Writing grant proposals
Know what a funding source seeks
It is the responsibility of the faculty member to determine the reasons a funding source is offering monies. Failure to do so increases the chances that a proposal will not be funded. Take the time to carefully read the Request for Proposal, and contact the funding institution to ask any questions that may help clarify the agency's needs. A proposal that is not matched to an institution’s goals is not likely to be funded.
Follow guidelines closely
One reason some grant proposals are eliminated from consideration is failure to follow directions. Most funding agencies clearly outline format, contents, and parameters on their request for proposal. Be very careful to follow page, margin and length requirements as well as the content asked for to avoid being tossed out in the first round of the competition. Incomplete or missing sections will typically remove an application from consideration.
Create a backwards timeline
Faculty members are known for working up to the deadline on grant proposals. Those who turn the proposal in ahead of time and fully completed stand out positively. One way to ensure timely completion is to map out a backwards timeline from the due date, with realistic or even extra time allotted for each phase of the process. For example, gathering the necessary signatures from campus officials can take longer than expected. Since many grant proposals are collaborative in nature, involving a number of people with their own busy schedules, ask for any portions written by others well in advance of the deadlines. Backing up a few months or up to a year may be necessary. By writing out all of the necessary steps to completing the proposal, and leaving time for making copies and submission details, it is much more likely that a proposal will be completed with time to spare.
Be specific and complete on the budget
New faculty members or anyone new to the grant application process commonly underestimates the actual costs of engaging in an activity. Rather than estimate costs, it is best practice to look up the actual costs of travel, supplies, time, or other items and be sure to include hidden costs such as taxes on travel or supplies, shipping and handling costs, and outline a realistic timeframe needed to complete a task. Underestimates make completing the promised activities extremely challenging if materials run out, or time is no longer allocated to finish work on the project.
Tips for Writing Proposals
Grant Proposals (Or Give Me the Money!)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
This handout is designed to help write and revise grant proposals in all academic disciplines. It is targeted to help graduate students and faculty members. Details include pre-writing, revising, closing advice, a sample budget, timelines using tables and charts, and other helpful resources.
Writing a Grant Proposal: Writing Tips and Application Forms
Columbia University Medical Center
This site offers links to Elements of Style, a New Investigators Program, and quick guides for many specific granting agencies in the area of scientific / technical grant applications.
Toolkit Programs for Junior Faculty
Grant Writing Workbook, Office of Proposal Development, Texas A&M University
This site is part of a larger one that lists resources for junior faculty and includes frequently asked questions, helpful links on finding funding and writing proposals, and materials from past workshops and past seminars.
Selected Proposal Writing Websites
Office of Research, University of Pittsburgh
This site is a compilation of funding agencies, manuals and guides across many disciplines, and includes links to some tutorials on grant writing.
Funding and Proposal Writing for Social Science Faculty and Graduate Student Research
Wiggins, B. & Gramling, S. (October, 2002), GrantSource Librarian
This paper outlines sources, and tips for developing a successful proposal.
Tips on Writing a Grant Proposal
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This site offers specific, concrete steps to writing a successful proposal.
Grant Proposal Writing Tips
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
This site offers tips for successful proposals, and lists recently opened grant opportunities.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Submission Pitfalls
National Standards Board, a supporting organization for the Council on Foundations
This site suggests common mistakes to avoid when attempting to comply with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
