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You must make sure your proposal budget is not only clear and organized, but also covers all that you may need to complete your project. Several things to consider:
Formatting
Good budgets are organized. They should be presented in a table, with headers at the top of each column (such as “Item," “Description," “Cost in Local Currency," and “Cost in USD"). Group the rows of expenses into categories (“Transportation," “Housing," “Meals," “Incidentals"). Depending on the complexity of your budget, it may be helpful to provide a subtotal for each category. The Plastino Selection committee should be able to quickly look at the file and have a clear understanding of how you would spend your award.
What to Include
Each Plastino budget is unique, but most include the following:
- Transportation to/from the project site (and – if needed – an airport shuttle/taxi)
- Daily transportation at the project location (i.e. a bus pass, etc.)
- Accommodation
- Three meals every day, as well as any extra for snacks and/or bottled water
- Any necessary insurance (for projects outside of the U.S.; check with the UD Center for Global Programs and Services for requirements)
- Incidentals such as visas or vaccines
Depending on your project location, it may be appropriate to visit an important museum or monument (i.e. the Taj Mahal if you will be close to Delhi, India). Feel free to include this type of item on your budget if you feel it will add to your research and experience.
What can't be included in your budget
Expensive equipment, gifts to host families, tourist trips that use more than a small portion of your funding.