As you are putting together the budget for a research or program proposal, consider the following items. They will increase the likelihood that your project will be successful, when you are funded. However, if it is more than incidental, be sure to include clerical costs in the budget. If you include new hires for clerical support, be sure to consider the space, equipment, and furnishings that will be required. Be sure to include fringe benefits for the position.
Graduate students can provide considerable professional or paraprofessional project support.
Under the supervision of the Project Director or Principal Investigator, a GA can manage, organize, collect and enter data, program, recruit, analyze, etc. Therefore, be realistic when describing current resources. However, many projects do, in fact, have special or heavier needs that justify inclusion in the direct costs for the project. Be sure to fully justify communications expenses, if you are permitted to do so. The need for project space may or may not lead to direct project costs.