Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) Model

The Joint Associations Group (JAG) developed the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) Model through extensive stakeholder engagement, including town halls, public feedback on draft models, and input from diverse research institutions and organizations. The FAIR Model aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in federal research funding by creating a clear, auditable payment structure that reflects the true costs of research—including compliance and support needs—while accommodating various types of non-governmental recipients. The model introduces three main cost categories (Research Performance Costs, Essential Research Performance Support, and General Research Operations), offers flexible institutional accounting options, and seeks to address inefficiencies in the current indirect cost system, ultimately strengthening public trust and sustaining U.S. leadership in research and innovation.