Occasionally, a project’s financial resources need to be reallocated due to the nature and progress of the research. For example, a piece of equipment may become unnecessary, while another expense becomes necessary, or the scope of the project might change due to unforeseen circumstances. In these cases, re-budgeting may be required.
Re-budgeting will be allowed only to the extent the terms of the award or contract allow it. Therefore, before any attempt to re-budget, the PI should review the terms of the specific award. The PI should also assess the potential impacts of the proposed re-budgeting (e.g., shifting an expense from one budget category to another or shifting expenses from direct costs which may result in adjustment to the F&A cost collection). Depending on the terms of the agreement, re-budgeting may require sponsor approval.