Resources #1: build a budget
Goal: clarify how much your project costs.
Below is a budget template to help you translate your project scope into concrete costs. Before opening a spreadsheet, get clear on what you’re producing and standards for budgeting guided by your values. (See here.)
Budgets are estimates. Early numbers are placeholders and should change as you get quotes.
Make labor visible. Whether or not you cover all labor, keep track of what you think costs should be and if everyone was fairly paid.
Use budgets as planning tools. To help you anticipate needs.
How to Use This Budget Template
This spreadsheet is a flexible planning structure, not an exhaustive list. Many decisions in this sheet are up to you. Costs are also not accurate and will vary widely depending on your values, relationships, scale, location, and access to resources. You should feel free to rename categories, add rows, remove items, or change entirely.
Key Columns Explained
What: A clear description of the item or service. Specific enough to understand, flexible enough to change.
Unit $: Estimated cost per item or service.
# of Units: Where scope becomes concrete (e.g., number of tents, meals, or days of labor).
Total Cost: Automatically calculated (Unit $ × # of Units) so you can see what’s driving the budget.
TOTAL: Used for subtotals and the overall project total, helping you assess balance across categories.
Material Type: Indicates how something is sourced: Buy, Rent, Borrow, or Forego. This helps you think strategically, not just financially.
Purchase Link / Specs: For vendor links, notes, or requirements—useful for repeat events and accountability.
Who’s Purchasing: Clarifies responsibility (producer, artist, partner, sponsor).
Purchase Deadline: Helps with planning and risk management, especially for permits, insurance, and rentals.
Resources Related Resources
