The modular budget is an NIH specific budget concept relating to research grant submission. The budgets are created in modules of $25,000 up to $250,000 total direct costs in each budget period. The modular budget concept was created to streamline the budget requirements for proposal submission. A detailed budget (categorical breakdown) is no longer required.
To be consistent with the NIH, the Office of Sponsored Programs does not require a detailed budget at the time of proposal. While the Office of Sponsored Programs will not require a detailed budget, you should check with your school for their requirements. A modular budget template has been created for use in submitting your proposal for review and signature through the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Specific items to consider in preparing the modular budget include the following:
- While a detailed budget is not required at the time of submission, it is recommended that one be prepared to ensure that the proposed research costs will not exceed the $250,000 limit. NOTE: A detailed budget will be required at the time of award. The direct costs and F&A breakdown must match that of the submission minus any sponsor cuts.
- No future year escalations may be added to modular amounts.
- If a subaward is included in the budget, only the subaward direct cost is used in calculating the modular amount.
The following table is an example that reflects the amounts to be entered into the modular budget when a submission includes a subaward:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total Project | |
| DC Less Consortium F&A | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 1,250,000 |
| Consortium F&A | 18,485 | 18,485 | 18,485 | 18,485 | 18,485 | 92,425 |
| Total Direct Costs | 268,485 | 268,485 | 268,485 | 268,485 | 268,485 | 1,342,425 |
- A typical modular grant application will request the same number of modules in each budget period. If there is an increase or decrease in modules the detail for the change must be included in the budget justification.
- The Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) base is used to calculate the F&A amount to include in the budget submission. MTDC excludes direct costs such as equipment, rental costs, tuition remission, recharge center costs, and subawards in excess of $25,000. A complete list of MTDC exclusions can be found on the Sponsored Projects Accounting site.
- The budget justification for modular submission as required by the NIH must be submitted with the modular budget.