Properly classifying project costs ensures compliance with sponsor and University requirements. The Supplies and Other Expenses budget categories cover items and costs that are not captured under personnel, equipment, or other major categories.
Supplies
The Supplies category includes nonpermanent, consumable items needed to carry out the project. Examples include:
- Chemicals, reagents, and drugs
- Assays and lab glassware
- Syringes and lab notebooks
- Computer supplies and software
- Small equipment costing less than $5,000 per item
Budget Justification Tips:
- List the types of supplies needed
- Explain how the cost estimates were determined
- Show how the supplies support the project’s aims
Other Expenses
The Other Expenses category captures project costs that do not fit into other budget categories. Common examples include:
- Animal purchase and care costs
- Publication costs
- Equipment maintenance
- Fees-for-service, such as commercial lab tests
- Communication and printing costs
- Project-owned vehicle expenses
- Costs for seminars, workshops, or symposiums (e.g., facility fees)
- Fees for use of UMB Core Facilities
- Tuition
- Rent for off-campus facilities
Budget Justification Tips:
- Itemize each expense clearly
- Explain why the expense is necessary for the project
- Describe how the cost was calculated or estimated
Key Compliance Reminder
All costs included in Supplies or Other Expenses must be allowable under the sponsor’s guidelines and accurately justified in the budget. Proper documentation ensures compliance and facilitates award management and auditing.