Grant Writing Strategies All About Grants! Research & Innovation Week April 20, 2015 Cynthia Jobe, Lead Grant Writer

What Do Funders Want? Why do Proposals Fail? Remember the 4Cs Take the Free Shots! Respect the Reviewers!

Why Proposals Fail Lacks scientific significance or societal importance Does not answer a well-defined research question or address a societal problem Poor research design Inadequate literature review Weak evaluation methodology

Why Proposals Fail Poor grammar, typos, punctuation, missing words Poorly written – boring, verbose, unclear, too much jargon, clichés, negative tone Under-developed work plans Poorly developed budget

The Four Cs Be Clear Be Concise Be Consistent Be Compelling

Take the Free Shots! Read the RFP Follow the rules Submit on time Write to the review criteria

Have some Respect! Reviewers are often: Tired Pressed for time Juggling many responsibilities

Make sure it is yours! “Agreed. We only fund proposals that we can understand”

Make it Readable! Use active voice Avoid jargon First three pages are critical Clarity Simplicity

Presentation Matters! White space Consistent heading structure Visuals and charts Font size Avoid density

Don’t do these things! Pad the budget Include websites in the narrative Include information in appendix that belongs in narrative Test the guidelines

Questions ? Cynthia Jobe, Lead Grant Writer All About Grants! Research & Innovation Week April 20, 2015 Thank You!