What is the primary purpose of an operating budget?

The primary purpose of an operating budget is to finance day-to-day activities including salaries and utilities. An operating budget outlines the expected income and expenses over a specific period, typically a fiscal year. It details the ongoing costs an organization incurs to maintain its core functions and services. This includes expenses such as employee wages, utility bills, materials, and other operational costs essential for the organization’s routine activities.

In contrast, financing long-term capital projects is typically managed through capital budgets, which focus on significant investments over extended periods. Evaluating employee performance often relies on different metrics and assessments not explicitly tied to budgeting, and outreach programs fall outside the primary financial activities encompassed by an operating budget. Thus, understanding the role of an operating budget as a tool for managing daily operational costs is crucial for effective financial planning and organizational management.