Start writing early by:

• Create a file that highlights the credibility of you and the organization.
• Begin your literature review.
• Write about your research idea.

 Read and Re-Read the Funding Solicitation

• Know exactly what the sponsor is looking to fund.
• Find out the mission of the sponsor.
• Tweak your research idea to the funding opportunity.
• Prepare an outline of the main focus points needed for the solicitation.
• If applicable, review agency guideline books.

 Things to consider when writing the proposal:

• What are the goals and objectives of the project?
• What is the agency’s mission?  How will the research be beneficial to the agency’s mission?
• What is the research design?
• Who will manage the project?
• How will the project be managed?
• Is there a well thought out timeline for the project?
• Does the project have to plan for sustainability?  If so, how will the program be sustained?
• How will this research be transformative?
• How will the success of the project be evaluated?
• Is the proposal in the proper format requested by the sponsor?  If not, the sponsor will reject the proposal.
• Did the proposal address all of the criteria in the solicitation?

 Writing Tips

• The first sentence should tell the reviewer exactly what you are researching.
• Avoid ambiguity.
• Be clear and concise.
• Do not be overly ambitious; instead, have a small project that is well thought out. Reviewers will not fund projects that are too ambitious.
• Give specific examples why the research is transformative.
• Do not use jargon.
• Show your credibility to perform the research.
• Prepare a strong abstract.
• Use good section headings.
• Does your point stand out at the beginning of the paragraphs?
• Are you providing enough detail for a reviewer to understand your research?
• Does your budget match the project for the grant?