Budget and Cost Justification Guide

Last reviewed: April 2026

A persuasive budget is explainable. Reviewers need to see what each cost does, why it is necessary, and whether the amount is proportionate.

What good cost rationale looks like

A strong rationale answers:

• what is being purchased
• why it is necessary
• what deliverable it supports
• why the amount is reasonable

Notes by funding type

• For grants: map each line to eligible scope and expected claim evidence.
• For accelerators: focus on resource allocation and execution feasibility.
• For pilot funding: tie cost to deployment milestones and measurable outcomes.
• For debt financing: show repayment realism and downside planning.

Next step

Continue to Vendor Selection and Quotation Standards.