The NOAA Grants Management Division's Budget Narrative Guidance provides essential instructions for applicants to detail and justify the Federal and non-Federal expenditures associated with grant proposals, particularly for both non-construction (SF-424A) and construction awards (SF-424C). Applicants must align their budget narrative with corresponding forms, elucidate calculations, and ensure expenses are reasonable, allowable, and necessary. The guidance emphasizes the importance of itemizing costs across various categories, including personnel, which requires detailed breakdowns of salaries, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual services. Explicit justifications related to program objectives must accompany each budget line. Considerations are also given for administrative and clerical costs, which are typically indirect unless specific criteria are met. Furthermore, proper documentation for equipment and costs exceeding specified thresholds is necessary, and any subawards or additional costs should be itemized. The guidance underlines the requirement for matching or cost-sharing contributions and provides thorough directives regarding indirect costs, including de minimis rates for entities lacking a negotiated indirect cost rate. This structured approach ensures transparency, accountability, and thorough evaluation of budget proposals submitted for NOAA grants.

The NOAA Climate Program Office (CPO) is seeking applications for its FY2025 Modeling, Analysis, Predictions, and Projections (MAPP) program, specifically for the Early Career Award focused on Earth System Model Development. This competitive funding opportunity, numbered NOAA-OAR-CPO-2025-27826, will support new research aimed at addressing pressing climate challenges such as water availability, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation. Approximately $300,000 is available for one project over four years. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, and state, local, and tribal governments. Applications must include a Letter of Intent by September 18, 2024, and full proposals by December 9, 2024. Proposals will undergo a two-stage review process, focusing on technical merit, applicant qualifications, and project relevance. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, requiring applicants to demonstrate how their work will broaden participation among underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Selected proposals will be notified of funding decisions in Spring 2025, with anticipated funding starting in summer 2025. This opportunity aligns with NOAA's mission to enhance climate science and inform societal responses to climate change through rigorous research and collaboration.