grant writing strategies all about grants! research & innovation week april 20, 2015 cynthia...

Grant Writing StrategiesAll About Grants!

Research & Innovation Week

April 20, 2015

Cynthia Jobe, Lead Grant Writer jobec@umsl.edu

What Do

Funders Want?

Why do Proposals Fail?

Remember the 4Cs

Take the Free

Shots!Respect th

e

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 jobec@umsl.edu

All About Grants!

Research & Innovation Week

April 20, 2015

Thank You!