What does “proof of payment” mean?

“Proof of payment” is documentation that shows direct payment(s) made by the business grantee to the training provider for training services rendered. Specifically, proof must show funds successfully clearing an account owned by the business grantee to pay invoice(s) that are generated by the training provider (provision of these invoices is also required of grantees). Proof of payment can take a variety of forms as detailed in this solutions article.  

For our purposes, payment for training has not been made if money loaned to a grantee by the training provider was used to pay training expenses, and any part of the loan remains outstanding.  Until any payment agreements between grantees and training providers for grant-funded training are fully satisfied, we do not consider payment complete and grant funds will not be released.