acevo

Full Cost Recovery

Full cost recovery means recovering or funding the full costs of a project or service.  In addition to the costs directly associated with the project, such as staff and equipment, projects will also draw on the rest of the organisation. For example, adequate finance, human resources, management, and IT systems, are also integral components of any project or service.

The full cost of any project therefore includes an element of each type of overhead cost, which should be allocated on a comprehensive, robust, and defensible basis.

acevo's Full Cost Recovery guide, normally referred to as the full cost recovery template, is seen by government and the sector as the definitive publication for ensuring better funding. We believe that it provides the most comprehensive and robust method for calculating the true costs of projects and services.    acevo has recently been awarded a Big Lottery Fund Grant to drive up understanding in the sector of  how to apply full cost recovery. Working closely with NACVA and other partners from across the sector, acevo is undertaking a 3-year programme of education and training in Full Cost Recovery.

The goal of the programme is to 'train the trainer': the course is intended for community accountants, and finance officers of local CVS /CVA groups and similar smaller umbrella groups.

For further details, or if you would like to attend the course, please contact Orli Gorenski on 0845 130 1627, email orli.gorenski@acevo.org.uk.

acevo has also created a website which provides more detailed information on full cost recovery. Sections include: 

• Background
• Information for funders
• Information for third sector organisations
• Case studies
• Other sources of help