Allowable Costs

Examples of Allowable Costs

Allowable Costs

Unless otherwise specified, the following costs may be included when contracting with councils, associations, and organizations or with groups that sponsor volunteer, self-help, or primary prevention programs. See:

8523.1 Contracting with Councils, Associations, and Organizations

8523.2 Contracting for Volunteer, Self-help, or Primary Prevention Programs

 •  Mailing expenses incurred to inform the group's members and the community at large about meetings, projects, and issues of concern;

 •  Telephone expenses not covered through other sources;

 •  Rented space for meetings, except when meeting space is available at no charge;

 •  Fees and expenses for speakers and consultants whose services are needed, but who are not available as volunteers;

 •  Costs for office supplies and office equipment;

Note: DFPS staff may not use office supplies or equipment purchased for community and parent group services.

 •  Printing costs;

 •  Registration fees and travel expenses for conferences, workshops, and training programs. The travel expenses must not exceed current travel rates for DFPS employees;

 •  Training expenses for foster parents and contractor staff, as long as the training is clearly related to the organization's mission;

 •  Dues for professional organizations;

 •  The cost of crisis intervention resources, such as a 24-hour crisis-intervention hotline;

 •  Child-care. If the contractor is an association of foster or adoptive parents, DFPS may pay for child-care while members attend training sessions and organization meetings. The cost of child-care in other circumstances is not allowable;

 •  Plaques, certificates of recognition, and other acknowledgments of special service presented to volunteers or foster and adoptive parents.

However, the item given must not have a lasting monetary value. The cost of the item must not exceed 10 percent of the budget allotted for recognition or $50, whichever is less.

Examples of Allowable Costs

Allowable costs include:

 •  Honoraria or gifts;

 •  The purchase of food and paper goods for activities involving the children (not regular meetings);

 •  Salaries and fringe benefits for contracts with organizations that sponsor volunteer, self-help, and primary prevention programs; and

 •  Office space and utilities for contracts with organizations that sponsor volunteer, self-help, and primary prevention programs.