> This is the Markdown of a Backed Help Centre page, https://admin.backed.giving/help/administrator/contracts/create-and-send-a-contract.md. Every page is listed at https://admin.backed.giving/help/llms.txt.

> This page uses Backed's default terms, such as Funding Round and Application Template. An organisation may rename them, so read each as your organisation's own term if you've renamed it.

A contract sets out the terms of a grant. You create it from an approved application, or at applicant
level, and send it to be signed. `Contract`, `Application`, `Applicant` and `Milestone` are your
organisation's own terms if you've renamed them.

## Create a contract

1. Select `Award and pay > Contracts`, then `New Contract`.
2. Under `The contract is with`, choose `An approved Application` or `An Applicant`. An
   applicant-level contract is not tied to an application and cannot link milestones.
3. Search by name or number, choose it and select `Create Contract`.

## Set it up

Work through the steps. Changes save automatically.

### Details

`Title`, `Contract Category`, `Tags`, `Contract Number` (filled in automatically when numbering is on;
you can change it), `Start date`, `End date`, the `Contract Manager` (who receives milestone reminders)
and the `Bank account`. Tick `This Contract is with the Institution only` when only the verifier signs.

### Milestones

The milestones linked to the contract, in order, with their due dates, amounts and status. Backed warns
you about milestones past their due date, but you can still continue.

When the application's round or program has reporting bands, select `Use reporting band` to create
the milestones of the band the contract's amount falls in as contract milestones, each with its due
date and its share of the amount. The grantee sees them once the contract is executed. You need
permission to create milestones. See [Reporting bands](../milestones/reporting-bands.md).

### Funding

`Currency`: the contract takes its round's currency, and you can change it until the contract is
sent. After that the field is locked and says why. See [Currencies](../payments/currencies.md).

The `Contract amount`, the `Payment schedule total` of its milestones, and the `Difference`, each
shown with the contract's currency code, such as `NZD 1,250.00`. The contracts list shows each
contract's amount the same way.

`Indexation`: the contract takes its round's terms, and you can change them until the contract is
sent: `None`, `Fixed rate` with an `Annual rate (%)`, or `Index series` with a series you choose. Once
an indexation has been applied the group is locked and says why. See
[Index series](../payments/index-series.md).

### Document

Choose the `Contract Template`; the contract copies the current version's text, and you can edit the
`Contract text` for this contract. Or upload the contract as a PDF, which replaces the generated
document. Select `Preview` to check it.

### Send

Select the signatories for each party: administrators, applicants and, where the application has one,
the verifier. They sign in the order shown. Then select `Send Contract`.

If something must be fixed first, Backed lists it under `Before you can send this contract`. If the
contract amount is above your Contract Approval Limit, select `Request Review` and choose a reviewer
instead; they get a task and an email.

## Email the people behind these records

To email everyone on this list, or the ones you tick, select `Broadcast`. See
[Broadcasts](../communications/broadcasts.md).

## See also

- [A contract](a-contract.md)
- [Milestones and batches](../milestones/milestones-and-batches.md)