Can you explain more about the unallowable costs related to conferences and workshops and clarify if this includes travel to such events?

The restrictions around the funding of conferences and workshops fall into two categories: (1) the EN does not fund workshops or conferences that do not primarily benefit the applicant/any formal partners and (2) the EN does not fund workshops or conferences that primarily benefit the EPA.

Costs related to hosting or travelling to attend a conference, workshop, or training that benefits the grantee organization and/or their immediate partners are allowable so long as they are a reasonable percentage of the overall grant project and fit clearly within the scope of the project. Costs for travel to attend a conference or workshop would be captured under travel, where applicants should also detail the purpose of the travel and how it relates to the proposed work. 

If the applicant is conducting a conference or workshop that includes a small budget for light food and refreshments, these costs should be categorized under ‘other’ unless provided as part of a contract with the venue that is hosting the event. Costs for funds given to those who are participating in the training or conference should be categorized under ‘other’ as ‘participant support costs’, only if these participants are not directly employed by the applicant agency. Please note that both participant support costs and light food/refreshment costs are subject to approval by EPA. 

For states and territories planning to attend the National Exchange Network Conference (or E2i), there is travel funding available through ECOS and therefore this is not fundable under the EN Grant Program. Travel to the EN National Conference (or E2i) is allowable for Tribal applicants. Additionally, travel costs to regional EN conferences are allowable for all applicant types.