Typical Components of Grant Proposals

Front Matter

Title / cover page

Letter of transmittal (?)

Abstract (?)

Executive Summary (?)

Table of contents

List of visuals

Grant Writing Tip: Compose a title that conveys what is in the proposal.

Vague

Project Grant Proposal

Specific

Overwintering of Blue Spruce;

A Proposal to Improve Survival

Rates Using a New Type of

Container.

If a title page:

• Include to, by, and date information.

BodyIntroduction (RFP may use the name project summary,

project description, project narrative etc.).

Approach (RFP may use the name methodology, technical approach, plan of work etc.).

Plan of Action

Qualifications / Experience

Budget

Schedule

Conclusions/Recommendations

Difference between a GOAL and a RESEARCH OBJECTIVE:

Goal (long term)

Save wild salmon from extinction.

Objective (specific to project)

Study fish ladders to determine how effective these are in helping to preserve populations of wild salmon.

Methodology:

How will you meet the proposed objectives (i.e., what specifically will you DO?)

Example: Data will be collected and subjected to both STR and AmpFLP analysis. (Note passive voice.)

Budget:

Don’t request funding that exceeds the maximum dollar amount stated in the RFP.

Provide a line-item budget that specifies how, exactly, the money will be spent.

Capital equipment: university will keep after project is completed. List make, model, costs, and who will assume responsibility for it.

Supplies and materials (expendable and non-expendable). Be specific.

End Matter

Bibliography

Glossary

Appendixes

Examples of Grant Proposal Applications for Undergraduate Research Grants

Cornell: http://cals.cornell.edu/academics/student-research/undergraduate-grants-proposal/

UNC-Asheville:http://urp.unca.edu/research-grant-information

NOTE: If you use humans or animals in your research, you would need to have IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval before you submitted a proposal.

For our purposes, you’ll append a statement explaining the risks your subjects would undergo and how you would safeguard their well being.