Retrospective costs or funding

– refers to funding for items which have already been purchased prior to a funding decision. Most programs do not allow this expenditure to be claimed, although the R&D Tax Concession/Offset is a notable exception. Before commencing a project, if you are considering applying for a grant, check the rules before you incur any project expenditure, to avoid disappointment of not being able to claim those costs. Small amounts of expenditure can be justified in some cases; however, you may also be disqualified in applying for funding because you appear to be committed to undertake the project irrespective of whether you receive any funding.