Own contribution is defined as a percentage of the total project expenditure specified by the third-party funder which must be provided by the applicants themselves. In these cases, the project is not 100% funded by the donor.
The two kinds of contributions are “in kind” and “in cash”.
“In kind” means that the contribution can be made with materials - that is, the use of existing resources for the project. For example, personnel costs for existing staff financed from budgetary resources can be declared as an own contribution "in kind."
"In cash" means that funds are contributed as an own contribution, which are distributed among all budget items (personnel, material, and investment funds).
Please note:
Before applying, check whether a contribution from the University is required. If so, in what amount and in what form.
In principle, the applicant's institution (i.e., your department, center, or state institution) must provide the contribution. Please do not assume that the University will make the contribution for you - the University budget does not make any provisions for this.
Before submitting your application, please make sure that the contribution can be made. In order to obtain a legally binding signature in such cases, we require written confirmation from the management of the institution (usually the institute director).