Budget Guidelines

Dpops Spring 24. Photo by Andrew Dabrah

A detailed budget proposal is an important part of a successful CPA application. Please keep the following in mind as you prepare your budget: 

  • Include only the items for which CPA funding is being requested
  • Include vendor names where possible
  • Include validated cost estimates (derived from website order forms, phone calls to vendors, catalog listings, etc.)
  • Disclose other sources and amounts of funding (e.g., departmental subsidy or UOFC funding), 
  • There is a $50 maximum on miscellaneous expenses 
  • There is a $200 maximum on publicity costs: web pages, email, tickets, programs invitations, table-tents, posters, and advertising for auditions or submissions
  • Requests for additional funding will not be considered after the proposal is approved. 

Any changes to your proposed budget must be approved by your funding college before purchases are made. 

The Senior Administrative Assistant of the funding college will coordinate the finances of a CPA Award project with the project Applicant/Treasurer.

 

What can I use my CPA award for?

  • Materials for visual arts projects 

  • Props 

  • Costumes 

  • Hair and makeup supplies 

  • Scenic materials 

  • Rental of Equipment (Funds to rent equipment are not available for equipment that is available on campus free of charge at CCAM or the UP Equipment Catalog) 

  • Film festival entry fees (greater New Haven area festivals only): $200 maximum 

  • Rental of off campus filming locations (“Video and Film” CPA projects only) 

  • Printing costs for publications (up to 300 copies)

  • Publicity ($200 maximum includes promotional web pages, email distribution costs, tickets, programs, invitations, table-tents, posters, and advertising for auditions or submissions: YPPS can help!) 

  • Securing legal rights to perform a play, musical, or concert: up to $1,000 additional funding (see here for help on securing rights) 
     

  • Equipment purchases 

  • Rental of digital production equipment that is available on campus free of charge  

  • Computer software, website, or podcast hosting fees (free options listed here) 

  • Support of visits by outside artists 

  • Payments for services (professional/appearance fees, wages, honorarium, or awards )

  • Alcohol

  • Food other than as stage props 

  • Rental of off-campus locations (Exception for “Video and Film” filming locations) 

  • Travel or transportation costs 

  • Production of items for sale (swag, albums)

  • Reimbursements for project expenses proposed after they have taken place 

  • Course fees (students should apply to SafetyNet for financial assistance with curricular expenses)  

  • Gifts 

  • Gift cards

Sample Budgets

Budget includes an itemized list of expenses including vendors 
Name of Budget Item 

Amount requested 
Theater Deposit Fee (Off Broadway Theater) 

$200 
Costumes and accessories (Floral dress from Fashionista, $28: Pilot’s cap from eBay, $16: Overalls from Target, $22: Assorted belts from thrift store, estimated $20: costume rentals from Dramat, $100)   

$186 
Hair/Makeup Supplies (mascara, lipstick, blush, and eyeliner from Beauty Plus) 

$100 
Purchase of lighting gel (Barndoor Lighting) 

$175 
Set Decoration (Home Depot/Rose Brand) Set Decoration (wood paneling from Home Depot, $88: small curtain from Rose Brand, $12) 

$150 
Printing Programs and Posters (TYCO Printing) 

$120 
Total Amount Requested 

$931 

Budget includes a general list of categorized expenses  
Name of Budget Item 

Amount requested 
Theater Deposit  

$200 
Costuming 

$186 
Hair/Makeup  

$100 
Lighting materials 

$175 
Decorations 

$150 
Printing  

$120 
Total Amount Requested 

$931 

General list of categorized expenses with some ineligible items (in italics). Ineligible items would not be funded by CPA.
Name of Budget Item 

Amount requested 
Theater Deposit  

$200 
Costuming 

$128 
Hair/Makeup  

$100 
Photographer 

$75 
Printing  

$120 
Flowers for performers 

$50 
Food for reception 

$150 
Total Amount Requested 

$823 

All items listed are ineligible for the CPA fund.  
Name of Budget Item 

Amount requested 
Travel 

$550 
Housing 

$200 
Food 

$150 
Flowers for performers 

$50 
 

 
Total Amount Requested 

$950 
Oye Spoken Word performers