Working Together: Developing a Cooperative Research
Project and Proposal -- Guidance on Preparing a Budget

Solicitations for cooperative research proposals will normally require the applicant to submit a budget for the project. Not all of the funding sources listed above will require the same budget information. If the solicitations for proposal are not clear with regard to budget requirements, applicants should contact the program manager to learn the details.

• The Northeast Consortium offers a very good example of a research budget proposal.  Select “Budget Worksheet” to download a sample budget worksheet in MSExcel.

This example of a proposed budget from a successful cooperative research applicant may be instructive.

Some cooperative research funding sources may provide funds for 100% of a project’s costs. Others may require applicants to provide a proportional match – in dollars or as in-kind services -- from another source. For example, a funding program may provide 75% of the amount needed for a project and require that the applicant provide a 25% match. The applicant may provide the match in dollars from another source or in services equating to the same dollar value. In-kind services such as use and operation of a fishing vessel for a specified period may qualify as the required match. Be sure you know and address the funding details of a program before you submit an application for cooperative research funds.