Understanding your Funding Agreement/Conditions of Award

Funding bodies monitor the funds they provide to an institution, and require that funds are spent as agreed, that milestones are met and that the project is completed on time.

In some cases, sponsors may take into account a researcher’s ability to deliver agreed outcomes in a timely fashion when considering a subsequent funding request.

Not abiding by the conditions of award/funding agreement may lead to termination of funding.

It is therefore important that CI(s) are fully aware of the terms and conditions of an award, and their obligations under the award, noting in particular the sponsor’s specific requirements with regard to:

• how the funds may / may not be spent (noting any special conditions)
• the award period  
• project milestones and reporting requirements  
• any process for changing award conditions / carrying over funds  
• intellectual property and ethical requirements

This information can usually be found in the body of the Funding Agreement or Conditions of Award. In some cases, invoicing and reporting milestones may be located in the Schedule to an Agreement.

If you have any uncertainty about your grant conditions, please contact the Office of Research Services.

More Information

• Funding agreements with the Australian Research Council
• Funding agreements with the National Health & Medical Research Council