All the AI and CS labs I worked for were perpetually short of funding. The end of year budget things is an accounting pitfall that I have met many times in industry, government and academia alike. I tis the result of money allocated but not spend before the end of the budget year not just is taken away, but also with high probability leading to a budget reduction the next year as 'you clearly didn't need it'.

Needs otoh aren't clearly delineated by the budget calendar.