Sponsored Research

West Chester University

Filano Hall, Room 205
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3557
fax: 610-436-2689
mgagne@wcupa.edu


No Cost Extension Request

While sponsors expect Principal Investigators (PI) to complete projects by the stipulated end date, occasionally additional time is needed to complete the project scope and objectives. A PI may request a "no-cost extension" from the sponsor and receive additional time to complete a project where no additional funding is required. Although requests may not be made for the sole purpose of spending remaining funds, remaining funds can be expended during the no-cost extension period.

Some auditors or program officers may interpret a request for a no-cost extension as evidence of a poorly managed project, therefore, no-cost extension requests should be carefully considered and should be rare occurrences.

No-cost extension requests should be made for programmatic reasons only. Explanations for a request include:

  • Additional time beyond the established expiration date is required to assure adequate completion of the originally approved project
  • The extension is necessary to permit an orderly phase out of a project that will not receive continued support
  • A late start to the project due to circumstances beyond the control of the principal investigator necessitates an extended end date

How to request a no-cost extension

Please complete the No-Cost Extension form and submit it to the OSR at least 45 days prior to the original end date of the project. The letter requesting approval for a no-cost extension must reach the sponsor well before the expiration date in order to allow the sponsor time to process the request and inform WCU of the approval before the project period ends.

The PI should request only the actual amount of time need to complete the project, one to twelve months. The OSR review of the request will consider summary of progress, estimate of funds remaining, and plans for the completion of the project. The fact that funds remain in the grant is not, in itself, justification for a no-cost extension. In the case of federal funding, the OSR must notify the appropriate agency's office of an extension at least 10 days prior to the original expiration date, so submitting requests in a timely manner is critical. Private donors will have different guidelines for no-cost extension requests. In the case of private sponsored funds, the PI must complete the no-cost extension request. After OSR approves this request, OSR staff will work with the PI to draft a letter requesting a no-cost extension to be submitted to the private sponsor.