Budget Preparation for Grants

BUDGET PREPARATION FOR GRANTS

Most funders will require a budget and a budget narrative. The budget is your best estimate of the actual costs for conducting the scope of the work. Direct costs are associated with implementing the project such as: personnel, travel, consultants, supplies, equipment, etc. Indirect costs are those associated with overhead or facilities and administrative. Direct costs plus indirect costs equal the total costs of implementing your project.

When preparing a line item budget, be sure to align figures properly. Double check the numbers and make sure they add up. Include column headings and label line items. If your program includes staff of personnel costs, be sure to include annual salaries and fringe benefits as separate line items.

(The budget pages used as examples are used by Wayne County and by the State of Michigan for contracts/grants.)