A budget justification is usually requested by the sponsor so they can understand the types of costs planned, the details related to the quantity or quality of those costs and the PI’s rationale for why the costs are needed for the project. While the budget alone may seem self-explanatory and obvious to us, the sponsor’s proposal reviewers may or may not have an accounting background. Therefore, having a well written budget justification will enhance the likelihood of a positive review outcome which may tilt the funding decision to our favor.
