What type of budget focuses on projected major purchases and is expected to last more than three years?

A capital budget is designed to plan for significant investments in long-term assets, such as facilities, vehicles, and major equipment. This type of budget reflects the organization's strategic priorities and focuses on expenditures that have a lifespan exceeding three years, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently for critical assets that will serve the organization over an extended period.

Capital budgets typically involve a thorough evaluation process, considering the potential return on investment and the overall impact on the organization’s goals. They often require careful planning to align with funding availability and project timelines, as these expenditures are typically substantial and can influence future operating budgets. By focusing on projected major purchases, the capital budget helps organizations prioritize their financial commitments and manage their long-term growth effectively.

In contrast, operating budgets deal with the day-to-day costs of running an organization, itemized budgets break down individual expenses in detail, and contingency budgets are set aside for unexpected events, which do not specifically concern major long-term investments.