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Writing Research Proposal for a
Grant
Jerry O. Ugwuanyi PhD
Dept. of Microbiology
UNN
1
What is a Research Proposal?
A proposal is a request for support for sponsored research,
– Good proposals quickly and easily answer the following questions:
• What do you want to do, and how do you plan to do it?
• How much will it cost, and how much time will it take?
• How does the proposed project relate to the sponsor's interests?
• What difference will the project make to stakeholders: your
university, your students, your discipline, the state, the nation, or any
other concerned parties?
• What has already been done in the area of your project?
• Why should you, rather than someone else, do this project?
• How will the results be evaluated?
Questions will be emphasized depending on the nature of the proposed
project and funding agency.
2
A proposal is a codified description of an intended project or program.
– an outline describing in clear terms -the values, aim, procedures, expected
outcomes, costs, time-lines & timeliness of a project or solution set.
Proposal Types
• Solicited proposals
• Unsolicited proposals
• Pre-proposals (Concept Note)
• Continuation or non-competing proposals
• Renewal or competing proposals
3
Looking to spend somebody’s money:
What is it all about?
You must have considered one or all of these questions:
– How do I find grant money to do an “important” work?
– What are my chances of getting a grant?
– Do I have to know the 'right people'?
– How much can I reasonably seek?
– Should I talk to grant-makers before submitting a proposal?
– What do grant-makers look for in a proposal?
Why would anybody spend his money on this work?
– Is it all really worth it?
• If your answer to this last question is YES, then you HAVE
THE RIGHT MINDSET!
4
Reasons for proposing?
• As a budget! -To secure funding (GRANT)
• For Higher Research- Masters, Doctoral,
Postdoctoral or Institutional
• For Employment (Accountability /Responsibility
Measurement)
• For Institutional Reviews
– Proposals are written in future tense
5
Grant Makers
• Grant makers seek to fill a gap between ‘what is’ &
‘what ought to be’.
– attempt by funder to address gaps in their (own) world
view.
• How do you know a funder’s world view (look at mission and
vision statement for guidance)
• Once you can help a funder fill this gap, you qualify
to be funded
– provided that nobody has asked for the same money,
or less, to solve the same problem in a better way!-
COMPETITION
6
Grant Makers
– A proposal should seek to understand the funder’s
world-view on the issue & express it convincingly.
– The proposal should reflect the "priorities" of the
funder.
– Often, (in error) applicants focus on their need for
funds instead of funders need for answers.
• IN A CONFLICT OF EGO, LET THE FUNDER WIN!
Whatever you think…. Remember, it is NOT
your money; you are asking……..
…………………..as are several other people.
– Beggars are not (always) Choosers!
7
Why Should Grant Maker Pay?
• An excellent proposal will not be funded if it is not
consonant with a funder’s short, medium or long
term interest!
• The ‘best’ proposal may not receive funding if the
proposer is known to nobody;
– You must show that you are competent
• A very good proposal may not be funded
– Somebody has requested to do same or better for less
– A good question was asked badly
– A good concept was poorly marketed
What is in the proposal?
• A reader should be able to decipher why anybody would
want to spend time, energy & money on a project from
reading the proposal.
• The value to be added must be obvious; for a proposal
to pass first screen it should be SMART
– Specific;
– Measurable;
– Attainable (Achievable);
– Realistic;
– Timely (& time-bound).
– The best proposal for a project is one that would
make a reviewer “wish he had thought of it
earlier”
9
Primary Components of a Proposal
• Title page
• Abstract
• Table of Contents (mostly for large proposals)
• Introduction
• Background
• Description of Proposed Research
• Description of Relevant Institutional Resources
• List of References
• Personnel
• Budget
10
A good proposal?
Opening Questions
– What do I want to do?---the research question
– What will the project accomplish?
• What problem do I want to solve? A project outcome must be
obvious
– Will the result achieve funder objectives? (short/medium
or long term)
– Do project personnel (I) have requisite expertise?
• How does the reviewer know this?
– Is the project (outcome) cost effective?
• How good is the fund management plan? Do I come across as
prudent? (The funder knows the costs!)
– Are the evaluation, dissemination plans convincing?
– Is there a Sustainability plan?
11
Main Components
• Proposals have three main component
– What is to be done?
– Why should it be done? No matter the call structures
– How will it be done?
• In between there will be several related or derivative
questions
– What is known?
– Who will do what?
– When?
– What are the evaluation mechanisms?
– What are the dissemination mechanisms?
– For how much?
– What happens after you have delivered all (or some of) the
results you promised?
– Remember to ask yourself: What is in it for the
FUNDER?
12
Getting Started- Title
• An attractive & descriptive title will ensure first
reading of what you have to say: (compare…)
– ?? A multi-year field evaluation of the effects of
development of new oil fields on mangrove forests in
seasonal and permanent swamps in Nigeria’s Niger Delta
– OK. A (3-year) study of the impact of development of new
oil fields on mangrove regeneration in Nigeria’s Niger
Delta swamps
• ?? Evaluation of fishery potential of Anambra basin of Nigeria
• OK. Full-year In-stream evaluation of fresh water fish population
dynamics in Obina River in the Anambra Basin of Nigeria
13
If the title is not specific/ attractive/ crisp you make a bad first
impression: If you are in doubt please have somebody read it!
Title Guides
• Does your prospective funder have any specifications
for the Title/Cover Page?
• Is the title clear, unambiguous? Remember that the
title is a micro-abstract.
– Avoid words that do not improve communication
• Ensure single sentence title.
– If difficult try colon and semi-colon for linkages as last
resort.
• Are all the parties, including collaborators mentioned
in the cover?
– If you forget to mention funder in cover, forget the grant
• Does your cover look professional without being fancy?
– Do not come across as profligate or given to fancifulness at
the expense of substance.
14
Abstract/Overview / Executive Summary
• Funder may require a Project Overview or
an Executive Summary
– the person shortlisting may have only enough
time to read the Overview. Be concise and not
go into details that are clarified at a later point in
your proposal.
….so what do you want captured here?
15
If the primary evaluator is unable to find in the
executive summary answers to all questions or enough
reasons to believe they exist in the body, your
proposal may not be shortlisted.
Abstract/ Overview / Executive Summary
• The Project Overview should "paint a picture"
of your proposal in the mind of the reader.
– Establish the framework around which the write-
up revolves.
– Briefly identify the key concerns of the funder and
relate them to your proposed project (outcome).
– Specifies objectives and methods/funding needs
• Link in the competences of any collaborators.
– Best time to prepare the Executive Summary is
after you have completed the entire proposal and
understand the story.
16
Overview / Executive Summary
• You want reviewer to be positive about your
proposal.
Avoid giving him an opportunity to say things like:
Not an original idea
Rationale is weak
Writing is vague
Outcomes are uncertain
Does not have relevant experience Rejection!
Problem is not important
Proposal is not focused
Project is too large
17
Project Body; What is to be done?
• The first steps in deciding this question are:
– What is known about the question I want to address?
– What are the gaps in knowledge?
• Are these gaps compelling enough to deserve funding?
– Is my presentation of the knowledge gap compelling?
– How will filling the gaps improve the final picture: value
addition; knowledge, wealth creation, peace, gender,
environment, trans-disciplinary & collaboration, race
relation (South- North Collaboration), etc.?
• Novelty? Is the answer you seek to provide already
in the public domain anywhere?
– If yes….?
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What is to be done?.....
• Novelty
How do you situate your proposal?
– An entirely new idea?
– Good solution to new problem?
– A better solution to an old problem?
• Cheaper, faster, eco-friendly procedure, gender
sensitive, politically correct, etc.?
– A trans-disciplinary procedure with new / better
insight and sustainability?
– Good basis for North-South collaboration and
Race relation?
19
Intro / Background / Statement of Problems
• Introduce the subject to a STRANGER
– Show funders that you know the subject; familiar with
what has preceded you and where the gaps are.
• Choice of language. Have somebody who is not
familiar with the proposal read it; minimize use of:
– Jargon; trendy or "in" words; abbreviations;
colloquial expressions; redundant phrases;
confusing language
20
Intro / Background / Statement of Problems
• Make clear what the research problem is and
exactly what has been accomplished;
• Give evidence of your own competence in the
field- Avoid redundancy
• Show why the previous work needs to be
continued.
• Literature review should be selective and critical.
Discussions of work done by others should lead the
reader to a clear idea of how you will build upon past
research and also how your work differs from theirs.
21
Specifics to Lit/ Statement of Problems
• In relation to other efforts, show how your project-
– a) avoids mistakes and/or errors previously made,
– b) serves to develop stronger collaboration
between existing initiatives, or
– c) is unique since it does not follow the same path
as previously followed.
• Show that your project is definitely timely.
• How will your project help the funding agency achieve their
short medium or long term objectives?
22
Background / Statement of Problems contd.
• Is there a special reason why you are uniquely suited to conduct
the project?
– Geographic location, language, prior involvements, close
relationship to the project clientele, etc.
• Have you prior knowledge of collaborators? If not what is the
guarantee that the collaboration will work; (MOU? Expertise?)
This is marketing section of a solicitation document :
It is at this point that you give your proposal a
personality and identity by demonstrating what it
will bring to the knowledge market
23
Problem statement…..in a nutshell
• Your statement of the problem represents the reason behind
your proposal.
– The problem statement specifies the conditions you wish to change.
• Support it with evidence drawn from experience, authoritative
statistics & appropriate literature.
• It should:
– summarize the problem,
– show your competence & familiarity with prior works
– reinforce your credibility,
– justify why this problem should be investigated.
• Do not assume that everyone sees the problem as clearly as
you do (even if it appears obvious).
– your reviewers want to know how clearly you can state it as basis
for establishing that you have capacity to solve it.
24
Some Key sectional questions +
Does your problem statement
1. Demonstrate precise understanding of the problem?
2. Clearly convey the focus of your project early in the narrative?
3. Indicate how your project relates with the larger set of problems?
4. Justify why your particular focus has been chosen?
5. Establish the importance and significance of the problem?
6. Justify why your problem should be of special interest to the sponsor?
7. Demonstrate that the problem is feasible to solve?
8. Make the reviewer want to read further?
9. Indicate how the problem relates to your organizational goals?
10. Indicate outputs in terms of human needs and societal benefits?
11. Answer sustainability question?
Remember: If it is not a problem, don’t solve it! …….. Try to avoid terms like…
 “little is known about...",
 "there is a lack of information about...", or
 "no research has dealt with..."
 If it is not worrying anyone else then it is unlikely to worry the funder!
25
Objectives Statement
Try to differentiate between your goals & your
objectives – but include both.
• Goals are the large statements of what you hope to
accomplish. They are usually not very measurable
but create the setting for what you propose.
– Objectives are operational, tell specific things you will
be accomplishing in your project, and are very
measurable.
– Objectives will form the basis for the activities of your
project and will also serve as the basis for evaluation.
– Your proposal is easier to understand (the outcomes are
clearer) if you describe objectives in measurable ways.
26
Objectives Statement contd.
• Ensure that there is considerable overlap
between the goals & objectives for your project
and those of the funding organization.
• Include specific information about the
population or clientele (immediate or long term
beneficiaries) on which your project is focused.
IMPORTANT! Who else is funding?
27
Objectives statement- Basic guide
AS a general guide, keep it SIMPLE
– Specific--indicate precisely what you intend to change
through your project.
– Immediate—make solving this problem urgent and provide
time frame.
– Measurable-- What is the proof of project success?
– Practical-how is each objective a real solution to a real
problem.
– Logical- indicate how each objective systematically
contributes to achieving your overall goal(s).
– Evaluable- indicate how much change has to occur for the
project to be effective (mixable with M).
• These categories are not mutually exclusive, but ensure
that each of your objectives meet at least three of
these six criteria.
28
Some Key sectional questions +
Does your objectives statement
1. Clearly describe your project's objectives, hypotheses, and/or
research questions?
2. Signal the project's objectives in a lean mass of narrative?
3. Demonstrate that your objectives are important, significant, and
timely?
4. Comprehensively describe the intended (& measurable) outcomes
of the project?
5. State your objectives, hypotheses, or questions in a way that they
can be evaluated or tested later? (NOT PERISHABLE!)
6. Demonstrate why your project's outcome is appropriate and
important to the sponsor?
List your specific objectives in no more than one sentence each in
approximate order of importance & progression.
• A good objective emphasizes what will be done and when it will be done
29
Project Description/ Methods Statement
Caution: This section is addressed to the specialists in your
field.
It describes project activities, ….how the objectives will be
accomplished. It should include sequence, flow &
interrelationship of activities.
• Ensure there is a clear link between methods and
objectives.
– Emphasise how the method will elicit clear solutions to
identified problem.
• Are there any innovations or possibilities of innovating?
– Funders will like to see what new, unique or innovative
actions you are proposing.
• Is the method unique or standard to make success
probable or certain?
– Make this obvious.
30
Methods Statement contd.
• Emphasize any method that will uniquely benefit
the target- immediate or long-term beneficiaries.
• Indicate the collaborative relationships your
project will develop with other co-operating
groups.
– How will the methods you propose encourage trans-
disciplinary collaboration.
• Wherever possible, make society, gender, peace or
environment important!
• Emphasize the value of the methods for
sustainability beyond the life of the project (this
can tie into your Dissemination Plan)
– If there is institutional sustainability plan emphasise it!
31
Methods Highpoints
• Be realistic about what can be accomplished.
• Be explicit about any assumptions or hypotheses the
research method rests upon.
• Be clear about the focus of the research.
• Be as detailed as possible about the schedule of the
proposed work.
• Be specific about the means of evaluating the data or
the conclusions.
• Be certain that the connection between the research
objectives and the research method is evident.
• Spell out preliminary work developing an analytical
method or laying groundwork
32
Some Key Sectional questions +
If applicable, does your method statement :
1. Explain why you chose one approach and not another?
2. Describe major activities for reaching each objective?
3. Indicate the key project personnel?
4. Show the interrelationship among project activities?
5. Identify all project data that will be collected for use in evaluating
project outcomes?
– If a method is not published or standard be sure to offer convincing
explanation as to why it must be used
• Remember: Funders rarely provide a checklist for this section. So PROVIDE
YOUR OWN
If you are in doubt….
• Begin with your objectives….
• Describe what precise steps you will take to arrive at each objective
• Include what will be done.
33
NEVER FORGET
Once you have determined the sequence of events, cast the major milestones
into a time-task chart.
called a GANTT Chart
(illustrative project scheduling: -Karol Adamiecki, 1896 & Henry Gantt, 1910)
• In graphic form, it segments the project into manageable steps
• It lets your reviewers know exactly what you will be doing—and when.
• It says to the reviewers that you are organized and have thought out the
major steps of your project.
• It lets them know you have done significant planning and are not just
proposing on a whim.
• It gives a road map of what you plan to cover.
• It enables funder to tie activity and time to money
• Finally, the time-and-task chart represents a clear, one-page, visual summary
of the entire methodology section.
If it is not specifically prohibited ensure you include this-- requested or not
Note: NOT ALL FUNDERS REQUEST IT; BUT ALL FUNDERS LOOK FOR IT
34
DISSEMINATION AND PUBLICITY
FOR ALL HIS MONEY, THIS MAY BE ALL THE FUNDER GETS FROM YOUR WORK.
• How will you be sharing information about your project with others?
• Conference, Newsletter, Posters, Fliers , Pater, Lecture, etc.?
• How about a website/ page in your institutional website?
The more open you are to let others learn from your experiences the more
likely a funding agency will be interested in paying.
• Consider including in your proposal funds for hosting a workshop or
institute where you can bring together other professionals interested in
conducting a similar project in their area.
– This would be a good way to publicly recognize your funding organization.
– Invite funder to such activity to hear what others think about their
investment.
HELP THEM TO BLOW THEIR TRUMPET
LET IT GET LOTS OF YOUR TROUBLE; THE FUNDER WILL BE HAPPY TO KNOW!
35
For Dissemination…Remember….
It is the means by which you let others know
about your project and YOUR SPONSOR.
• Indicate why dissemination activities are
important to the project
• Clearly identify the intended outcome of
dissemination effort
• Include a feasible and appropriate plan for
dissemination
• Describe any products resulting from the
dissemination effort
36
For Dissemination…Remember….
• Demonstrate that you are well grounded in
theory and research on the dissemination and
utilization of knowledge
• Provide sufficient detail on dissemination
procedures to justify the budget request
• Specify who will be responsible for dissemination
& their capacity
• Indicate why and how dissemination will get the
necessary information to the appropriate
audience
– Is dissemination likely to activate action for further
intervention (including by other parties)?
37
Will Evaluation be Needed?
Evaluations pinpoint what is really happening in your
project so you can improve your project efficiency.
Based on evaluation information, you can better
allocate resources, improve your services, and
strengthen your overall project performance.
An Evaluation Plan will tell the funders how you will be
showing at the end of the project that the investment
in you was a good one
38
Contd….Will Evaluation be Needed?
If evaluation is needed let the process
• Describe why evaluation is needed in the project
• Identify the purpose of your evaluation & the audience to be served
by the results
• Demonstrate that an evaluation procedure captures each major
project objective
• Provide a general organizational plan or model for your evaluation
• Demonstrate that the scope of the evaluation is appropriate to the
project
• Demonstrate the extent to which the project is generalizable
• Describe what information will be needed to complete the
evaluation, potential sources for this information, and the
instruments that will be used for its collection
• Clearly summarize any reports to be provided to the funder based on
the evaluation, and generally describe their content and timing
39
Evaluation Process…
In designing an evaluation process; irrespective of
whether you or a professional will implement, ask
yourself:
What will be evaluated?
What information will be needed to conduct it?
Where will the information be obtained?
How often will data be collected?
What data collection instruments will be used?
What evaluation design will be used?
What analyses will be completed?
40
Evaluation Process…
Evaluation is essentially a four-step process. If your objectives &
methodology are precise, evaluation is a straightforward process:
• What will be evaluated. If you wrote measurable objectives, you
already know what to evaluate.- in the objectives of proposal
• Methods you will use to evaluate each objective. You will need to
describe the information you need and how you propose to collect it.
In the methods
• Complete your evaluation design. Specify the analyses you plan to
make & carry out evaluation by collecting and interpreting the data
needed for each objective.
– Your evaluation design may be simply to observe the behaviour of a
particular population or something more complex like a rigorous
experimental and multiple control group design.
• Summarize the resulting data analyses and indicate its use.
– Consider including mock data tables that show what your resulting data
might look like.
Funders want to see statistics and significance. Be sure to analyse your data
effectively- if you do not have competence, use paid expert.
41
Evaluation bits
• If you plan to use a survey or questionnaire for evaluation, you may want
to include a draft of this in the Appendices (pre- and post action).
• Your evaluation plan does not have to be elaborate but it is important to
indicate that you have not forgotten this important step.
• Try to include both a concern for formative evaluation/process evaluation
(ways to gain feedback on the project while it is being conducted) and
summative evaluation/product evaluation (ways to show that the project
fulfilled that which was originally proposed).
• Make direct reference to your objectives in your evaluation plan. This
creates a strong sense of integration/ consistency within your proposal.
• Your evaluation plan should include some sense of concern for what goes on
following the conclusion of the funding period. THIS IS SUSTAINABILITY
 How will the initiatives that have been started under the project be
sustained?
 Have new things occurred that will be continued in the future?
 How will other cooperating agencies including your employer assist in
continuing the project after the conclusion of the funding period?
42
Money matter….Budgeting
It is more than just a statement of proposed expenditures
• It is an alternate way of expressing your project.
• Programs officers will look at your budget to see how well it fits your
proposed activities.
• Incomplete budgets signal sloppy preparation.
• Inflated budgets are signals, at best of waste; or at worst of questionable
credibility.
– If you come from perceived corruption endemic area?
– If in addition you are not known to the funding agency????
• Budgets that are too low cast doubt, at best on your planning ability; or at
worst your capacity.
Your budget is at the very least as much a credibility statement as your project
narrative.
• Sequence budget items as you would a Gantt chart to indicate period of
project associated with given cost. Can the funding be phased? If yes, go for
it. It convinces funder about your commitment
Budget is a mathematical rendition of your entire project in money terms
43
• Make your budget realistic. Carefully think through exactly what you will need from
the funder to carry out the project and establish your budget around this amount.
– (Remember: funding agencies are more experienced in funding than researchers!
They can easily tell when someone has inflated a budget in order to procure
funds for other purposes.)
Money matter….Budgeting
If you are a first timer or you are not sure….. Talk to somebody!
• Provide researched estimate for any request and
never leave room for doubts.
• Read budget guideline very thoroughly for the
call and the funding agency.
• Pay attention to items that are not allowable
• Work out your institutional in kind support and
indicate it clearly
44
• Check with the funder to see if they have suggested/required budget categories. If there is none
then you may consider organizing your budget around a set of meaningful fundable categories
such as:
– Personnel (salary/ benefits), fringe benefits/ honourarium, dues, Consultants (salary)-
accountant, legal service,
– Instruction, Tuition
– Equipment, maintenance, insurance
– Supplies, periodicals, books, research animals
– Communication (telephone/postage)
– Materials preparation, computer time, Office tools
– Services, binding, audio visual, radio, television, advertising
– Travel, Rental of facilities, transport
– Evaluation, Dissemination, publication,
– Other expenses- will you host anybody; hospitality, refreshment (clearly specify this & never
use Miscellaneous)
• Indirect or Administrative costs (organizational -rent, renovation, municipal services, security)
Money matter….Budgeting
In theory anything may be funded….. In practice you must be very careful what to include
Provide researched estimate for
any request and never leave room
for doubts
45
Budget… Some Important questions
• Provide sufficient resources to carry out your project?
• Include a budget narrative that justifies major budget categories?
• Present the budget in the format desired by the funder?
• Provide sufficient detail so the reviewer can understand how
various budget items were calculated? (Excel Spread sheet)
• Separate direct costs from indirect costs and describe what is
covered in the latter?
• Relate budget items to project objectives?
• Include any attachments or special appendixes to justify unusual
requests?
• Identify evaluation cost?
• Provide for dissemination costs?
Does your budget address these question?
Think if you were the one paying!
Did you mention cost sharing, matching grant or sustainability support?
Is your organisation contributing?
- cash or kind? this is good news if you properly articulate it!
46
Concept Note
Are you required to provide Concept note?
• to interest potential funders
• to develop potential solutions or investigations into project ideas
• to determine whether a project idea is fundable
• to serve as the foundation for a full proposal
Some funders may have a specific form (e.g., Letter of Inquiry) but if not,
a concept paper generally follows this format:
• Introduction
• Purpose
• Project Description
• Evaluation
• Budget (it is not necessary to be detailed in a concept)
47
Institutional and Sundry Issues
Staff/Administration
• Use this section to describe the roles of the different people
associated with your project and the importance of each.
• Make sure to clarify how each of the roles are essential to the
success of the project and how each role clearly relates to
operationalizing the methods you have described.
• Make sure you include name, title, experience, and qualifications.
Include other information if you feel it is important to the success
of your project.
• The descriptions of your personnel should let the funding agency
know that you have excellent people who are committed to the
project. You are not asking the funding agency to "trust" you. The
validity of what you are proposing is directly related to the people
who will work on the project.
• Working together as a part of a team is something that funding
agencies often like to see. Try making your project a team effort.
48
Institutional and Sundry Issues
Available Resources/ Facilities
• Collaborative efforts are usually considered very favourably! Many
funding agencies like to see cooperative ventures as the basis for
action.
• Sometimes local resources go unnoticed. Look carefully around you
because there are certain to be resources that you have available
that you may not be noticing
– Experts/ interest holders/ volunteers,
– meeting rooms, library space, and resources, network access, etc.
– Such in-kind resources can show a funding agency that you are
strongly rooted in community.
• Letters from local resources supporting the project are an excellent
addition to the proposal.
• Be careful in listing the equipment that will be needed for your
project, funders expect your institution to have some things.
• Funding sources are usually much more willing to provide funds for
the support of personnel than purchase of equipment.
49
Personnel
This section usually consists of two parts:
1. An explanation of the proposed personnel arrangements and
2. Biographical data sheets for each of the main contributors to the
project.
The explanation should specify how many persons at what percentage
of time and in what academic categories will be participating in the
project.
If the program is complex and involves people from other departments
or colleges, make clear the organization of the staff and the lines of
responsibility.
Any student participation, paid or unpaid, MUST be mentioned, and
the nature of the proposed contribution detailed.
If any persons must be hired for the project, say so, and explain why,
unless the need for persons not already available within the University
is self-evident.
50
Must Watch
• Miscellaneous (Specify what is needed);
– If you must include miscellaneous tie it to a per cent
point
• Logistics
• Entertainment
• Page numbering
• ?? Submission time-line
• What about writing a draft proposal when there
is not call? This enables you to take your time….
• Then tailor the proposal to a call
51
THANK YOU
52
Selected Further Reading
• Hailman, JP, and KB Strier. (1997). Planning Proposing and Presenting Science Effectively: A Guide
for Graduate Students and Researchers in the Behavioral Sciences and Biology. Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge, UK. 128pp
• Smith, RV. (1990). Graduate Research: A Guide for Students in the Sciences. Plenum Press New
York, NY. 292pp
• Amundson, S.D. (1998). Relationships between theory-driven empirical research in operations
management and other disciplines. Journal of Operations Management, 16:341–359.
• Nebiu B (2002) Developing Skills of NGOS Project Proposal Writing The Regional Environmental
Center for Central and Eastern Europe
• National consumer supporter technical assistance center (2017) Guide to Proposal writing Funded
by the center for mental health services Community support program branch. National mental
health association 1021 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
• Guidelines for Project Proposals available at: http://www.lf.psu.edu/
• Levine, J.S. (2006). Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal available at:
http://www.LearnerAssociates.net
• Rinehart, E and Bouie-Scott, B. (2003). The Basic Steps in Planning and Writing A Successful Grant
Application. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
• Project design & proposal writing Guide. American Red Cross International Services. 2025 E. Street,
NW Washington, DC 20006-5304
• Writing a Funding Proposal. Available at: http://www.civicus.org
53

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ESUT BS Grant Talk.pptx

  • 1. Writing Research Proposal for a Grant Jerry O. Ugwuanyi PhD Dept. of Microbiology UNN 1
  • 2. What is a Research Proposal? A proposal is a request for support for sponsored research, – Good proposals quickly and easily answer the following questions: • What do you want to do, and how do you plan to do it? • How much will it cost, and how much time will it take? • How does the proposed project relate to the sponsor's interests? • What difference will the project make to stakeholders: your university, your students, your discipline, the state, the nation, or any other concerned parties? • What has already been done in the area of your project? • Why should you, rather than someone else, do this project? • How will the results be evaluated? Questions will be emphasized depending on the nature of the proposed project and funding agency. 2 A proposal is a codified description of an intended project or program. – an outline describing in clear terms -the values, aim, procedures, expected outcomes, costs, time-lines & timeliness of a project or solution set.
  • 3. Proposal Types • Solicited proposals • Unsolicited proposals • Pre-proposals (Concept Note) • Continuation or non-competing proposals • Renewal or competing proposals 3
  • 4. Looking to spend somebody’s money: What is it all about? You must have considered one or all of these questions: – How do I find grant money to do an “important” work? – What are my chances of getting a grant? – Do I have to know the 'right people'? – How much can I reasonably seek? – Should I talk to grant-makers before submitting a proposal? – What do grant-makers look for in a proposal? Why would anybody spend his money on this work? – Is it all really worth it? • If your answer to this last question is YES, then you HAVE THE RIGHT MINDSET! 4
  • 5. Reasons for proposing? • As a budget! -To secure funding (GRANT) • For Higher Research- Masters, Doctoral, Postdoctoral or Institutional • For Employment (Accountability /Responsibility Measurement) • For Institutional Reviews – Proposals are written in future tense 5
  • 6. Grant Makers • Grant makers seek to fill a gap between ‘what is’ & ‘what ought to be’. – attempt by funder to address gaps in their (own) world view. • How do you know a funder’s world view (look at mission and vision statement for guidance) • Once you can help a funder fill this gap, you qualify to be funded – provided that nobody has asked for the same money, or less, to solve the same problem in a better way!- COMPETITION 6
  • 7. Grant Makers – A proposal should seek to understand the funder’s world-view on the issue & express it convincingly. – The proposal should reflect the "priorities" of the funder. – Often, (in error) applicants focus on their need for funds instead of funders need for answers. • IN A CONFLICT OF EGO, LET THE FUNDER WIN! Whatever you think…. Remember, it is NOT your money; you are asking…….. …………………..as are several other people. – Beggars are not (always) Choosers! 7
  • 8. Why Should Grant Maker Pay? • An excellent proposal will not be funded if it is not consonant with a funder’s short, medium or long term interest! • The ‘best’ proposal may not receive funding if the proposer is known to nobody; – You must show that you are competent • A very good proposal may not be funded – Somebody has requested to do same or better for less – A good question was asked badly – A good concept was poorly marketed
  • 9. What is in the proposal? • A reader should be able to decipher why anybody would want to spend time, energy & money on a project from reading the proposal. • The value to be added must be obvious; for a proposal to pass first screen it should be SMART – Specific; – Measurable; – Attainable (Achievable); – Realistic; – Timely (& time-bound). – The best proposal for a project is one that would make a reviewer “wish he had thought of it earlier” 9
  • 10. Primary Components of a Proposal • Title page • Abstract • Table of Contents (mostly for large proposals) • Introduction • Background • Description of Proposed Research • Description of Relevant Institutional Resources • List of References • Personnel • Budget 10
  • 11. A good proposal? Opening Questions – What do I want to do?---the research question – What will the project accomplish? • What problem do I want to solve? A project outcome must be obvious – Will the result achieve funder objectives? (short/medium or long term) – Do project personnel (I) have requisite expertise? • How does the reviewer know this? – Is the project (outcome) cost effective? • How good is the fund management plan? Do I come across as prudent? (The funder knows the costs!) – Are the evaluation, dissemination plans convincing? – Is there a Sustainability plan? 11
  • 12. Main Components • Proposals have three main component – What is to be done? – Why should it be done? No matter the call structures – How will it be done? • In between there will be several related or derivative questions – What is known? – Who will do what? – When? – What are the evaluation mechanisms? – What are the dissemination mechanisms? – For how much? – What happens after you have delivered all (or some of) the results you promised? – Remember to ask yourself: What is in it for the FUNDER? 12
  • 13. Getting Started- Title • An attractive & descriptive title will ensure first reading of what you have to say: (compare…) – ?? A multi-year field evaluation of the effects of development of new oil fields on mangrove forests in seasonal and permanent swamps in Nigeria’s Niger Delta – OK. A (3-year) study of the impact of development of new oil fields on mangrove regeneration in Nigeria’s Niger Delta swamps • ?? Evaluation of fishery potential of Anambra basin of Nigeria • OK. Full-year In-stream evaluation of fresh water fish population dynamics in Obina River in the Anambra Basin of Nigeria 13 If the title is not specific/ attractive/ crisp you make a bad first impression: If you are in doubt please have somebody read it!
  • 14. Title Guides • Does your prospective funder have any specifications for the Title/Cover Page? • Is the title clear, unambiguous? Remember that the title is a micro-abstract. – Avoid words that do not improve communication • Ensure single sentence title. – If difficult try colon and semi-colon for linkages as last resort. • Are all the parties, including collaborators mentioned in the cover? – If you forget to mention funder in cover, forget the grant • Does your cover look professional without being fancy? – Do not come across as profligate or given to fancifulness at the expense of substance. 14
  • 15. Abstract/Overview / Executive Summary • Funder may require a Project Overview or an Executive Summary – the person shortlisting may have only enough time to read the Overview. Be concise and not go into details that are clarified at a later point in your proposal. ….so what do you want captured here? 15 If the primary evaluator is unable to find in the executive summary answers to all questions or enough reasons to believe they exist in the body, your proposal may not be shortlisted.
  • 16. Abstract/ Overview / Executive Summary • The Project Overview should "paint a picture" of your proposal in the mind of the reader. – Establish the framework around which the write- up revolves. – Briefly identify the key concerns of the funder and relate them to your proposed project (outcome). – Specifies objectives and methods/funding needs • Link in the competences of any collaborators. – Best time to prepare the Executive Summary is after you have completed the entire proposal and understand the story. 16
  • 17. Overview / Executive Summary • You want reviewer to be positive about your proposal. Avoid giving him an opportunity to say things like: Not an original idea Rationale is weak Writing is vague Outcomes are uncertain Does not have relevant experience Rejection! Problem is not important Proposal is not focused Project is too large 17
  • 18. Project Body; What is to be done? • The first steps in deciding this question are: – What is known about the question I want to address? – What are the gaps in knowledge? • Are these gaps compelling enough to deserve funding? – Is my presentation of the knowledge gap compelling? – How will filling the gaps improve the final picture: value addition; knowledge, wealth creation, peace, gender, environment, trans-disciplinary & collaboration, race relation (South- North Collaboration), etc.? • Novelty? Is the answer you seek to provide already in the public domain anywhere? – If yes….? 18
  • 19. What is to be done?..... • Novelty How do you situate your proposal? – An entirely new idea? – Good solution to new problem? – A better solution to an old problem? • Cheaper, faster, eco-friendly procedure, gender sensitive, politically correct, etc.? – A trans-disciplinary procedure with new / better insight and sustainability? – Good basis for North-South collaboration and Race relation? 19
  • 20. Intro / Background / Statement of Problems • Introduce the subject to a STRANGER – Show funders that you know the subject; familiar with what has preceded you and where the gaps are. • Choice of language. Have somebody who is not familiar with the proposal read it; minimize use of: – Jargon; trendy or "in" words; abbreviations; colloquial expressions; redundant phrases; confusing language 20
  • 21. Intro / Background / Statement of Problems • Make clear what the research problem is and exactly what has been accomplished; • Give evidence of your own competence in the field- Avoid redundancy • Show why the previous work needs to be continued. • Literature review should be selective and critical. Discussions of work done by others should lead the reader to a clear idea of how you will build upon past research and also how your work differs from theirs. 21
  • 22. Specifics to Lit/ Statement of Problems • In relation to other efforts, show how your project- – a) avoids mistakes and/or errors previously made, – b) serves to develop stronger collaboration between existing initiatives, or – c) is unique since it does not follow the same path as previously followed. • Show that your project is definitely timely. • How will your project help the funding agency achieve their short medium or long term objectives? 22
  • 23. Background / Statement of Problems contd. • Is there a special reason why you are uniquely suited to conduct the project? – Geographic location, language, prior involvements, close relationship to the project clientele, etc. • Have you prior knowledge of collaborators? If not what is the guarantee that the collaboration will work; (MOU? Expertise?) This is marketing section of a solicitation document : It is at this point that you give your proposal a personality and identity by demonstrating what it will bring to the knowledge market 23
  • 24. Problem statement…..in a nutshell • Your statement of the problem represents the reason behind your proposal. – The problem statement specifies the conditions you wish to change. • Support it with evidence drawn from experience, authoritative statistics & appropriate literature. • It should: – summarize the problem, – show your competence & familiarity with prior works – reinforce your credibility, – justify why this problem should be investigated. • Do not assume that everyone sees the problem as clearly as you do (even if it appears obvious). – your reviewers want to know how clearly you can state it as basis for establishing that you have capacity to solve it. 24
  • 25. Some Key sectional questions + Does your problem statement 1. Demonstrate precise understanding of the problem? 2. Clearly convey the focus of your project early in the narrative? 3. Indicate how your project relates with the larger set of problems? 4. Justify why your particular focus has been chosen? 5. Establish the importance and significance of the problem? 6. Justify why your problem should be of special interest to the sponsor? 7. Demonstrate that the problem is feasible to solve? 8. Make the reviewer want to read further? 9. Indicate how the problem relates to your organizational goals? 10. Indicate outputs in terms of human needs and societal benefits? 11. Answer sustainability question? Remember: If it is not a problem, don’t solve it! …….. Try to avoid terms like…  “little is known about...",  "there is a lack of information about...", or  "no research has dealt with..."  If it is not worrying anyone else then it is unlikely to worry the funder! 25
  • 26. Objectives Statement Try to differentiate between your goals & your objectives – but include both. • Goals are the large statements of what you hope to accomplish. They are usually not very measurable but create the setting for what you propose. – Objectives are operational, tell specific things you will be accomplishing in your project, and are very measurable. – Objectives will form the basis for the activities of your project and will also serve as the basis for evaluation. – Your proposal is easier to understand (the outcomes are clearer) if you describe objectives in measurable ways. 26
  • 27. Objectives Statement contd. • Ensure that there is considerable overlap between the goals & objectives for your project and those of the funding organization. • Include specific information about the population or clientele (immediate or long term beneficiaries) on which your project is focused. IMPORTANT! Who else is funding? 27
  • 28. Objectives statement- Basic guide AS a general guide, keep it SIMPLE – Specific--indicate precisely what you intend to change through your project. – Immediate—make solving this problem urgent and provide time frame. – Measurable-- What is the proof of project success? – Practical-how is each objective a real solution to a real problem. – Logical- indicate how each objective systematically contributes to achieving your overall goal(s). – Evaluable- indicate how much change has to occur for the project to be effective (mixable with M). • These categories are not mutually exclusive, but ensure that each of your objectives meet at least three of these six criteria. 28
  • 29. Some Key sectional questions + Does your objectives statement 1. Clearly describe your project's objectives, hypotheses, and/or research questions? 2. Signal the project's objectives in a lean mass of narrative? 3. Demonstrate that your objectives are important, significant, and timely? 4. Comprehensively describe the intended (& measurable) outcomes of the project? 5. State your objectives, hypotheses, or questions in a way that they can be evaluated or tested later? (NOT PERISHABLE!) 6. Demonstrate why your project's outcome is appropriate and important to the sponsor? List your specific objectives in no more than one sentence each in approximate order of importance & progression. • A good objective emphasizes what will be done and when it will be done 29
  • 30. Project Description/ Methods Statement Caution: This section is addressed to the specialists in your field. It describes project activities, ….how the objectives will be accomplished. It should include sequence, flow & interrelationship of activities. • Ensure there is a clear link between methods and objectives. – Emphasise how the method will elicit clear solutions to identified problem. • Are there any innovations or possibilities of innovating? – Funders will like to see what new, unique or innovative actions you are proposing. • Is the method unique or standard to make success probable or certain? – Make this obvious. 30
  • 31. Methods Statement contd. • Emphasize any method that will uniquely benefit the target- immediate or long-term beneficiaries. • Indicate the collaborative relationships your project will develop with other co-operating groups. – How will the methods you propose encourage trans- disciplinary collaboration. • Wherever possible, make society, gender, peace or environment important! • Emphasize the value of the methods for sustainability beyond the life of the project (this can tie into your Dissemination Plan) – If there is institutional sustainability plan emphasise it! 31
  • 32. Methods Highpoints • Be realistic about what can be accomplished. • Be explicit about any assumptions or hypotheses the research method rests upon. • Be clear about the focus of the research. • Be as detailed as possible about the schedule of the proposed work. • Be specific about the means of evaluating the data or the conclusions. • Be certain that the connection between the research objectives and the research method is evident. • Spell out preliminary work developing an analytical method or laying groundwork 32
  • 33. Some Key Sectional questions + If applicable, does your method statement : 1. Explain why you chose one approach and not another? 2. Describe major activities for reaching each objective? 3. Indicate the key project personnel? 4. Show the interrelationship among project activities? 5. Identify all project data that will be collected for use in evaluating project outcomes? – If a method is not published or standard be sure to offer convincing explanation as to why it must be used • Remember: Funders rarely provide a checklist for this section. So PROVIDE YOUR OWN If you are in doubt…. • Begin with your objectives…. • Describe what precise steps you will take to arrive at each objective • Include what will be done. 33
  • 34. NEVER FORGET Once you have determined the sequence of events, cast the major milestones into a time-task chart. called a GANTT Chart (illustrative project scheduling: -Karol Adamiecki, 1896 & Henry Gantt, 1910) • In graphic form, it segments the project into manageable steps • It lets your reviewers know exactly what you will be doing—and when. • It says to the reviewers that you are organized and have thought out the major steps of your project. • It lets them know you have done significant planning and are not just proposing on a whim. • It gives a road map of what you plan to cover. • It enables funder to tie activity and time to money • Finally, the time-and-task chart represents a clear, one-page, visual summary of the entire methodology section. If it is not specifically prohibited ensure you include this-- requested or not Note: NOT ALL FUNDERS REQUEST IT; BUT ALL FUNDERS LOOK FOR IT 34
  • 35. DISSEMINATION AND PUBLICITY FOR ALL HIS MONEY, THIS MAY BE ALL THE FUNDER GETS FROM YOUR WORK. • How will you be sharing information about your project with others? • Conference, Newsletter, Posters, Fliers , Pater, Lecture, etc.? • How about a website/ page in your institutional website? The more open you are to let others learn from your experiences the more likely a funding agency will be interested in paying. • Consider including in your proposal funds for hosting a workshop or institute where you can bring together other professionals interested in conducting a similar project in their area. – This would be a good way to publicly recognize your funding organization. – Invite funder to such activity to hear what others think about their investment. HELP THEM TO BLOW THEIR TRUMPET LET IT GET LOTS OF YOUR TROUBLE; THE FUNDER WILL BE HAPPY TO KNOW! 35
  • 36. For Dissemination…Remember…. It is the means by which you let others know about your project and YOUR SPONSOR. • Indicate why dissemination activities are important to the project • Clearly identify the intended outcome of dissemination effort • Include a feasible and appropriate plan for dissemination • Describe any products resulting from the dissemination effort 36
  • 37. For Dissemination…Remember…. • Demonstrate that you are well grounded in theory and research on the dissemination and utilization of knowledge • Provide sufficient detail on dissemination procedures to justify the budget request • Specify who will be responsible for dissemination & their capacity • Indicate why and how dissemination will get the necessary information to the appropriate audience – Is dissemination likely to activate action for further intervention (including by other parties)? 37
  • 38. Will Evaluation be Needed? Evaluations pinpoint what is really happening in your project so you can improve your project efficiency. Based on evaluation information, you can better allocate resources, improve your services, and strengthen your overall project performance. An Evaluation Plan will tell the funders how you will be showing at the end of the project that the investment in you was a good one 38
  • 39. Contd….Will Evaluation be Needed? If evaluation is needed let the process • Describe why evaluation is needed in the project • Identify the purpose of your evaluation & the audience to be served by the results • Demonstrate that an evaluation procedure captures each major project objective • Provide a general organizational plan or model for your evaluation • Demonstrate that the scope of the evaluation is appropriate to the project • Demonstrate the extent to which the project is generalizable • Describe what information will be needed to complete the evaluation, potential sources for this information, and the instruments that will be used for its collection • Clearly summarize any reports to be provided to the funder based on the evaluation, and generally describe their content and timing 39
  • 40. Evaluation Process… In designing an evaluation process; irrespective of whether you or a professional will implement, ask yourself: What will be evaluated? What information will be needed to conduct it? Where will the information be obtained? How often will data be collected? What data collection instruments will be used? What evaluation design will be used? What analyses will be completed? 40
  • 41. Evaluation Process… Evaluation is essentially a four-step process. If your objectives & methodology are precise, evaluation is a straightforward process: • What will be evaluated. If you wrote measurable objectives, you already know what to evaluate.- in the objectives of proposal • Methods you will use to evaluate each objective. You will need to describe the information you need and how you propose to collect it. In the methods • Complete your evaluation design. Specify the analyses you plan to make & carry out evaluation by collecting and interpreting the data needed for each objective. – Your evaluation design may be simply to observe the behaviour of a particular population or something more complex like a rigorous experimental and multiple control group design. • Summarize the resulting data analyses and indicate its use. – Consider including mock data tables that show what your resulting data might look like. Funders want to see statistics and significance. Be sure to analyse your data effectively- if you do not have competence, use paid expert. 41
  • 42. Evaluation bits • If you plan to use a survey or questionnaire for evaluation, you may want to include a draft of this in the Appendices (pre- and post action). • Your evaluation plan does not have to be elaborate but it is important to indicate that you have not forgotten this important step. • Try to include both a concern for formative evaluation/process evaluation (ways to gain feedback on the project while it is being conducted) and summative evaluation/product evaluation (ways to show that the project fulfilled that which was originally proposed). • Make direct reference to your objectives in your evaluation plan. This creates a strong sense of integration/ consistency within your proposal. • Your evaluation plan should include some sense of concern for what goes on following the conclusion of the funding period. THIS IS SUSTAINABILITY  How will the initiatives that have been started under the project be sustained?  Have new things occurred that will be continued in the future?  How will other cooperating agencies including your employer assist in continuing the project after the conclusion of the funding period? 42
  • 43. Money matter….Budgeting It is more than just a statement of proposed expenditures • It is an alternate way of expressing your project. • Programs officers will look at your budget to see how well it fits your proposed activities. • Incomplete budgets signal sloppy preparation. • Inflated budgets are signals, at best of waste; or at worst of questionable credibility. – If you come from perceived corruption endemic area? – If in addition you are not known to the funding agency???? • Budgets that are too low cast doubt, at best on your planning ability; or at worst your capacity. Your budget is at the very least as much a credibility statement as your project narrative. • Sequence budget items as you would a Gantt chart to indicate period of project associated with given cost. Can the funding be phased? If yes, go for it. It convinces funder about your commitment Budget is a mathematical rendition of your entire project in money terms 43
  • 44. • Make your budget realistic. Carefully think through exactly what you will need from the funder to carry out the project and establish your budget around this amount. – (Remember: funding agencies are more experienced in funding than researchers! They can easily tell when someone has inflated a budget in order to procure funds for other purposes.) Money matter….Budgeting If you are a first timer or you are not sure….. Talk to somebody! • Provide researched estimate for any request and never leave room for doubts. • Read budget guideline very thoroughly for the call and the funding agency. • Pay attention to items that are not allowable • Work out your institutional in kind support and indicate it clearly 44
  • 45. • Check with the funder to see if they have suggested/required budget categories. If there is none then you may consider organizing your budget around a set of meaningful fundable categories such as: – Personnel (salary/ benefits), fringe benefits/ honourarium, dues, Consultants (salary)- accountant, legal service, – Instruction, Tuition – Equipment, maintenance, insurance – Supplies, periodicals, books, research animals – Communication (telephone/postage) – Materials preparation, computer time, Office tools – Services, binding, audio visual, radio, television, advertising – Travel, Rental of facilities, transport – Evaluation, Dissemination, publication, – Other expenses- will you host anybody; hospitality, refreshment (clearly specify this & never use Miscellaneous) • Indirect or Administrative costs (organizational -rent, renovation, municipal services, security) Money matter….Budgeting In theory anything may be funded….. In practice you must be very careful what to include Provide researched estimate for any request and never leave room for doubts 45
  • 46. Budget… Some Important questions • Provide sufficient resources to carry out your project? • Include a budget narrative that justifies major budget categories? • Present the budget in the format desired by the funder? • Provide sufficient detail so the reviewer can understand how various budget items were calculated? (Excel Spread sheet) • Separate direct costs from indirect costs and describe what is covered in the latter? • Relate budget items to project objectives? • Include any attachments or special appendixes to justify unusual requests? • Identify evaluation cost? • Provide for dissemination costs? Does your budget address these question? Think if you were the one paying! Did you mention cost sharing, matching grant or sustainability support? Is your organisation contributing? - cash or kind? this is good news if you properly articulate it! 46
  • 47. Concept Note Are you required to provide Concept note? • to interest potential funders • to develop potential solutions or investigations into project ideas • to determine whether a project idea is fundable • to serve as the foundation for a full proposal Some funders may have a specific form (e.g., Letter of Inquiry) but if not, a concept paper generally follows this format: • Introduction • Purpose • Project Description • Evaluation • Budget (it is not necessary to be detailed in a concept) 47
  • 48. Institutional and Sundry Issues Staff/Administration • Use this section to describe the roles of the different people associated with your project and the importance of each. • Make sure to clarify how each of the roles are essential to the success of the project and how each role clearly relates to operationalizing the methods you have described. • Make sure you include name, title, experience, and qualifications. Include other information if you feel it is important to the success of your project. • The descriptions of your personnel should let the funding agency know that you have excellent people who are committed to the project. You are not asking the funding agency to "trust" you. The validity of what you are proposing is directly related to the people who will work on the project. • Working together as a part of a team is something that funding agencies often like to see. Try making your project a team effort. 48
  • 49. Institutional and Sundry Issues Available Resources/ Facilities • Collaborative efforts are usually considered very favourably! Many funding agencies like to see cooperative ventures as the basis for action. • Sometimes local resources go unnoticed. Look carefully around you because there are certain to be resources that you have available that you may not be noticing – Experts/ interest holders/ volunteers, – meeting rooms, library space, and resources, network access, etc. – Such in-kind resources can show a funding agency that you are strongly rooted in community. • Letters from local resources supporting the project are an excellent addition to the proposal. • Be careful in listing the equipment that will be needed for your project, funders expect your institution to have some things. • Funding sources are usually much more willing to provide funds for the support of personnel than purchase of equipment. 49
  • 50. Personnel This section usually consists of two parts: 1. An explanation of the proposed personnel arrangements and 2. Biographical data sheets for each of the main contributors to the project. The explanation should specify how many persons at what percentage of time and in what academic categories will be participating in the project. If the program is complex and involves people from other departments or colleges, make clear the organization of the staff and the lines of responsibility. Any student participation, paid or unpaid, MUST be mentioned, and the nature of the proposed contribution detailed. If any persons must be hired for the project, say so, and explain why, unless the need for persons not already available within the University is self-evident. 50
  • 51. Must Watch • Miscellaneous (Specify what is needed); – If you must include miscellaneous tie it to a per cent point • Logistics • Entertainment • Page numbering • ?? Submission time-line • What about writing a draft proposal when there is not call? This enables you to take your time…. • Then tailor the proposal to a call 51
  • 53. Selected Further Reading • Hailman, JP, and KB Strier. (1997). Planning Proposing and Presenting Science Effectively: A Guide for Graduate Students and Researchers in the Behavioral Sciences and Biology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. 128pp • Smith, RV. (1990). Graduate Research: A Guide for Students in the Sciences. Plenum Press New York, NY. 292pp • Amundson, S.D. (1998). Relationships between theory-driven empirical research in operations management and other disciplines. Journal of Operations Management, 16:341–359. • Nebiu B (2002) Developing Skills of NGOS Project Proposal Writing The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe • National consumer supporter technical assistance center (2017) Guide to Proposal writing Funded by the center for mental health services Community support program branch. National mental health association 1021 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2971 • Guidelines for Project Proposals available at: http://www.lf.psu.edu/ • Levine, J.S. (2006). Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal available at: http://www.LearnerAssociates.net • Rinehart, E and Bouie-Scott, B. (2003). The Basic Steps in Planning and Writing A Successful Grant Application. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity • Project design & proposal writing Guide. American Red Cross International Services. 2025 E. Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-5304 • Writing a Funding Proposal. Available at: http://www.civicus.org 53