Allowable Expenses Program funds must be used solely for activities that directly support the purpose, priorities, and expected outcomes of the program during the award period. All expenditures must be consistent with the approved application as well as applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance. Eligible providers accept the responsibility of using the fiscal control and fund accounting procedures that will ensure the proper disbursement of and accounting for federal funds. Applicable federal regulations are included in 2CFR200 (Code of Federal Requirements) in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Factors Affecting Cost Allowability All costs must be: Reasonable: incurred by a prudent person, and necessary for the performance of the project. Allocable: charged only in proportion to the value or benefits received by the program. Authorized: federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Adequately documented.

Allowable AEFLA Costs Audit Services Costs to recover improper payments Compensation – personal services and fringe benefits Depreciation Employee health/welfare Equipment Insurance/indemnification Intellectual property Maintenance/repair Materials/Supplies/Computers Membership/subscription Professional service cost Publication and printing Recruiting costs Rental cost of property/equipment Specialized service facilities Training and Education costs Transportation costs Travel costs

NOT Allowable AEFLA Costs Advisory Councils Alcohol/Food Bad Debts Contributions Entertainment Fines/penalties Fundraising Goods or services of personal use Interest Lobbying Organization costs Selling and marketing costs Student activity costs

SOMETIMES/LIMITED Allowable AEFLA Costs Advertising Conferences Taxes This is not an exhaustive list. Refer to the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 for details.

Common Budget Considerations NO Gifts or items that appear to be gifts are not allowable. Souvenirs, memorabilia, or agency promotional items, such as T-shirts, caps, tote bags, etc., are not allowable. YES Minimal cost certificates or instructionally-related items to be used in the classroom, such as pens/pencils or flash drives are acceptable awards for recognition or incentives for participation in program activities. "Door prizes," movie tickets, gift certificates, passes to amusement parks, etc., may not be purchased with grant funds but may be donated by others

More Budget Considerations YES Bus passes are allowable, very minimally. The purpose must be only for Aspire-related instruction. For example, a monthly bus pass would not be acceptable because the student could use it for multiple purposes. A one-day bus pass may be acceptable to provide transportation to class while the student’s car is being repaired, for example. NO Food, snacks, beverages, caps and gowns, decorations, and entertainment for graduation and recognitions events are not allowable costs. Aspire funds may not be used to pay for an individual’s HSE test (practice test is OK) nor can funds be used to pay for the proctoring of HSE tests.