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Grant Writing Help Guide

Before Writing the Proposal 

  1. Know what kind of research you will do and why. This will be crucial in convincing others to fund your project. 

  1. Define the ultimate purpose. 

  1. What knowledge or information will be gained as a direct result of your project?  

  1. Why is undertaking your research important in a broader sense? 

  1. Reviewers/funders will expect you to think of your project in terms of design, hypotheses, research questions, and results. 

 

This diagram below provides an overview of the grant writing process and may help you plan your proposal development. 

 

A chart labeled The Grant Writing Process that provides and overview of the steps of grant writing: identifying a need, finding grants, developing a proposal and budget, submitting the proposal, accepting or declining awards, carrying out the project, and filing a report with funding agencies. 

Before You Start Writing - Identify Your Needs and Focus 

Your Needs 

  • Do you need preliminary or pilot research? 

  • Do you need funding for dissertation research, pre-dissertation research, postdoctoral research, archival research, experimental research, or fieldwork? 

  • Do you need a stipend so that you can write a dissertation or book or polishing a manuscript? 

  • Do you need a fellowship in residence at an institution for programmatic support or other resources to enhance your project? 

  • Do you need funding for a large multi-year research project? 

Your Focus 

  • What is the topic and its importance? 

  • What research questions are you addressing, and why are they relevant? 

  • What are your hypotheses? 

  • What research methods will you use? 

  • Why is your project significant? 

  • Will you use quantitative, qualitative, or both methods? 

  • Will you conduct experimental or clinical research? 

 

Once you have decided what you need and your focus for this project, now it is time to seek prospective grants and funding agencies. 

General Tips About Writing and Applying for Grants 

  1. Begin early and submit your proposal on time. 

  1. Do not forget to include a cover letter with your application. 

  1. Answer all questions.  

  1. If rejected, revise your proposal, and apply again. 

  1. Give them what they want. Follow the application guidelines exactly. 

  1. Be specific about the details. 

  1. Be realistic in designing the project. 

  1. Be clear about the connections between your research questions and objectives, your objectives and methods, your methods and results, and your results and dissemination plan. 

After you receive funding – maintain a positive relationship with funding agencies because this may lead to additional grants in the future. Be sure to file progress reports and final reports on time. 


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