Write and refine the proposal

After identifying a suitable funding opportunity and developing the proposal plan, it is time to start writing! Every sponsor has their own requirements, and this page will provide strategies and logistics for writing proposals for common sponsors.

Best practices for all proposals

• Primary Investigators (PIs) should work with their grant administrator, research development professional, or foundation relations representative early in the process to understand the components needed for the proposal and to develop a proposal timeline.
  • Access the Prepare for the proposal process page for more information and best practices for proposal planning.
• Researchers should seek out colleagues who have been successful in applications for similar funding opportunities or who have served on review panels. They may be willing to share example sections or have advice on the proposal approach.

• Identify colleagues to review the proposal or participate in a standing review panel, if available. The department's research chair should be contacted about opportunities within the department, center, or institute. 
  • Office of Campus Research Development red team reviews for Campus Schools/Provost Area faculty
• Review common proposal errors to proactively avoid any issues at the time of submission.
• Access "For Your Consideration" white papers for best practice guidance (developed for NSF funding opportunities but applicable to other funding sources). 

Funder-specific guidance, toolkits, and templates

Select the funder and mechanism for guidance, templates, and examples for the various components needed for proposal submission.

Federal sponsors

• DoD CDMRP funding programs

• NIH training grants (F and T series)

• NIH career development grants (K series)

• NIH research grants (R series)

• NIH program grants (P and U series)

• NIH/AHRQ Human Subjects and Clinical Trials attachments

• Other NIH funding programs

• NSF funding programs

• Other federal agency funding

• Federal contracts

Non-federal sponsors

• Foundation grants and funding