Often, you'll be required to include a budget narrative to explain the costs you've identified in your budget.
For information on developing a budget at Charles Sturt, refer to the website.
The budget narrative needs demonstrate a link between each budget item and activities within the project. This includes:
And remember, funders are after projects which are value for money and cost effective.
How to build credibility with your budget narrative Grants.gov (USA) offer some great tips for developing an effective budget narrative. It also discusses the importance of connecting the budget to the project's goals and objectives. The website includes links to budget narrative examples.
Grant proposals (or Give me the money!) The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina have published a handout which includes example budgets and budget narratives (scroll down the bottom of the webpage).
How to develop a project budget: A complete guide 2024 The ProposalsforNGOs website offers advice on developing grant application budgets and budget narratives. Examples are included.
Episode 4: Project budgets (4:29 mins)
This short podcast by Strategic Grants provides information on different types of budget items which might be included in a grant application, particularly for projects which are intervention-based. It also includes suggestions for budget narratives for each budget item.
Creating a well justified budget (5:39 mins)
This short video by EPISCenter provides information on different types of budget items which might be included in a grant application, particularly for projects which are intervention-based. It also includes suggestions for budget narratives for each budget item.