Grants Academy Session Four Prepared for Samuel Merritt University March 29, 2018 www.hanoverresearch.com

Agenda Background and Significance Abstract Budget Homework: Draft Significance and Background; Abstract and Budget One-to-one consults between Session 4 and 5: Review of PIs’ drafts

Background and Significance of Project

Background and Significance Scoring Background and Significance of Project: [rubric: Category 2 – 20%] To what extent is the cited literature accurate and sufficiently comprehensive based on the research proposed? To what extent will the completion of the proposed research address the stated research problem/gap in knowledge and contribute to the current body of scientific knowledge in the area(s) relevant to the project? Relevant literature review [rubric: Category 2A] Research problem/phenomena of interest [rubric: Category 2B]

Background and Significance Critically evaluate existing knowledge, including background literature and relevant data References should reflect an updated knowledge of the field Specify existing gaps that the project is intended to fill States the research problem including the proposed rationale, current state of knowledge and potential contributions and significance of the research to the field Discussion should convey the importance and relevance of the research aims Highlight why research findings are important beyond the confines of the specific research project (e.g., significance; how research results can be applied)

Background and Significance Outline Paragraph 1: Introduce the problem/barrier/gap in evidence you plan to address Paragraph 2: Provide additional background as needed Cover the most important points that support the first paragraph’s information Paragraph 3: Describe your approach/proposed solution that will overcome the problems mentioned in the first paragraph Paragraph 4: Emphasize the significance in a broader context

Example 1

Example 1

Example 2

Example 2

Example 2

Abstract

Abstract Scoring Criteria Abstract: (500 word limit) [rubric: Category 1 – 5%] To what extent does the abstract accurately, completely, and concisely summarize the proposed research project?

Abstract Write it last after the bulk of the proposal has been fine-tuned. Should include: hypotheses (if applicable), specific aims / objectives, approaches, research plan, and significance Outline: Describe how the proposal is directly related to the University’s mission and vision and how it advances the Division of Academic Affairs’ strategic priorities Describe concisely the research design and methods Explain why the proposal is unique, important, significant, and worth supporting

Budget

Budget Scoring Criteria Budget: [rubric: Category 5] To what extent are the budget items fully described and justified given the stated purpose/aims of the proposed research? Budget items are fully described and justified [rubric: Category 5A]

All FSGP applications must include a detailed proposed budget for the entire project Excel Budget Template: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/academic_affairs/grant_proposals/fsgp A narrative explaining how funds will be used during the project must also be included on the budget form Capital equipment purchases cannot be included in the budget Consultation with SMU’s Budget Director (Peggy Griffith) is strongly suggested for those applicants proposing a budget for a multi-year award

Budget Expenses Allowable budget expenses include the following: Research assistants Statistician expenses Consultant costs Outside Faculty Paid Via an Independent Contract Research instruments (non-consumables) and/or data analysis software Research supplies (consumables) Clinical supplies if required Office supplies Photocopy costs Publication costs (Note: all publications of FSGP projects must acknowledge support of the SMU Faculty Organization Research Program and the Office of Academic Affairs) Professional grants management services as necessary (inquire first if this applies) Other Costs Note: SMU internal staff time (i.e. support from the Budget Director, Academic & Instructional Innovation staff, etc.) does NOT need to be included in the project budget.

Budget Narrative The budget narrative must be consistent with the project narrative Tips for budget narrative development: Show a clear method of calculation for each item Link each item back to grant activities and grantmaker goals Use the same terminology that you used in the project narrative A table can make the information easier to digest, even in the budget narrative Be specific! Vague: We will subcontract with a program evaluation company. Funding is requested at $25,000 Specific: We will contract with an independent professional evaluation service to conduct a rigorous program evaluation to verify impact and results as outlined in the Evaluation Plan. This cost is estimated at $100/hour and includes 200 hours of work plus $5,000 in travel costs associated with two site visits during the grant term. Total: $25,000

Sarah Ott Grants Consultant sott@hanoverresearch.com www.hanoverresearch.com