STEP Funding Guidelines - STEP: Second-year ...

1 step Funding Guidelines Budget Tips & Reminders: While you include a budget as part of your proposal process, you still need to enter a budget physically in the budget section of the dashboard. The budget you include in the proposal is to provide you an opportunity for feedback on what you plan to do with your funds. Funding Highlights: step funds cannot be used for personal financial gain or to obtain permanent material possessions. If you choose to purchase permanent material possessions ( camera, tent, equipment), you may use up to $400 in step Funding * Any material goods constructed ( computer, drone, etc.) will fall under the Artistic and Creative Endeavors category and will require you to educate and lead community members on your making process ( OSU Makerspace).

2 For more information, please contact Dr. Steve Bibyk (.1). You can also find more information in the Artistic and Creative Endeavors proposal Guidelines . Any requests for prior authorization must be submitted to before the start of the project; If prior approval is not granted before the project begins, those funds will be billed to your university account for repayment Funds are available as of fee payment deadline in May and are typically disbursed 30-45 days prior to the project start date Funds are available for a one-time disbursement; multiple disbursements are not possible Budgets submitted undergo financial review; Submission of a budget does not guarantee that maximum funds requested will be disbursed Receipts are required for all purchases o Receipts should be signed (name and name.)

3 #) o Receipts must have transaction date and vendor information o Receipts must be itemized o Receipts should be scanned and submitted in a complete package (all receipts submitted together) to the step Dashboard with the file name step RECEIPTS for (your first and last name) Billing for unused funds will be billed to your university account for repayment Budget Table Breakdown Budget Category o Subcategory YES (with examples, allotment amount) NO (with examples) MAYBE (potential items that require additional attention) _____ Categories o Program Expenses o Personal Expenses o Miscellaneous Expenses Subcategories o Transportation All expenses associated with chosen method of transportation.

4 It is expected that every attempt will be made to use the most economical mode of transportation. YES: Flight (domestic or international; standard coach seat), Bus ( Greyhound), Metro Card, Gas (must include copy of MapQuest), Independent/local transportation at project site ( cab fare, Uber) NO: Early boarding or flight upgrades; In-flight WIFI/phone calls; Car purchases or rentals, payments, mileage or repairs o Miscellaneous Travel Needs All expenses pertaining to items required for international/extended travel. YES: Passport (purchase or renewal), ISIC Travel Card, Visa, Immunizations & Health Appointments, Travel Appointments, Airline fees ( Bag Check), Country Entry/Exit Fees (if applicable) NO: New Cell Phone or phone plans (including data) MAYBE: Luggage ($100 maximum- requires prior approval); Camera /Photoshop software (must be directly related to step project-requires prior approval from step ) o Living Arrangements Expenses associated with residency during the course of chosen step project.

5 YES: Rent ( Apartment or House-lease/sublease required), Room & Board, Housing expenses for living at home ($250/month-no lease or receipts required) MAYBE: Hotel stay (requires prior approval) o Education Abroad Fees All expenses specifically associated with chosen program. YES: Education Abroad Program Fee (as outlined by 1 of the 4 approved sponsoring organizations), Education Abroad Application Fee NO: Tuition Costs o Food Expenses associated with the coverage of all food purchased Maximum of $75 per week (may be adjusted depending on project site-requires prior approval) YES: Groceries, Dining Out ( Restaurants), Program/University Meal Plan NO: Food provided as part of conference registration or program; Alcohol; Food purchases for anyone but you o Apparel Expenses for clothing that is REQUIRED or DIRECTLY RELATED to step signature project.

6 Examples given are general and not inclusive. $200 maximum YES (Examples): Hiking Boots, Work Gloves, Lab Coat, Professional Suit (1) NO (Examples): Running/Basketball Shoes, Non Project-Specific clothing o Electronics/Musical Instruments YES: Equipment rental (rentals can exceed the $400 maximum) MAYBE: Purchase (requires prior approval-$400 maximum)* o Incidentals & Emergency Needs Expenses directly related to your project that encompass unexpected fees that may arise during the course of your project. $100 maximum INCLUDES: Weather specific items ( sunscreen), First aid items, Public transportation costs, Lost or stolen wallet NO: Oil changes, Doctors visits o Miscellaneous Expenses Other expenses that may be a part of your project.

7 YES: Excursions directly related to the step signature project; Academic needs ( textbooks); Parking pass NO: Monetary donations to charity or a non-profit organization; Investing for future benefit; Computer/laptop; Tablet; Hair cuts MAYBE: Craig s List purchases (prior approval required); Briefcase/portfolio ($50 maximum); Test prep classes * Upon prior approval by step administration, more Funding for purchased material goods may be awarded. If more than $400 in step Funding for purchased material goods is approved, you will be required to donate all of those goods following the completion of your project. For more information, please contact step administration at or (614) 247- step (7837).

8 Things to Consider When Planning Your Budget 1. Determine ALL expected costs for the entire duration of your project. From the first flight to the last meal, it is crucial that you account for all the occasions that will require you to spend money. This may require the drafting of multiple budgets, with each one becoming more refined and accurate as your departure date approaches. i. Some questions to consider: What aspects of my trip are covered? Does my country have entry/exit fees? What will an average spending day/week look like? Should I get a Bank-Issued debit card, or rely on cash? How long do I have to gather my resources? 2. Have a good sense of where your project s funds will come from.

9 Particularly if the costs of your selected project extend beyond the funds provided by step , be sure to have at least a general idea of how your remaining expenses will be covered. Even if your project will not be taking place in the immediate future, being proactive and gathering your resources early can only put you in a better position to succeed in reaching your financial goal. i. If you are unsure about how to go about gathering money for your step project, relatives and close friends are always a good place to start. After those options are exhausted, you may want to look at creative ways to fundraise (GoFundMe, Kickstarter, etc.) or pick up a part-time job that works with your class schedule.

10 3. Accurately base your budget figures on your spending habits, rather than general averages. At the end of the day, only you can accurately describe and gauge your spending patterns. While national averages for things such as grocery shopping certainly provide good baseline measures, they are still just averages, and therefore may or may not be tailored to your specific habits. The best course of action is to be responsible and honest with yourself when estimating your budget. i. If you know that you are a minimal eater, then the Food section of your budget will likely be lower than the average rate. 4. Know your target country (or countries) exchange rate(s).