AuthorAID Workshop on Proposal Writing Rwanda June 2011

Introduction and Overview Barbara Gastel, MD, MPH AuthorAID Knowledge Community Editor Professor, Texas A&M University

Overview Introductory items The grant application process: an overview Writing a proposal: general advice Small-group session: your proposed project

Thanks and a Welcome Thanks to supporters, organizers, hosts, and others Introduction of co-facilitator Ravi Murugesan Introductions of attendees: name, affiliation, field of work Overview of workshop plans

Intended characteristics of workshop Practical Interactive Enjoyable Productive

AuthorAID ( Project mainly to help developing-country researchers to write about and publish their work Major components –Networking –Mentoring –Workshops –Online resources

The Grant Application Process: An Overview

Seeking a Possible Match: Two Approaches Identifying something you wish to do and then seeking a suitable funding source Looking for a request for proposals in your field and then developing a proposal that meets the criteria (Note: Sometimes a request for proposals has another name, such as call for proposals or program announcement.)

Preparing to Write the Proposal Reading instructions carefully Consulting a program officer, if appropriate Researching the literature Doing preliminary studies, if applicable Contacting potential collaborators, if any Determining expected costs Other

Writing and Submitting the Proposal If requested, submitting a letter of intent or pre-proposal Drafting the proposal Revising (and re-revising) the proposal Obtaining feedback on one or more drafts Double-checking that all instructions have been followed Submitting the proposal as instructed

Awaiting the Decision Typically, committees evaluate proposals. These committees generally contain experts in the field of work. Sometimes they include others too. Often, these committees both –Determine which proposals are acceptable –Determine which proposals are best (because not enough money is available to fund all acceptable proposals)

Following Up If your proposal is funded, doing and reporting on the work If you are invited to revise and resubmit the proposal, proceeding accordingly Otherwise, deciding how to proceed (Note: Even if your proposal is not funded, you may receive feedback that can help in preparing future proposals.)

Writing a Proposal: General Advice (Note: These points will be discussed more extensively at various times in the workshop.)

Key Advice on Preparing Proposals Seek a funding source well matched with your goals Start preparing your proposal early Gather plenty of information Follow the instructions carefully Prepare a detailed, realistic budget Write readably Revise, revise, revise

Small-Group Session: Your Proposed Project

Your Proposed Project Tell your small group what project you’ll propose in your proposal. Answer questions (for example, requests for clarification). Explain to your small group why this project is important. Answer any questions. Be ready to tell the full group, in one minute or less, what you propose to do and why it is important.

Example I am seeking funding to give graduate students a workshop on careers in editing. There is a shortage of good editors. Yet many students are not aware of career possibilities in this field. Therefore I believe that such a workshop would be worthwhile.

Thank you!