Federal Grant Matching Funds Calculator
Determine how much matching (cost-share) funding your organization must contribute to secure a federal grant, based on the federal share percentage and total project budget.
Percentage of total project cost covered by the federal grant (e.g., 80% federal / 20% match).
Your organization's negotiated indirect cost rate applied to direct costs. Leave 0 if not applicable.
Direct costs portion of the project budget. Required only if calculating indirect costs separately.
Formulas Used
Federal Award Amount
Federal Award = Total Project Cost × (Federal Share % ÷ 100)
Required Match (Non-Federal Share)
Required Match = Total Project Cost − Federal Award
= Total Project Cost × (Match % ÷ 100)
where Match % = 100% − Federal Share %
Federal-to-Match Ratio
Ratio = Federal Award ÷ Required Match
Indirect Cost Amount (optional)
Indirect Cost = Direct Costs × (Indirect Cost Rate % ÷ 100)
Assumptions & References
- Matching funds (cost share) must be non-federal in origin unless specifically authorized by statute (2 CFR § 200.306).
- The federal share percentage is defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or grant program statute.
- Common federal share ratios: 50/50, 75/25, 80/20, 90/10. Some programs allow up to 100% federal funding.
- Indirect costs are calculated using a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with the cognizant federal agency, per 2 CFR § 200.414.
- In-kind contributions (volunteer time, donated goods/services) may count toward match if they meet requirements under 2 CFR § 200.306.
- This calculator assumes a straightforward proportional match. Some programs use a different base (e.g., match as a percentage of the federal award rather than total cost) — always verify with your program officer.
- Reference: Grants.gov | Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)