Eleanor, I make changes in our internal approval form once every year or two. I
make the changes myself (we are a very small regional comprehensive, $2,8M
volume/per year). I do not include a budget worksheet, but I require a final
version of the budget/cover sheets and at least a next-to-final draft of the
narrative before I sign, seek other signatures, and process the proposal.  We
have about 98% success, I guess.

Occasionally a proposal comes to me without an approval form.  I fill it in
myself, have the PI sign it, get other approvals on the phone if necessary, and
then send it out.  I'll do (almost) anything to get a proposal out the door, as
long as the crucial elements (budget adds up, correct FB and indirects, etc.)
are covered.

Regards, Bill Campbell
Director, Grants & Research
University of Wisconsin-River Falls