Budget for a research proposal.

Abstract

As a result of the growing consumer demand to cut health care costs, employing institutions cannot be expected to finance research studies. Therefore, outside funding must be found. The proposal budget is critical to the success of a study. A reviewer can determine much about the principal investigator's ability to conduct the proposed study by scrutinizing the budget; therefore, the budget should not be treated as an afterthought. A good budget consists of three separate parts: the budget, the budget explanation, and a section in the narrative devoted to the budget. Ask for the funds that are needed to complete the study and then justify the need. The goal of a good budget is to answer the reviewers' questions before they occur.