My fellowship ends next week but I still have money left over, can I spend it after the end date listed in my sub-award?

No. All funds must be spent per the terms of the sub-award and approved budget during your fellowship performance period.

can I receive a cost extension or a no cost extension?

No cost extensions are rarely approved and are only approved under exceptional circumstances.  Delays in returning or processing of the subgrant  and unused funds are not considered reasons for allowing a no cost extension. A no cost extension should not be part of your plan as it is unlikely to be approved. 

If you have experienced exceptional, extenuating circumstances, the maximum time allowable for a no cost extension is three months. A request must be made in writing by the US mentor 60 days prior to the end of your subgrant.   Before a no cost extension request is considered, all fiscal reporting must be up-to-date.

Increases in funding or cost extensions are never approved.

Can I move funds in between categories after I have started my fellowship? For example, from student support costs to research supplies.

You can reallocate 10% of the total award without prior approval.  So if you have a $20,000 budget, you are allowed to move a total of $2,000 around without seeking approval.  The only exception is in restricted categories.  The restricted categories are equipment (anything over $5,000) and international travel.  Both of these categories require prior written approval regardless of the level of funding.

We will need supplemental funds to cover unanticipated costs, can we request more money?

Funding is limited to your original award amount not to exceed $20,000.

What are the responsibilities for both mentors and fellows at the end of the fellowship?

The Fellowship grant requires a final report be submitted at the conclusion of the award.  The final report is comprised of three components:

• Final Financial Report – Due within 45 days of the sub-award end date and submitted by the US university’s financial office.
• Final Administrative/Technical Report – Due within 45 days of the sub-award end date and submitted by the US mentor (with contributions to the report by the student and CGIAR mentor).
• Research Brief – Due within 90 days of the sub-award end date OR on a timetable mutually agreed upon by the Borlaug LEAP office and the US mentor.

You can find the complete final reporting guidelines here.

I was awarded a fellowship! How do I access my funds?

Once the agreement is signed, the US university should have a process in place to distribute funds to you or your US mentor.  Please contact your US mentor to discuss how you will access the fellowship award.  The distribution of funds is dependent on the US universities policy and procedures.  It is unlikely that you will receive all the funds in one lump sum but you should be able to receive funds as an advance. 

How does the US university receive the fellowship funds?

As is standard practice with US federal grants, Borlaug LEAP allocates funds to the US institution on a cost reimbursement basis.  Twice a year,  the US university will send Borlaug LEAP an invoice, asking to be reimbursed for budgeted costs incurred during the previous six months.

I need a visa for the US, does Borlaug LEAP process visas?

No, Borlaug LEAP does not process visas. Please contact your US mentor as your visa will be processed through the US university.