Research Reporter :: July 2007
Research Information from the University of Michigan

Tips for crafting winning proposals -- Web sites and workshops offer help

The odds that a proposal submitted to a major agency or foundation will actually receive funding may seem daunting.

The good news is that there are some ways to improve your chances of winning support for your work.

First, be sure you are seeking funds from an agency that supports the work you are proposing. Successful proposals will further the goals of the funding agency.

Another key point is to read the guidelines thoroughly for any funding opportunity you wish to pursue and to follow all the specifics on content and format.

Remember that you are writing this for reviewers at the funding agency. Put yourself in the reviewer's "shoes." Make your proposal clear and memorable and organized in a way that the reviewers can find answers to their questions quickly.

For the perspective of a National Science Foundation reviewer, read an article called, "NSF Grant Reviewer Tells All" available on the "Science Careers" Web site. Some other useful Web sites for proposal writers include:

"UM Proposal Writers Guide" written by retired DRDA administrator, Donald Thackrey. It is on the UM Research website under "Conducting Research."
"The Art of Writing Proposals: Some Candid Suggestions for Applicants to Social Science Research Council Competitions" is just what the title says.
The Foundation Center offers a free online "short course" as part of their offers a free online "Getting Started" training section.

The Research Reporter asked Christine Black, the proposal writing specialist for the School of Nursing, to provide ten tips for successful grant proposals. She offered advice that applies regardless of the field, she says. Black is also the instructor for the proposal writing workshops offered by DRDA each semester.

Geared toward writing proposals for research grants, the workshop is an intensive overview of the narrative portion of a proposal from the reviewer's perspective. Areas covered include: approaching a sponsor, components of a proposal (including budget), matching the narrative to the sponsor's guidelines, writing style and common errors to avoid.

DRDA Project Representatives join in the discussion of budget-related items. Sample proposals are reviewed, and there is plenty of opportunity for questions and answers.

Check UM Research Web training page for registration information.

July 2007

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