Commonly Asked Questions

Q. I just received notification that my grant application has been approved. How do I get an account number?
A. First, be sure that the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has copies of all official award documentation. They will review the award documents to ensure that all needed documentation has been received. After their review, the award notification will be forwarded to the Grants Accounting Office, along with an official request that an account number be established. Once the Grants Accounting Office sets up the account number, usually within 24 hours, you will receive written notification of your number and budget amount.

Q. I need to hire someone to work (or pay a bill) on my grant. What do I need to do?
A. The process for hiring people, paying bills, etc. is basically the same for a grant as for any other University fund. Wake Forest University policy must be followed, in addition to any restrictions placed by the granting agency (see your award document). For more detailed information, please check Financial and Accounting Services' Accounts Payable and Payroll web sites, or contact Debbie Hellmann at x5187.

Q. I've heard that I will get some money back from the indirect costs generated by my grant. How (and when) does this happen?
A. If your grant is budgeted for indirect costs, the University distributes the collected indirect costs monthly as follows: 45% to the funded faculty member's department, 10% for use by the faculty member that received the grant, 30% to a central matching fund managed by the Associate Provost for Research, and 15% to a discretionary account managed by the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs. Your 10% return will be put in a separate account on which you will receive monthly budget reports. This money can be spent for any purpose other than additional salary for you.