Modular Grant Applications
Modular Grant Applications
A modular application is required for the following types of federal grant applications:
- New, competing continuation, revised (amended) applications, and competing supplements;
- Applications that request up to a total of $250,000 direct costs;
- Applications that fall under one of the following mechanisms: R01, R03, R15, R21, R34, and some RFA/PAs.
What is a modular grant application?
The term "modular" is used to describe the process of budgeting in increments of $25,000 up to the total direct cost. Applications that use the modular grant concept may request no more than $250,000 in direct costs in any one year. Unsolicited, investigator-initiated applications requesting more than $250,000 in any year will be required to follow the traditional application instructions and applicable NIH policies.
What is the purpose of a budget justification?
Budget justification (narrative) will provide for personnel, consortium/contractual costs if any are anticipated, and equipment (only if the purchase of equipment requires the need for an additional module in any one year - see above).
Will the number of modules ever vary from year to year?
Typically there will be the same number of modules each year. Additional budget narrative may be necessary if there is a variation in the number of modules from year to year. This might happen if, for example, a large piece of equipment is being purchased for the first year only. In this case, equipment should be described in the narrative and costed out in modules.
How will costs vary annually?
Total costs should take into consideration a 3% escalation/inflation factor that is built into the modules. When calculating annual costs, investigators are advised to anticipate across-the-board funding cuts up to 10%. Can the budget be changed after the grant is awarded? Rebudgeting after the grant is awarded is not limited by the NIH. It can, however, be limited by institutional accounting standards and practices.
More questions? Visit the NIH Modular Grants website for more information.
