RCAW funds the majority of its programs with state and federal funds. RCAW is responsible for ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose and in a manner to carry out the goals and objectives identified in the grant. RCAW reserves the right to deny a grant application if it suspects or detects fraudulent information contained in a grant application. This includes the:
- Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP)
- Supplemental Respite Grant Program (SRGP)
- Healthy Minds, Healthy Meals Grant Program (HMHM)
- Group Respite Grant Program (GRGP)
- StartUP Respite Grant Program
RCAW also reserves the right to report suspected fraud to the appropriate officials, and applicants will be banned from applying for grants in the future and may be subject to repayment of said grant funds to RCAW. Examples of fraud include but are not limited to:
- Using federal grant money to purchase items that were not provided for in the terms of the grant (non-grant purposes)
- Making false statements or giving false documents for one’s grant application to qualify for or receive the grant money.
- Falsifying grant reports in connection with the grant
- Maintaining and concealing an impermissible conflict of interest in connection with any federal grant application
- Charging higher rates than those mandated or provided for by the terms of the grant for the particular project.
- Billing for services not rendered.
- Knowingly submitting inaccurate claims for services.
- Taking or giving a kickback for a referral.
- Impersonating a governmental official
- Falsifying information in grant applications
- Substituting approved materials with unauthorized products
- Charging for costs that have not been incurred or are not attributable to the grant.
- Charging for inflated labor costs or hours or categories of labor that have not been incurred (for example, fictitious employees, contractors, or consultants).
The above list only represents the different ways an individual or entity can be found to have engaged in grant fraud. All parties involved in grant fraud can potentially be charged with government grant fraud. Using state and federal grant dollars for unjust enrichment, personal gain, or other than their intended use is a form of theft, subject to criminal prosecution.