Grants: Frequently Asked Questions
Proposals
• Where can I get a copy of the Grant Proposal Review Form (Grant Routing Form)?
• I need access to a federal website to create a grant proposal. How do I get access?
• I'm submitting a proposal to the NSF RUI Program. Where can I get an RUI Certification Statement?
Budgets
• What is Amherst College's indirect cost rate?
• What are the College's current fringe benefit rates?
• Is there a limit on summer salary received from grants?
Proposals
• Where can I get a copy of the Grant Proposal Review Form (Grant Routing Form)?
Please click here. Beginning in Fall 2016 the internal grant approval process can now be completed entirely online through the GrantsLink system.
• I need access to a federal website to create a grant proposal. How do I get access?
The Access to Grant Application Websites page contains access instructions for many federal funders. Please contact the Senior Research Administrator with any additional questions you may have, or if you are applying to an agency that isn’t listed.
• I'm submitting a proposal to the NSF RUI Program. Where can I get an RUI Certification Statement?
Please email the Senior Research Administrator to obtain a copy of the most recent RUI Certification Statement.
Budgets
• What is Amherst College's indirect cost rate?
Our federally negotiated indirect cost rate is 54% of salaries, wages and fringe benefits. This rate expires June 30, 2021. Our cognizant federal agency is DHHS and our contact is Michael Stanco, 212-264-2069.
• What are the College's current fringe benefit rates?
- Faculty Summer: 19%
- Faculty Academic Year: 29%
- Exempt Staff/Admin: 29%
- Non-exempt Staff: 38%
- Casual/Part-Time: 10%
• Is there a limit on summer salary received from grants?
The College limits grant-funded summer salary to 2/9ths of base salary. NSF also limits summer salary to 2/9ths of base salary. Salaries paid from NIH grants are subject the NIH salary cap. The latest salary cap information can be found here. There may be additional funder-imposed restrictions. Please contact the Senior Research Administrator with any questions.
• I am considering including compensation for a postdoc in my grant proposal. How much should I budget for salaries?
Amherst College does not set standard postdoc compensation levels. The NIH NRSA program sets postdoc budgetary levels and these can serve as a general guide for budgeting postdoc salaries.