Grant budgets should match both your proposal narrative and your accounting system. Misalignment between what you promised and how you coded expenses is a common audit and funder finding.
Build budgets from realistic staffing levels and vendor quotes—not from dividing the award evenly across categories. Include indirect or overhead only if the funder allows it and your policy supports the rate.
After the award, import budget lines into your accounting or grant module so purchase orders and invoices can be compared to budget lines monthly.
This template separates personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, and contractual services with simple formulas for totals and optional match columns.