outcomes resulting from the sponsored funding.
Information on the frequency and level of detail required for the report is outlined in the terms and conditions of your sponsor’s award.
Progress reports are becoming increasingly complex, both in the information sponsors are requesting and systems used to submit the reports. PIs are strongly encouraged to begin preparing reports as early as possible to meet sponsor deadlines.
Some reports require submission by SPA as the Authorized Organization Representative while the PI may be able to submit others directly. See the below scenarios for guidance.
Please contact the SPA Award Acceptance team if you are unsure of your reporting requirements.
Senior Award Coordinator
Katie Thielk
kthielk@niu.edu
815-753-4323
Award Coordinator
Ashley Golz
agolz@niu.edu
815-753-3850
If the sponsor system requires submission of the report by the AOR, (i.e., SPA), the PI completes the report.
SPA submits the report.
At least ten (10) business days before the deadline, the PI gives SPA access to the completed report in the sponsor system.
Notification processes vary between sponsor systems and can be unpredictable. SPA requests PIs send an email to asosp@niu.edu with the Subject Line: “SPA submission required for progress report” and the following information:
If the PI can submit directly but the sponsor requires AOR (i.e., SPA) endorsement, the PI completes the report.
At least ten (10) business days before the deadline, email the completed report (generally a Word or pdf file) to asosp@niu.edu with the Subject Line: “SPA signature needed for progress report.” The email should include the following information:
SPA will return the report to the PI for submission.
If the PI can submit directly and the sponsor does not require AOR (i.e, SPA) signature, the PI completes and submits the report.
The PI must retain a copy of the report within their departmental files.
SPA may request a copy of the report or confirmation that it was submitted for audit or other purposes. PIs are encouraged to notify SPA at asosp@niu.edu that they have submitted their report. When doing so, please include the following information:
Pre-award and Proposals
asosp@niu.edu
Post-award and Award Management
GrantsFiscal@niu.edu
InfoEd Questions
erahelp@niu.edu