Many federal, state and foundation grants require a match. Although the percent match required for each grant may vary (25, 40, 50, 100 %), many of the rules governing what can be counted as a match are consistent. This guidance is an attempt to identify some of the basics for tracking matching funds or in-kind matches. Since these rules tend to vary by funding source it is always a good idea to check with the funding source first. Note: Match percentage is based on the total cost of the project.

There are two kinds of match: a cash match and an in-kind match. 

A cash match is the direct project expense you or your non-federal partner provides as your contribution to the project – your cash expenditures for costs related to this specific project, such as project-related staff salaries, consultant’s fees, equipment rentals and travel costs.

In-kind match are materials and services, secretarial services, space and utilities, equipment and technical assistance provided by your organization or donated by a non-federal third party specifically for this project.

Accounting for a cash match is straightforward, since it is a specified amount of money dedicated to being spent on a specific project. However, knowing what to include as part of in-kind match can be more complicated. The rules regarding each grant will vary.

For general rules for tracking in-kind time and expenses Learn More at the link below.

Also see:

What Are Matching Grants – and How to Create the Match

and

How to Calculate the Matching Percentage for a Grant Application