Header information
Award and contact details including grant number, project title, and primary point of contact to ensure the funder can identify the file quickly.
A well-prepared continuation letter documents performance, clarifies remaining deliverables, and shows compliance with funder requirements, reducing the risk of payment delays.
Multiple internal stakeholders typically collaborate to prepare a continuation letter and supporting attachments.
Final submission is routed to the funder according to award-specific instructions and internal approval workflows.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Email verification plus optional SMS code |
| Required fields | Grant number, dates, signature block required |
| Routing | Project director → Grants office → Authorized institutional signer |
| Attachments | Budget, progress report, and supporting invoices |
Ensure the platform you use supports the file types, signer authentication, and audit trail your funder requires.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
Award and contact details including grant number, project title, and primary point of contact to ensure the funder can identify the file quickly.
One- to two-sentence summary that explains the reason for the continuation request and the specific funding period or tranche sought.
Measured accomplishments against stated milestones, with quantitative metrics and a brief discussion of deviations or delays and corrective steps taken.
Revised budget table or one-page summary explaining line-item changes and how funds will be used in the upcoming period.
Statements addressing any funder-specific compliance issues such as human subjects, data security, or subrecipient monitoring obligations.
Authorized institutional signature, printed name, title, and date; specify if electronic signature is accepted by the funder.
Begin drafting at least 30 days before the required submission date
Allow one to two weeks for institutional signoffs
Funders commonly take two to six weeks to review continuation requests
Flag time-sensitive items to the program officer for expedited handling
Retain electronic confirmation or signed proof of delivery
Optica streamlined document handling for recurring submissions to multiple partners.
A healthcare provider moved consent and administrative workflows online to meet compliance.
Grants officers or authorized institutional officials sign to certify financial commitments and compliance. They ensure the continuation request aligns with institutional policies and funder requirements and accept legal obligations on behalf of the organization.
The project director or principal investigator signs to confirm technical progress and attest to project performance; in some awards institutional policies require both PI and institutional signatory signatures.