Budget Justification
Use this worksheet to start your budget.
Review Criteria
Not applicable, but do need to justify the number of years of additional training needed. Only allowable expenses are allowed. You should briefly describe each of these expenses.
Suggestions and Ideas
Work with your unit’s grants administrator for this, they should know these numbers.
Stipend
State the stipend amount requested, referencing the current NIH NRSA stipend rates (not your salary or UM stipend).
- For F31: Use the predoctoral stipend rate (currently $28,224).
- For F32: Use the appropriate postdoctoral stipend rate based on years of experience.
Tuition and Fees (if needed)
- For F31: List the actual tuition and fees charged by the institution (candidate level). Explain that NIH will reimburse 60% of tuition and fees (up to the NIH cap, currently $16,000 per year for F31).
- For F32: tuition and fees are only allowed if they are necessary for specific coursework or degree-granting programs that support the career development plan. Count this per credit ($3,608/credit nonresident or $2,329/credit for Michigan residents)
Institutional Allowance
Specify the institutional allowance amount (currently $4,750/year for F31, $12,400/year for F32). Briefly describe how these funds will be used (e.g., health insurance, research-related expenses, travel to scientific meetings, books, and supplies).
Childcare Costs (if applicable)
If requesting, state the amount (up to $3,000/year) and specify that it is for childcare provided by a licensed provider.
General Guidance
- Clearly explain any year-to-year increases in costs (e.g., tuition increases) and provide justification for each.
- Do not request funds for research costs (e.g., reagents, equipment) beyond what is covered by the institutional allowance-these are not permitted for F31/F32 awards.
Resources