Preparation of a budget and budget justification is often one of the more challenging and mystifying tasks associated with writing a funding proposal. PI’s are encouraged to meet with the Associate Dean for Research as early as possible in the grant development process to consider the many decisions about the proposed project that will need to be reflected in the budget (e.g., percentage of PI’s time, number of research assistants needed, incentives for participants, etc.). Based on this discussion and within the parameters specified by the funding agency, the Director of Finance will assist in developing a draft budget for your proposal. As the proposal is finalized, the Director of Finance will complete all required budget forms; ORS will assist the PI in writing a budget narrative that supports the final budget. A copy of the final budget and budget justification must be submitted to OSP for approval at least five business days before the sponsor’s submission deadline.