Creating a Winning Grant Budget: Line by Line Guide

Your budget tells funders exactly how you'll use their money. A well-crafted budget builds trust and demonstrates competence.

Standard Budget Categories

Personnel

• Salaries and wages
• Fringe benefits (typically 25-35% of salary)
• Consultants and contractors

Non-Personnel

• Equipment (items over $5,000)
• Supplies (consumables under $5,000)
• Travel (local and out-of-state)
• Contractual services
• Other direct costs

Indirect Costs

• Administrative overhead
• Facilities costs
• Negotiated rate or de minimis (10%)

Budget Justification Tips

Every line item needs justification explaining:

1. What it is
2. How you calculated the cost
3. Why it's necessary for the project

Common Budget Mistakes

• Math errors (check twice!)
• Missing fringe benefits
• Unrealistic salary estimates
• No indirect costs (leaving money on the table)
• Costs not aligned with activities
• Exceeding funder limits

Budget Review Checklist

• Does every activity have associated costs?
• Are calculations accurate?
• Is every cost justified?
• Does the total match the request amount?
• Are costs reasonable and allowable?

A strong budget shows you've thought through implementation carefully.