What does cost sharing mean?
Investment in the project by the applicant. There can be both direct cost/cost sharing and indirect cost/cost sharing. Both types can be mandatory, required, or voluntary. Mandatory means that the agency specifies the amount to be shared by the applicant. Required means that the agency requires sharing by the applicant, but does not set the amount. Voluntary means the agency does not require or specify any amount to be shared by the applicant. The type of cost sharing used for a proposal must be indicated on the UTIA-001 form for correct accounting throughout the life of the project.