Free Grant Budget Template for Nonprofits
Build a grant proposal budget
Standard budget categories used by most foundations. Add line items, see totals live, download as PDF.
Build a grant budget template for your nonprofit's funding applications. Our free planner helps you break down costs by category — personnel, supplies, travel, indirect costs — and format them the way funders expect. Download a clean PDF budget to include in your grant proposal. Designed for 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and community foundations.
How to Create a Grant Budget
- 1
Name your grant and program
Enter the grant name, funding source, and program being funded.
- 2
Add budget categories
Standard categories include personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, and indirect costs.
- 3
Enter line items and amounts
Break down each category into specific costs with descriptions and justifications.
- 4
Add matching/in-kind funds
Show any matching funds or in-kind contributions if required by the funder.
- 5
Download the budget
Export as a formatted PDF ready to submit with your grant application.
Why Use This Grant Budget Template?
Funder-ready format
Structured to match what government agencies and private foundations expect in grant proposals.
Built for nonprofits
Includes categories specific to nonprofit grant budgets: indirect cost rates, matching funds, in-kind contributions.
Automatic totals
Line items, category subtotals, and the grand total update as you type.
Free to use
No cost, no signup — just build your budget and download.
Frequently Asked Questions
What categories should a grant budget include?
Standard grant budget categories are: personnel (salaries/wages), fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual/consultant costs, other direct costs, and indirect costs (overhead rate).
What is an indirect cost rate?
The indirect cost rate covers your organization's overhead — rent, utilities, administrative staff — allocated as a percentage of direct costs. Many federal grants allow a de minimis rate of 10% if you don't have a negotiated rate.
Do I need a budget narrative?
Most funders require a budget narrative that explains and justifies each line item. This tool generates the budget table — you'll want to write a narrative document separately.
Can I use this for federal grants?
Yes. The categories align with federal grant requirements (2 CFR 200). Adjust the indirect cost rate to match your organization's negotiated rate or use the 10% de minimis rate.
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