The document discusses key aspects of writing grant proposals, including common types of proposals, identifying potential funding sources, researching funding agencies, and the basic elements to include. It emphasizes doing thorough pre-proposal research to understand what the funding agency is looking for and following all guidelines. The basic elements that should be included in most proposals are a cover letter, title page, abstract, specific aims, background, preliminary results, research design, summary, budget, references, and biographical sketches. Thorough preparation and planning well in advance of the deadline are advised for submitting a competitive proposal.

1. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Chapter 19
Proposal Writing

2. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
What do you want to do?
How much will it cost?
How much time will it take?
Why is the proposed work important?
Who will do the work?
Questions to Address
in a Proposal

3. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
• Solicited proposals—in response to a specific request for
proposals (RFP) by a funder
• Unsolicited proposals—no solicitation, but you believe
the funder will likely be interested
• Preproposals—an abbreviated version of your proposal,
allows the funder to decide if a full proposal is warranted
• Continuation or Noncompeting proposal—continued
funding is contingent on whether initial progress is
satisfactory
• Renewal (usually competitive)—request for continued
support of an existing project
Types of Proposals

4. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Types of Funders
• Federal agency
• Example: NIH, NASA, NSF, DOE
• Private foundation
• Corporations
• “Other” grant-making organizations

5. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Identifying Funding Sources
Collect a list of potential funders early on to include:
•Previous funders
•Sponsors that have funded your colleagues
•Industry contacts
•Professional associations
•Database searches
•Web searches

6. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
• Ensure a match between you and the agency
• Know how much money to ask for to get your project done
• Find out the deadline for application
• Know who will review your proposal
• Inquire about indirect costs
• Determine who you need to contact
Preproposal Research

7. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Preparing a Proposal
• Do your homework!
o Write a letter of inquiry to a private foundation or corporation
before preparing a proposal
o Obtain specific forms if available
o Obtain specific guidelines and follow them
o Plan to start early
o Submit on time
• Do not be afraid to contact funding agencies
• Consult your administration
• Length of proposals varies between 2 to >100 pages
• Proposals are judged on content and presentation

8. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Ensure that the first page is perfect
Include:
• Abstract
• Specific aims
• Expected outcomes and significance
Writing a Grant Proposal

9. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Getting Ready to Write a Proposal
• Come up with objective
• Identify specific aims
• Decide who will benefit and how
• Draft expected project outcomes in measurable terms
• Draft a realistic timeline
• Select preliminary (pilot) studies to include
• Usually a team effort, but one person in charge

10. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
• Cover Letter
• Title page
• Abstract and Specific Aims
• Background
• Preliminary results
• Research design
• Summary
• Budget
• References
• Biographical sketches
Basic Elements of Proposals

11. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Do