FAQs
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How do I find funding for my research, institutional priorities, or programmatic initiatives?
RSP subscribes to GrantForward, a funding search engine. Visit the GrantForward webpage for additional information.
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Why do I need institutional approval prior to submitting my proposal?
The internal review process for externally-sponsored proposals ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations and promotes accuracy in all budgetary and institutional information. As soon as you have identified a funding opportunity you want to apply to, contact RSP so they can assist you in developing documents for preliminary review. Also review the External Funding Procedures.
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What are indirect costs and why are they required?
Indirect costs are overhead expenses associated with the general operation of the institution (e.g., accounting services, payroll, utilities, maintenance) that cannot accurately be prescribed to any individual project. CWU requires the inclusion of our federally-negotiated indirect cost rate (53% of total salaries/wages) to enable the institution to recover a portion of these expenses (unless reduced or disallowed by the funding agency).
CWU’s federally-negotiated Indirect Rate Agreement is effective 07/01/2024 – 06/30/2029.
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What are fringe benefits?
Fringe benefits are the employer-paid portion of employee benefits (FICA, leave, employee insurance, social security, retirement, other payroll-related taxes, etc). Fringe benefit rates vary by employment type (faculty, classified, exempt, students, temp, etc.) and must be used when applying for external funding. RSP will assist you in budgeting the correct fringe benefit rates.
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What is cost share/match and why does CWU not commit these funds unless required?
Cost share (or match) is a financial contribution made by the institution toward the total cost of a project. It can be mandatory (required by the sponsor) or voluntary (offered by the institution even if not required [CWU highly discourages voluntary cost share/match]).
If cost share/match is submitted in a proposal, the source of institutional funds must be identified and approved from an individual with authority to commit those funds.
Cost share/match submitted in a proposal is subject to audit and must be documented and tracked, if the proposal is awarded. This adds to the financial and administrative burden of the project which is why CWU highly discourages the practice unless it is a requirement of the sponsor.
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Who is the signing authority/authorized official for proposal submissions and award acceptance (agreements, subaward agreements, contracts, etc.)?
The signing authority/authorized official (AOR) at CWU is the Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration. Only the AOR can legally bind CWU to the certifications/terms/conditions contained in proposal and award documents. The project director/principal investigator is not authorized to sign agreements on behalf of CWU.
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Contact
Email: leslie.hunter@cwu.edu
Phone: (509) 963-2248
Post Award: Kristie Thomas
Email: kristie.thomas@cwu.edu
Phone: (509) 963-1988