Policy on Indirect Costs

Published: March 2023

For universities and community colleges, the maximum indirect cost rate allowable by GiveWell is 10% of total direct costs. The term “indirect cost” means an expense incurred by an organization that is of a general nature and is incurred to benefit at least two or more functions or objectives within the organization. Indirect costs are not usually identified specifically with a grant, grant agreement, project, or activity, but are necessary for the general operation and administration of the organization.