As noted at the outset of this guide, given the divergence in the stages and the goals of NGOs interested in strengthening their budget work, no document on undertaking budget work is likely to be perfectly suitable for any particular group. We do hope, however, that this paper provides sufficient examples and information for your group to intensify work on the budget of your country.
We plan to update this document periodically, as more resources and lessons on budget work emerge. With each passing month, there is more and more NGO budget experience that can be drawn upon. We also know that for this document to be most useful, we need your advice on what aspects of it are most helpful and what aspects need modification. So we hope you will send us any comments that you might have on improving the paper. (Please send comments to falk@cbpp.org or shapiro@cbpp.org or to the International Budget Partnership; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; 820 First Street N.E., Suite 510, Washington, D.C., 20002, USA).
The growing emphasis on applied budget work by NGOs and researchers holds the promise of strengthening efforts both to reduce poverty and to involve citizens in key decisions that affect their lives. The rapid changes in governments and economies throughout the world make this an especially important and exciting moment to be undertaking this work. It is, in short, a fine time to build up your budget work.