Budgets FAQs

Does the Mott Foundation prefer a specific budget format?

Yes. Budget line items must be presented by object classification (i.e., salaries, consultants, rent / occupancy, travel, printing, etc.) rather than functional classification (i.e., program services and supporting activities or Phase I, Phase II, etc.). The grantee must disclose the estimated number of full-time equivalents included in the amounts budgeted for salaries. A list of all funding sources for the project during the grant period is also required. As a general rule, grant periods and organizational budgets for general purposes support should follow the grantee’s fiscal year. It is important that the Foundation and the grantee come to an agreement on how the financial reports will be presented so the Foundation obtains the information it needs and the preparation of the report is not over-burdensome to the grantee organization.

Does the Mott Foundation accept budget modifications after the start of a project?

Yes. Budget modifications for substantial or major changes are acceptable with the prior written approval of the Foundation.

Are in-kind contributions allowable as a budgeted line item?

No. In-kind contributions should be excluded from the budget. However, in-kind contributions should be disclosed in a narrative attachment to the budget.

Will a project budget that exceeds 50% of the organization’s total institutional budget be accepted?

Approval of a project budget that exceeds 50% of the organization’s total institutional budget will be handled on a case-by-case basis. However, program staff may discuss with the grantee whether the Foundation should be making a general purposes rather than a project support grant.