GAO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (September 2005)

Full Funding

The provision of budgetary resources to cover the total estimated cost of a program or project at the time it is undertaken (regardless of when the funds will actually be obligated). Full funding generally pertains to the acquisition of capital assets, such as the construction of Navy ships or buildings to house federal agencies. (For a distinction, see Incremental Funding. See also Multiple-Year Authority under Duration under Budget Authority; Multiyear Budget Planning.)

The term full funding can sometimes refer to the appropriation of the total amount authorized by law. A program is said to be “fully funded” when the appropriation equals the authorized level or when appropriations are sufficient to cover service for all eligible persons or organizations.

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