Research Proposals and Problem Grants Claire McMurray, Ph.D., KU Writing Center

The Vocabulary of “Grant” “Writing”  What do we mean by “grants”?  Why is it more than just “writing”?  Vocabulary can differ from grant to grant  It is a learnable skill so train and practice!

Different Types of Grantors Government Local State Federal Foundations Community Corporate Donor advised funds Corporations Sponsorships

Different Types of Funding Research proposal Capital project Capacity building General operating Specific Project Arts & culture grant Continuing support Curriculum development Emergency funds Facilities/equipment Employee matching gifts Endowment funds Management/technical assistance In-kind gifts Matching/challenge support Seed money Program related investments (loan) Social entrepreneurship (making $ with your mission) Postdoc Fellowship And more!

Limitations of Grants

Steps in the Grant Writing Process  Researching  Planning  Writing  Editing  Submitting  Revising  Resubmitting

Where does academia fit in the funding world? In addition to more “typical” grants:  Research proposals  Fellowships  Postdoc applications

Research Proposals vs Problem Grants Research Proposals Academia Main goal: knowledge Hypothesis/research question Unknown outcome Thorough literature review Investigator credibility Concludes with dissemination of knowledge Problem Grants Non-profits Main goal: improvement for a specific group Problem statement Anticipates problems, shows immediate results Explains organization’s background, history, mission Concludes with grant sustainability

How are they similar? Both types must:  Include a summary/abstract  Explain the project’s methodology  Show the question’s/problem’s significance  Demonstrate the project’s contribution  Include a budget  Contain good writing (clear, concise, no jargon, etc.)  Provide good organization (logical flow, helpful subheadings, etc.)  Strive to follow the grantor’s instructions completely  Demonstrate a good “fit”  Weave all sections of the grant together (show how everything builds from the core: the question/gap/problem)  Include a plan for evaluating the project’s success/outcomes

Research Proposals: A Template  Transmittal letter  Title page  Abstract  Table of contents  Topic of wide interest  Brief reference to literature  Gap in knowledge  Research question  Specifics of project  Literature review  Methodology  Timeline  Budget  Strong conclusion theprofessorisin.com

Problem Grants: A Template  Abstract/summary/executive summary  Introduction/credibility/organizational history  Problem statement/statement of need  Methods/procedures  Program objectives and outcomes  Evaluation  Future funding/program sustainability  Budget  Supporting documents

Rules for Good Grant Writing  High impact information first  Bolding/bullets/subheadings are your friends  Follow instructions!  Have others edit your work  Tables and graphs save space and break up text  Action verbs and active voice jazz it up  Use short, concise sentences and short paragraphs  No jargon  No cramming on the page  Be specific as much as possible  Support statements with facts, evidence, etc.

“Man, they weren’t very encouraging.”

Need some encouragement? Come visit the Writing Center for more help!

Grant Resources on Campus  Grant writing books in the library and Writing Center  Hall Center for Humanities  Graduate Writing Program  Grants/Scholarships Subject Librarian  KU Office of Research  Check your handout for more helpful links and resources!

Questions?

And now for a hands-on activity…