Budget Preparation

Reasons for Preparing

  • Required by the sponsor
  • Required by your department
  • Reduces the possibility of significant budget cuts by the sponsor
  • Requires thought about how much effort/cost of individuals working on the project will be needed
  • Aids post-award management
  • Aids the department in budget planning
  • Significant budget changes are interpreted by sponsors as a change in scope!!!

Other Considerations

  • Sponsor guidelines and limitations
    • Salary caps
    • F&A limitations
    • Direct cost or total cost limits
    • Expense category exclusions
  • University/PSOM/department requirements

People you need

Budget preparation is a collaborative effort!

  • Grants Manager
    • Coordinates the development of the budget.
    • Ensures adherence to CAS 501 standard and other guidelines and limitations.
  • Principal Investigator
    • Meets with the Grants Manager to develop the budget.
    • Designates others who might have input (e.g., lab manager or research coordinator.)

Preparation Process

Initiate the process:

  • Gather information about the proposal:
    • Due date
    • Sponsor guidelines
  • Meet with the P.I.
    • Are others involved?
  • Get the entry started in PennERA!

Useful Links