1. Grants Academy Session Four
Prepared for Samuel Merritt University
March 29, 2018

2. 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

3. Background and Significance of Project

4. 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]

5. 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)

6. 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

7. Example 1

8. Example 1

9. Example 2

10. Example 2

11. Example 2

12. Abstract

13. 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?

14. 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

15. Budget

16. 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]

17. All FSGP applications must include a detailed proposed budget for the entire project
Excel Budget Template:
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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. Sarah Ott Grants Consultant sott@hanoverresearch.com