The University administers the finances for the programme. The Company is asked to pay eight quarterly contributions, based on its share of the budget and Associate's salary 'top-up' costs, in advance. Alternatively, payment may be made by standing order. There is some flexibility between the travel and equipment headings but the company must bear the full costs of any excess of expenditure over budget. Equipment bought through the programme remains University property.
Associates normally claim their travel expenses through the company.
Early on, the Company will be visited by the TCD Consultant to confirm viability. Proposals are submitted only after the Consultant has given approval. This enables a very high success rate for grant applications to be achieved. The process usually takes a minimum of two to three months between the first contact and the awarding of a grant. Associates are recruited specifically for a programme.