Cost Transfers

NIU expects careful budgeting and timely expense allocation so that posting in the PeopleSoft grant account reflects the period in which the expense occurred to the greatest extent possible. Moreover, timely allocation of expenses to the grant account facilitates timely and accurate billing and indirect recovery.

There may be situations when a cost transfer is necessary or unavoidable. In certain circumstances, SPA may require a completed cost transfer form. The form documents the justification, review, and approval for the cost transfer, and creates an auditable record.

Cost transfers for the following reasons are never acceptable:

• To move costs that do not directly benefit the project.
• To intentionally charge the wrong grant account (i.e., park the charges).
• To move costs that are incurred outside of the period of performance (unless specifically allowed by the sponsor).
• To transfer expenses from any source, including unrestricted local funds, solely to spend unused sponsored project balances.
• To transfer costs to another sponsored project for one or more of the following:
  • To eliminate an overdraft caused by overruns or other financial considerations, such as budget constraints, project completion date, or early termination;
  • To avoid restrictions imposed by law or by the terms of the sponsored agreement; or
  • For other reasons of convenience.

See the policy on Cost Transfers for additional information.  

Contact your Grants and Contracts Associate to discuss transfers for a specific award.