Hi there. :)
It's a really good question cos it was also one of mine!
After "although" we use a subject+verb:
1.Although it rained a lot, we enjoyed our vacation.
2.I didn't get the job althoug I was extremely qualified.
----->Notice the comma when you use it at the beginning of the sentence.
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After "in spite of" or "despite", we use a noun, pronoun (this/that/what,etc.), or -ing:
1.In spite of the rain, we enjoyed our vacation.
2.She felt sick, but in spite of this she went to work.
2.I didn't get the job despite the fact (that) I was extremely qualified.
Note that we say "in spite of" but "despite" (without of).
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Compare "although" and "despite/in spite of":
1.
--Although the traffic was bad, I arrived on time. (not despite the traffic was bad)
--Despite the traffic, I arrived on time.
2.
--I couldn't sleep although I was very tired.( not despite I was tired)
--I couldn't sleep despite being vry tired.
I hope it's been useful. ;)
Good luck
