*Is required by the University, regardless of the sponsor’s requirements

• A chance to explain in detail exactly why you need all that money for your project!
• It may be helpful to write your budget justification first, before compiling the dollar figures.
• A detailed budget justification demonstrates to the funder the PI has given a thorough and careful approach to the costs of the project
• Explains to the funder how you came up with your budget figures – remember, grant funding is a competitive situation
• Write the budget justification in the same order as the budget line items
• Give detail, many times the agency budget form is not as detailed as our internal detailed budget
• Justification must match the budget in terms of dollar amounts and language
• Explain why items are essential in relation to the aims and methodology of the project as well as meeting the goals of the project
• Articulate how the funds requested are reasonable to complete the project
• Explain the line items; do not merely restate the proposed expenditure
• Meet any sponsor requirements
• Provide detail sufficient to justify the rationale for acquiring the item under the proposed project
• Document the basis used for calculating the cost

Personnel Narrative

• Justify the effort you propose for all personnel
• Indicate in detail how each salaried person will contribute to the project
• Be sure to include information about experience and expertise of the named personnel (including PIs)

Consultant Narrative

• List consultant name and institutional affiliations (UCSB faculty and staff cannot be consultants)
• Describe in detail the services to be performed
• Include # of days, rate of compensation and travel or other related costs

Equipment Narrative

• Definition of Equipment: a cost of $5,000 or more and a useful life of at least one year
• Get current, accurate price quotes
• Explain why the equipment is project specific
• Identify specific methods and/or experiments for which specialized equipment is required
• Give a strong justification as to why you are requesting upgrades on current equipment

Supplies and Expenses Narrative

• Only request supplies directly relevant to your research plan
• Explain in detail why specific supplies are needed and how they benefit this project
• Do not request general office supplies or general lab supplies
• If requesting a computer or printer, justify its primary use for this project

Travel Narrative

• For airfare, use US flag carriers only (unless unavailable, exceptions may be granted)
• Ask for reasonable amounts
• State exactly which relevant meeting you plan to attend to present data
• Include breakdown of costs for airfare, meals, lodging, and ground transportation
• Include number of people, number of days, purpose and location of travel

Other Direct Costs Narrative

• Subject Payments (breakdown # of subjects and cost to each)
• Publication costs (give detail)
• Equipment maintenance and service contract (justify need)
• Give detailed breakdown of each cost

Consortium/Contractual Narrative

• Clearly identify subcontracting organizations
• Explain their scope of work
• Explain the need to contract with a particular organization, expertise of subcontractor PI, institutional facilities, etc.