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 its own requirements, and this page will provide strategies and logistics for writing proposals for common sponsors.

Best practices for all proposals

• 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.
• Seek out colleagues who have been successful in their application for a similar funding opportunity or 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. Contact your research chair about opportunities within your 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.

Funder-specific guidance

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

• NSF funding programs

• Other federal agency funding

• Federal contracts

Non-federal sponsors

• Foundation grants and funding