80%
of our annual budget goes to
Science and Education
» learn more

The Leakey Foundation is pleased to announce we were given an 80% Efficiency Rating during our most recent audit.

This means the 80% of our annual budget is granted to scientists and used for our educational programs.

In the American Institute of Philanthropy’s view, 60% or greater is reasonable for most charities and the most highly efficient charities are able to spend 75% or more on programs.

From the AIP website: "AIP is a nationally prominent charity watchdog service whose purpose is to help donors make informed giving decisions."

We spend the remaining percentage on fundraising efforts and general administration.*

* AIP has not officially rated The Leakey Foundation.

Home > Grants > Applying > Applying for Research Grants > How to Apply for Research Grants > Budget Justification Instructions

Creating a Budget Justification

Your budget justification should justify and clarify your budget items. Please use this section to provide any extra detail you think someone reviewing your budget may need. Please explain reasons for travel, why you need money for assistants or graduate students, how you arrived at flight, living expense, and lodging expense estimates.

Your budget justification:

  • Should not exceed 1 page in length
  • Must be in PDF format
    click here for more instructions on creating a .PDF from your document.
  • Download an Example
    click here to download a sample budget justification for our sample budget (here).