Writing A Grant

The essence of a competitive grant includes:

1. An idea that is fundable,
2. A plan
3. A reasonable budget,
4. A match with an appropriate funder.

One way to find out what is fundable is to monitor grant requests for proposals and scholarly proceedings and publications. This type of "market research" can help you to understand what types of grants are being funded.

Good proposals answer the following questions: Why, Who, What, Where, When, and How?

Why is this a good idea or project and why is it important?
Who will be doing the work?
What exactly will be done, and Where will the work take place?
How will you measure the work?
When includes information about timelines, benchmarks, and deadlines.

In many ways, the budget amount can help direct you to an appropriate funder, who ideally needs to be interested in the type of work you want to do!

STEPS:

Develop an idea

Talk to your colleagues and chair to determine feasibility and to gather potential sources of support

Identify and review potential sources of funding

Determine eligibility, deadlines and requirements

Draft proposal and develop budget (follow directions!)

Have colleagues review content and give feedback

PROPOSAL SIGN-OFF
ALL grants must be routed through the Proposal Sign-Off Process prior to submission. Only authorized organization representatives may submit grants. Proposal Sign-Off may be routed electronically using the Graduate School Workflow on Lotus Notes. Hard copy Proposal Sign-Off forms may be downloaded here. Please review checklist here prior to completing forms.

PROPOSALS MUST BE APPROVED BY:
1. Chair
2. Dean
3. Grants Office
4. Provost or VP Admin and Finance

Finalize grant and submit
Be available for negotiation or revisions if required
Contact grants office when grant is awarded or denied

If awarded, establish grant account in business office
If not awarded, review peer review comments if provided
Resubmit as appropriate