Cost Sharing
What is Cost Sharing?
Simply put, cost sharing are costs that are not reimbursed by the project sponsor and therefore must be supported by University funds.
If cost sharing is mandatory, this will be listed as a condition of the award in the request for proposals.
Myths about Cost Sharing
1. " Including cost sharing in my proposal will help me get approval"
2. " Including cost sharing in my proposal requires little additional work on my part"
Truths about Cost Sharing
1. Most sponsors do not require cost sharing and unless it is required, it is generally discouraged.
2. On Federal applications voluntary cost share is not expected and cannot be used as a factor during the merit review of proposals.
3. Including cost sharing in your proposal requires:
• Preparing signed documentation of commitments
• Recording and Tracking shared expenses through award period
• Certifying cost sharing reports
• Verify cost sharing amounts to be reported on financial status reports
How to Include Cost Sharing in a Proposal
1. Clearly document cost sharing in the proposal budget or budget justification.
Leave any discussion of cost sharing out of any other proposal text.
2. Obtain signed documentation from each funding source that has promised to contribute.
If the contribution is from the University, a signed letter from a unit head is acceptable.
If the contribution is from a third party, the letter of commitment must be on the contributor’s letterhead.
Submit all signed documentation with the proposal package to OCG.