40 CFR 35.4095: What can my group pay for with an advance payment?

(a) Advance payments may be used only for the purchase of supplies, postage, the payment of the first deposit to open a bank account, the rental of equipment, the first month's rent of office space, advertisements for technical advisors and other items associated with the start up of your organization specifically requested in your advance payment request and approved by your EPA project officer.

(b) Advance payments must not be used for contracts for technical advisors or other contractors.

(c) Advance payments are not available for the costs of incorporation.