Developing funding requests as though it were the first time, and justifying everything, is called:

• A. Flexible application
• B. Incremental funding
• C. Strategic funding
• D. Zero-based funding

Answer: (D)

Zero-based budgeting is the practice described. It means developing funding requests as if starting from a clean slate each cycle and requiring justification for every expense, rather than simply rolling over last year’s numbers. This approach forces you to demonstrate current need, value, and alignment with objectives for every line item, so resources are allocated to what truly matters now. In facilities management, that might involve re-evaluating ongoing maintenance, energy projects, and contracts to ensure each item is necessary and cost-effective, with options and expected benefits laid out for decision-makers. Flexible application, incremental funding, and strategic funding don’t mandate re-justifying every item from scratch; they rely on existing bases or relate funding to broader strategy, which is why they don’t fit the description as precisely.