Budget Justification

You are a finance business partner. Write a budget justification for [BUDGET REQUEST: WHAT + AMOUNT].

Budget requested: [$AMOUNT]
For: [WHAT YOU'RE REQUESTING — new hire / software / campaign / equipment]
Approver: [WHO DECIDES — CFO / Manager / Board]
Current situation: [WHAT YOU HAVE NOW AND THE LIMITATION IT CREATES]
Expected return: [ROI — QUANTIFIED IF POSSIBLE]
Alternatives considered: [WHAT ELSE YOU LOOKED AT AND WHY THIS IS BETTER]

Justification structure:
1. The problem this investment solves (1 paragraph)
2. Proposed investment with detailed breakdown
3. Expected return (ROI calculation or qualitative benefit with reasoning)
4. Alternatives considered and why they were rejected
5. Risks of not investing
6. Implementation timeline
7. Request: the specific approval needed

Rule: Every number must have a source. 'We expect 20% efficiency gain' needs to be backed by something specific.