The budget is intended to assist applicants in writing project budgets and explaining project costs. Applicants are required to indicate total project costs, as well as EAS costs and non-EAS expenses. Please be as specific as possible when describing your project expenses and keep in mind that there must be a one-to-one match to qualify for an EAS grant. EAS looks favorably upon cash contributions from the chapter and other partnering organizations, as well as projects with high expected returns to justify the cost of the project.
Total project costs can be defined in terms of cash gifts, personnel and cost of materials and services. Applicants must identify all other contributors and indicate the type and amount of matched costs (e.g. $500 grant, US Forest Service). Estimates of direct cash costs and in-kind contributions to EAS must be specified in the categories below.
Personnel / Consultant Fees - Outline specific tasks, work to be performed by personnel/consultants and the basis for their fees. Total fees should be broken down according to the amount of time spent on the project (e.g. hourly, weekly or monthly rates). Trainers and facilitators are allowable expenditures. Sponsoring professionals cannot be persons receiving money directly from an EAS grant.
Volunteer Labor - Identify all sources of volunteer labor both TU and non TU. Donated professional services can be valued at current market rates general volunteer labor may be valued according to the most recent determination of the value of volunteer time by independent sector as of 2021 this is $28.54 per hour.
Contractors - Identify all work to be completed by contract. If a commitment to a contractor or particular vendor has been made prior to application for funding, explain how the vendor was selected, type of contract, deliverables, timeframe, cost, and basis for the cost.
Materials / Equipment – Please specify unit cost and quantities for materials and equipment. Identify specific materials and equipment necessary to complete the project. Costs are to be estimated according to the average market value of the equipment. Consumable office supplies may be included under the equipment category. Purchasing high-cost capital equipment (e.g. chainsaws, waders etc…) is highly discouraged - rental of such items should be considered instead. Equipment for on-going stream and watershed monitoring projects will be considered given adequate justification of their need and lack of ready availability. EAS does not fund computer equipment, software, newsletters, or websites, unless given compelling rationale for how such tools are linked to the conservation objectives.
Other Expenses - Identify any other specific costs associated with the project. Please note that transportation costs for volunteer labor (e.g. lodging, mileage and gas expense) are not eligible for EAS funding. Travel may be counted as match at $0.585 per mile.
