Guidelines for Charging to Externally Sponsored Projects

Federal regulations allow the cost of the institution's membership in business, technical, and professional organizations as part of F&A. Individual memberships are not allowable as a direct cost on sponsored projects, most agencies consider this a fringe benefit or a professional development cost that cannot be attributed to a single award.

A membership provides a benefit to all the work and professional activities of the individual, it is difficult to allocate the cost of this benefit to a single award. For this reason, individual memberships are not allowable as a direct cost on an award. 

Last updated 7/10/2025