**GAO-10-477**                      Published: May 18, 2010. Publicly Released: May 18, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

Nonprofits are key partners in delivering federal services yet reportedly often struggle to cover their indirect costs (costs not readily identifiable with particular programs or projects). This raises concerns about fiscal strain on the sector. To provide information on nonprofits' indirect cost reimbursement, especially when funding flows through entities such as state and local governments, GAO was asked to review, for selected grants and nonprofits, (1) how indirect cost terminology and classification vary, (2) how indirect costs are reimbursed, and (3) if gaps occur between indirect costs incurred and reimbursed, steps taken to bridge gaps. GAO selected six Departments of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development grants and 17 nonprofits in Louisiana, Maryland, and Wisconsin. GAO selected these agencies for their historical relationship with nonprofits. GAO reviewed policies and documents governing indirect costs and interviewed relevant officials. GAO also reviewed research on nonprofits' indirect costs.

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## Topics

Government Operations

AccountingAccounting proceduresAdministrative costsCost analysisDisadvantaged personsEmployeesFederal aid to statesFederal fundsFederal grantsstate relationsFunds managementGrant administrationGrants to local governmentsGrants to statesHousing programsIntergovernmental relationsLocal governmentsMunicipal governmentsNonprofit organizationsOverhead costsPaymentsRegulatory agenciesState governmentsPolicies and proceduresReimbursements from government