What is cost sharing or match?

Cost share or match is the expenditure or use of the grantee's own resources, funds, or third party contributions toward the total allowable cost of a sponsored project.  There are two kinds of cost sharing or match:

1)   cash

2)   in-kind (donated goods and/or services).

Should you commit cost sharing (cash or in-kind match) to a grant if the sponsor does not ask for it, to increase your chances of funding?  Not unless you want to be held strictly accountable for it through effort reporting.  Usually when the sponsor does not ask for cost sharing you will not increase your chances by offering it.  Call the Agency Officer for a specific answer (OMB A-110:23, 27, 28; A-21: J Section; and OMB Clarification Memo).

Is there anything else about cost sharing I should know?

Yes.  You can't use federal dollars for matching funds on a federal grant.  (OMB A 110 - Section 23)

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