Audit 349893

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$6.64M
Findings
2
Programs
6
Organization: Vermont Land Trust, Inc. (VT)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-03-28

Organization Exclusion Status:

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Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
539168 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - A
1115610 2024-003 Significant Deficiency - A

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program $4.52M Yes 0
10.902 Soil and Water Conservation $1.65M Yes 1
10.912 Environmental Quality Incentives Program $404,658 - 0
10.683 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation $31,844 - 0
10.664 Cooperative Forestry Assistance $19,689 - 0
66.437 Geographic Programs – Long Island Sound Program $15,352 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
MHPJZCMBQA17 Jessica Perrault Auditee
8025984775 Callie Chase Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 1. Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal grant activity of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. under the programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance. Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Vermont Land Trust, Inc., it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. Note 2. Basis of Accounting Expenditures reported on the Schedule are presented on the same basis of accounting as Vermont Land Trust, Inc.’s financial statements. Vermont Land Trust, Inc. uses the accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements. Note 3. Program Costs/Matching Contributions The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs are more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Note 4. Major Programs In accordance with the OMB Uniform Guidance, major programs are determined using a risk-based approach. The programs in the accompanying Schedule of findings and questioned costs is determined by the independent auditor to be a major program. Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal grant activity of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. under the programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance. Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Vermont Land Trust, Inc., it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Vermont Land Trust, Inc.
Title: Note 2. Basis of Accounting Accounting Policies: Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal grant activity of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. under the programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance. Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Vermont Land Trust, Inc., it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. Note 2. Basis of Accounting Expenditures reported on the Schedule are presented on the same basis of accounting as Vermont Land Trust, Inc.’s financial statements. Vermont Land Trust, Inc. uses the accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements. Note 3. Program Costs/Matching Contributions The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs are more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Note 4. Major Programs In accordance with the OMB Uniform Guidance, major programs are determined using a risk-based approach. The programs in the accompanying Schedule of findings and questioned costs is determined by the independent auditor to be a major program. Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are presented on the same basis of accounting as Vermont Land Trust, Inc.’s financial statements. Vermont Land Trust, Inc. uses the accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements.
Title: Note 3. Program Costs/Matching Contributions Accounting Policies: Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal grant activity of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. under the programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance. Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Vermont Land Trust, Inc., it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. Note 2. Basis of Accounting Expenditures reported on the Schedule are presented on the same basis of accounting as Vermont Land Trust, Inc.’s financial statements. Vermont Land Trust, Inc. uses the accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements. Note 3. Program Costs/Matching Contributions The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs are more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Note 4. Major Programs In accordance with the OMB Uniform Guidance, major programs are determined using a risk-based approach. The programs in the accompanying Schedule of findings and questioned costs is determined by the independent auditor to be a major program. Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs are more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.
Title: Note 4. Major Programs Accounting Policies: Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal grant activity of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. under the programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance. Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Vermont Land Trust, Inc., it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. Note 2. Basis of Accounting Expenditures reported on the Schedule are presented on the same basis of accounting as Vermont Land Trust, Inc.’s financial statements. Vermont Land Trust, Inc. uses the accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements. Note 3. Program Costs/Matching Contributions The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs are more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Note 4. Major Programs In accordance with the OMB Uniform Guidance, major programs are determined using a risk-based approach. The programs in the accompanying Schedule of findings and questioned costs is determined by the independent auditor to be a major program. Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. In accordance with the OMB Uniform Guidance, major programs are determined using a risk-based approach. The programs in the accompanying Schedule of findings and questioned costs is determined by the independent auditor to be a major program.
Title: Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Accounting Policies: Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal grant activity of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. under the programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance. Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Vermont Land Trust, Inc., it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Vermont Land Trust, Inc. Note 2. Basis of Accounting Expenditures reported on the Schedule are presented on the same basis of accounting as Vermont Land Trust, Inc.’s financial statements. Vermont Land Trust, Inc. uses the accrual basis of accounting. Expenditures represent only the federally funded portions of the program. Therefore, some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparation of, the basic financial statements. Note 3. Program Costs/Matching Contributions The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs are more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. Note 4. Major Programs In accordance with the OMB Uniform Guidance, major programs are determined using a risk-based approach. The programs in the accompanying Schedule of findings and questioned costs is determined by the independent auditor to be a major program. Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Note 5. Indirect Cost Rate Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414. Vermont Land Trust, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed in the Uniform Guidance, section 414.

Finding Details

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture- NRCS Program Year: 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 10.902 Compliance: Activities Allowed and Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Finding Type: Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance Criteria: Management is responsible for maintaining adequate records for transactions charged to federal awards that accurately reflect expenses. Conditions and context: During compliance testing, it was noted that various payroll transactions tested had inaccurate pay amounts or incorrect hours charged to the grant. This error accounted for approximately $3,000 of the payroll expenditures charged to the grant (5% of the total payroll expenditures charged to the grant and less than 1% of total expenditures charged to the grant). Effect of Condition: As a result of this condition, Vermont Land Trust’s payroll expenditures were overcharged to the federal grant. Recommendation: It is recommended that a more thorough review of the expenditures charged to federal grants be done. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management acknowledges that some payroll transactions were incorrect on a federal grant. This amounted to $3,000 out of $1.6M in expenditures on the grant and was the result of identified errors in manual data entry and timing issues with incomplete timecards being used for payroll allocation calculations. Vermont Land Trust has taken the following corrective actions intended to ensure a more thorough review of the expenditures charged to federal grants: Redefined roles and responsibilities and created a grants management position at the organization, adding capacity to this function. Dedicating resources to streamline process improvements and complete documentation of standard operating procedures in an accounting manual. These include tools that enhance automation and reduce manual errors, strengthen internal review processes, as well as timesheet data requirements, staff training, and documentation of procedures. Planned Implementation Date of Corrective Action: The above corrective actions are all underway as of March, 2025 and will be on-going. Person Responsible for Corrective Action: President & CEO and Accounting Director
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture- NRCS Program Year: 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 10.902 Compliance: Activities Allowed and Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Finding Type: Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance Criteria: Management is responsible for maintaining adequate records for transactions charged to federal awards that accurately reflect expenses. Conditions and context: During compliance testing, it was noted that various payroll transactions tested had inaccurate pay amounts or incorrect hours charged to the grant. This error accounted for approximately $3,000 of the payroll expenditures charged to the grant (5% of the total payroll expenditures charged to the grant and less than 1% of total expenditures charged to the grant). Effect of Condition: As a result of this condition, Vermont Land Trust’s payroll expenditures were overcharged to the federal grant. Recommendation: It is recommended that a more thorough review of the expenditures charged to federal grants be done. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management acknowledges that some payroll transactions were incorrect on a federal grant. This amounted to $3,000 out of $1.6M in expenditures on the grant and was the result of identified errors in manual data entry and timing issues with incomplete timecards being used for payroll allocation calculations. Vermont Land Trust has taken the following corrective actions intended to ensure a more thorough review of the expenditures charged to federal grants: Redefined roles and responsibilities and created a grants management position at the organization, adding capacity to this function. Dedicating resources to streamline process improvements and complete documentation of standard operating procedures in an accounting manual. These include tools that enhance automation and reduce manual errors, strengthen internal review processes, as well as timesheet data requirements, staff training, and documentation of procedures. Planned Implementation Date of Corrective Action: The above corrective actions are all underway as of March, 2025 and will be on-going. Person Responsible for Corrective Action: President & CEO and Accounting Director