tips for using university research grant funds - College of Fine Arts

What are some of the rules and guidelines to consider BEFORE spending your money?1. The fiscal year of your grant starts with July 1of the next academic year from when yourproposal is approved, and ends with June 30th of that academic year. In order to process thepaperwork, we ask that all funds be spent by the first week in June of the funding period.2. An original receipt or vendor invoice (with an invoice number) is necessary to processpayment. Especially on large charges, be sure to get an official, numbered invoice from thevendor or contractor. You will not be reimbursed without an original. If an original invoice isnot available or is lost, an affidavit is necessary to process payment. This can be done with anotary available on campus.3. You can purchase items less than $500 yourself and then request reimbursement from IllinoisState. When you do this, be sure to use the tax exempt number to avoid paying sales tax. Thelead secretary in each of the Schools can provide the tax exempt number to you. Also, avoidsubmitting a number of small reimbursements. Better to group several receipts and invoicestogether for one reimbursement.4. You can only be reimbursed for receipts and invoices that are dated during the fiscal year ofyour grant. You cannot be paid for expenses incurred prior to the July 1 starting date, or afterJune 30, of the ending date.5. Do not charge purchases to CFA or to Illinois State University. Either pay for the itemyourself and submit a receipt for reimbursement, or bring the purchase information into theCOFA office and we will process the purchase for you. Be sure to bring all the details:description of the item, stock number, cost, number of items, name of the vendor of choice,etc. Many times we may know of a place where you can get a better price for an item orservice.6. All equipment purchased is the property of the University. You will have sole use of theequipment while you are employed by the University, but it will return to the general use ofthe University should you leave. If you need to use your equipment off campus, you must fillout a form giving you permission to use the equipment off campus. You can obtain the formfrom the CFA office.7. When arranging travel, especially airfares, the University prefers you use either Susie DavisTravel at 662-0455. However, if you can obtain a better fare elsewhere, supply a brief memowith the airfare receipts justifying the use of a different travel service.8. If you need to provide honoraria, pay consulting fees, hire musicians, etc., you may need tohave a two-party agreement filled out and signed. Consult the CFA office for assistance.9. If you want to purchase used equipment from an Illinois State faculty or staff member (e.g., aused camera, computer, or musical instrument), you need an official appraised value, or anotarized affidavit.Here are things that you cannot use University money for?1. The purchase of personal items or services, or items or services that do not relate to thespecific requests and objectives as detailed in your research grant. In the event that you need