covering all the costs in your funding bids
When writing a funding application for a specific activity, it is important to calculate both the direct costs and indirect costs to your group or organisation - this is often referred to as 'Full Cost Recovery'. Usually, organisations calculate the direct costs associated with an activity but overlook the indirect costs. The following example illustrates the type of costs an organisation might incur in providing a training course for their staff.
| Direct costs |
Indirect costs |
| - Trainer |
- Time spent organising the training |
| - Venue | - Time spent liaising with the trainer |
| - Travel | - Time spent on administration |
| - Refreshments | - Time spent paying fees and expenses |
| - Childcare | - Additional salary costs to pay for staff cover |
| - Equipment |
By presenting all costs of an activity to funders as part of an application, you will ensure your group or organisation receives the full cost of a piece of work. Using the principles of Full Cost Recovery will also help your group or organisation to understand the true costs of your work.
Further sources of information and advice on Full Cost Recovery:
- http://www.fullcostrecovery.org.uk/main
A website developed by ACEVO where you can download a free guide and toolkit on Full Cost Recovery
- http://www.financehub.org.uk
For materials produced by the National Finance Hub
- http://www.workingtogetherproject.org.uk/
To find out about free training opportunities that may be available
