Financial Readiness Tool
Build a budget that can survive review
Start with the work, assign realistic costs, confirm allowability, and document how each figure was calculated.
Budget development sequence
1
Activities first
List every activity and the people, time, materials, travel, facilities, and partners required.
2
Direct costs
Calculate personnel, fringe, contracts, supplies, equipment, travel, participant support, and other direct costs.
3
Indirect costs
Apply the rate and base permitted by the opportunity. Keep the agreement or de minimis basis in the file.
4
Match & leverage
Separate required match from optional leverage. Identify cash versus in-kind and retain valuation support.
5
Allowability check
Compare every line with the notice, regulations, cost principles, and your own policies.
6
Narrative crosswalk
Explain each cost, calculation, timing assumption, and connection to the workplan.
Worksheet
| Category | Calculation | Grant request | Match/other | Source note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel | $ | $ | ||
| Fringe benefits | $ | $ | ||
| Contractual | $ | $ | ||
| Travel | $ | $ | ||
| Supplies | $ | $ | ||
| Equipment | $ | $ | ||
| Participant support | $ | $ | ||
| Other direct costs | $ | $ | ||
| Indirect costs | $ | $ | ||
| Total | $ | $ |