What characterizes voluntary committed cost sharing?

Voluntary committed cost sharing is characterized by the fact that it is quantified in the proposal submitted to the funding agency but is not a mandatory requirement of the sponsor. This means that while the researcher or institution may choose to include additional funds or resources to demonstrate commitment to a project, the sponsor does not impose this as a condition for receiving the funding.

This establishes a different nature from mandatory cost sharing, which is a requirement that the organization must fulfill as a condition of funding. By contrast, the voluntary nature allows institutions to show added value and commitment, potentially enhancing their competitiveness for the grant.

The other options refer to concepts that are distinct from voluntary committed cost sharing. For instance, mandatory funding requirements involve stipulations from the sponsor that must be met to receive the grant, and matching funds typically relate to specific agreements where funds must be matched by the organization. Similarly, in-kind contributions from third parties represent non-monetary support rather than a direct commitment made by the fund-seeking organization.