grant writing strategies all about grants! research & innovation week april 20, 2015 cynthia...
TRANSCRIPT
Grant Writing StrategiesAll About Grants!
Research & Innovation Week
April 20, 2015
Cynthia Jobe, Lead Grant Writer [email protected]
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 [email protected]
All About Grants!
Research & Innovation Week
April 20, 2015
Thank You!