Definitions
See definitions to common terms related to budget preparation.
A thorough and accurate budget that reflects the costs of completing a research project is one of the most crucial components of any sponsored project proposal, and it can also be one of the most complicated. The Office of Sponsored Awards Management provides guidance on budget preparation through this web section. From basic information like key term definitions and instructions for calculating personnel costs and fringe benefits, to more in-depth budget components like subawards and contractual costs, this section serves as a clearinghouse for budgeting information and tools.
Personnel
Find out how to budget for all personnel costs, including salary and fringe benefits, for faculty, postdocs, technical and other project staff involved in your proposal.
Equipment
Get details on how equipment is defined, and how to incorporate equipment into your budget properly.
Travel
Travel regulations can be confusing, but this page simplifies them for you, and provides instructions on including travel in your proposal budget.
Participant Support Costs
Learn when it is appropriate to include participant support costs and how to incorporate participant stipends, travel, tuition and/or fees into your budget.
Consultants & Subawards
Learn about the difference between consultant services and subawards (subcontractor services), and find out how to incorporate each one into a proposal budget when appropriate.
Other Direct Costs
Find out how to budget for other direct costs like materials and supplies, computer services, rental equipment and facilities and tuition.
Indirect Costs
Facilities and administration (F&A) costs, also known as indirect costs, are different from direct costs because, while they are necessary to carrying out a grant-funded project, they are not attached specifically to that project.
Cost Sharing
Get the details on incorporating cost sharing, also known as matching funds, when required by the sponsor.
Budget Justification
Get the principles of justifying your proposal budget and see examples of NSF and NIH budget justifications.
Budget Templates
Download frequently used budget templates.