Preparing Your Budget
Salary For assistance in determining your salary, you will need to contact Ronda Alexander (ralexander3@unl.edu), Grants Specialist or your departmental assistant to get the correct figures. Salary should be based on the percent of time the faculty member will spend on the project. If the project is a multi-year project, include at least a 3.5% annual increase each year. Salary requests for non-University personnel should be listed under consultants.
Fringe Benefits: Fringe benefits are calculated at a rate of 28% for all personnel EXCEPT undergraduate students (no fringe benefits). Fringe benefits are calculated at a rate of 32% for graduate students. In addition, health insurance should be added to all graduate students / assistants. The proposed rates are $1100 (2007-2008), $1,200 (2008-2009) and $1,320 (2008-2009), and $1,450 (2010-2011). Minimum salary ranges for graduates are listed in the Graduate Studies Bulletin (http://www.unl.edu/unlpub/grad.html) page 11.
Materials and Supplies: Approximate cost of materials and supplies needed. Phone charges, mailing and printing costs are included in this area.
Travel: Estimate the number of trips which are planned (indicating domestic or foreign) and the approximate cost for travel, lodging and food.
Capital Equipment: Request any funds necessary for equipment needed to complete the project. Must be at least $5,000 and have a life of more than two years.
Subcontracts/Consultants: Request any funds as necessary to complete proposed research. Must have statement from institution.
Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A Costs) (http://www.unl.edu/research/sp1/farates.shtml): The current negotiated UNL rate is 47.5% (2007). Check with sponsoring agency to make certain that they do not limit the F&A Costs. If so, note it on the Request for Proposal Approval and Submission form and include the documentation for the ORM office.The following are EXCLUDED in the calculation of the F&A costs:
- Graduate Assistant Tuition Remission (32%) (Health insurance cost is included)
- Subcontracts in excess of $25,000 (Indirect costs on subcontracts are calculated for up to $25,000. If $25,000 is reached during the first ear, no further indirects are calculated.)
- Capital Equipment (life > 2 years and costing over $5,000)
- Rental costs
- Scholarships & fellowships
More information on the F&A rates for Organized Research is posted on the OSP page (http://www.unl.edu/research/sp1/farates.shtml).
Cost Sharing: ALL cost share should be negotiated with the appropriate designated person (Dean, Chair, Director) prior to finalizing the proposal for submission and a cost center number should also be obtained. This cost share amount will need to be approved and a cost center stated when the Department Chair signs off on Nugrant.
