Reallocations within awarded budgets are usually possible, but funding agencies have differing restrictions on how they handle deviations from the approved budget. Re-budgeting may or may not require sponsor approval. The Grants Development Office will need to review the award terms carefully to determine whether or not prior approval is needed. Requests for budget changes must come through the Grants Development Office for processing.

Some awards have restrictions on the percentage of the budget that may be re-budgeted without funding agency approval. This percentage must be monitored closely since it is a cumulative percentage (e.g. 10%) over which sponsor approval must be sought. In these instances, a letter should be drafted by the Principal Investigator that explains the re-budgeting request and the effect it will have on the project. A revised budget will need to accompany the letter. This letter should be signed by the Principal Investigator and countersigned by an authorized College signatory. The revised and signed request can then be forwarded to the funder for action. If you are unsure whether or not re-budgeting is allowed under a grant-funded project, please contact the Grants Development Office for guidance.