Grantseekers' Guidelines

Thinking about looking for external funding for a project? Consider these important tips as you look for an external funding source and prepare a proposal. Some of the ideas may seem obvious, but reviewers of grant proposals (from the NSF and NEH to local campus review teams) report that these basics are often ignored and sections of proposals simply left uncompleted by applicants. The unfortunate result of such omissions is the exclusion of the proposal from the review process.

Content of the Proposal

• The key to a strong proposal is convincing reviewers that your project will achieve its goals. Be clear about what you want to accomplish and draw up a long-range plan for your project. Use your proposal to prove the existence of the problem you intend to solve by including statistics, case studies, testimony, and any other measurable or pertinent data.
• Research potential grantors thoroughly. Ignoring a funding source's research priorities in the hopes of "fitting" your proposal into their niche is not likely to be successful. Your chances may be improved as much as 300 percent when you develop a contact with the foundation or agency project director during the proposal writing stage. Ask about trends and ideas the organization is interested in funding.
• Be certain your budget figures are correct and reflect your needs as accurately as possible. The budget is often the first thing a reviewer reads; it should be realistic and credible. Know the requirements of your institution with regard to their role in the application process, shared contributions and any requirements to cover overhead expenses.
• If your institution has an office that supports grants and sponsored programs, colleagues in that office can provide invaluable institutional information that may be required by your grantor as well as details of institutional policies related to external funding.

Putting the Proposal Together

• With any funding source, but especially federal agencies, read the instructions carefully before applying. Use their materials like a template, identifying appropriate headings to use in developing your proposal. When agencies specify a format, use it precisely as defined.
• Use an energetic and positive writing style and develop a title that suggests the results you hope to achieve rather than what you plan to do. Use strong opening and closing sentences in each proposal section.
• Although it seems backward, it's a good idea to write the body of your proposal first and the introduction last. Your introduction should highlight all important parts of the proposal and attract interest to your entire project. It is easier to write a compelling introduction at the end of the writing process.
• Create a timetable. Plan a schedule from the deadline backward, including time for review and editing by at least one colleague, revisions and any processing period required by your institution.
• Your proposal should be concise, easy to read, free of typographical errors and have a professional appearance. Reviewers can come from fields and specialties other than your own, so avoid jargon and use shorter rather than longer words unless a technical vocabulary is expected. Support every fact presented; don't make generalizations or assumptions.
• Use appropriate headings to identify sections and break up text with "white space." Consider using different typefaces to increase the visual interest of your proposal. Your proposal should flow logically from section to section; for example, methods should be logical extensions of objectives.
• Expect to revise your proposal several times before considering it complete. Have an associate not directly involved in your project proofread your work. Give them a checklist of things to look for or a copy of the Request for Proposal you are following.
• Preview successful applications from grantseekers whose projects are similar to yours. You'll not only get some good ideas for your own proposal, but an understanding of the competition as well.

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