Proposal Development
Step 1
Conceive idea: Discuss with your
proposal manager to amplify idea and determine key concepts.
Inform chair of intentions.
Identify potential funding sources: Visit our
funding opportunities page to begin a search for funding opportunities. Use your key concepts to identify similar priorities and like interests with funding agencies.
Obtain sponsor guidelines: Acquire guidelines and application forms from the appropriate sources. Go directly to sponsor Web sites or contact your
proposal manager for guidance.
Discuss with department chair: Review proposed project with chair or supervisor to inform him/her of time and funding needs; discuss with other services or departments as needed. Obtain verbal support.
Step 2 Begin formulating proposal: Sketch proposal draft according to sponsor or agency guidelines. Make notations of project
budgetary needs along with written notes. Contact your
proposal manager at any time for questions/review.
Contact the funding source: Call, email, or visit the sponsor to ask questions and discuss project. Conversations with the program officers of funding agencies are critical to the success of a proposal.
Solidify collaborations: For projects involving partnerships between departments or with those external to campus, ensure that all parties are in agreement regarding their commitments. Sponsors may require
letters of support.
Step 3
Draft narratives and budget: Identify proposal elements and craft contents according to specifications in guidelines. Work with your
proposal manager to ensure
narrative and
budget alignment. Review submission specifications.
Review, revise, rewrite: Get feedback from colleagues, your
proposal manager, and others to ensure clarity and completeness. Contact the
Office of Research Integrity if projects involve human subjects, animals, radiation safety, or biosafety issues.
Final check and signature routing: Confirm unit/department/college commitments. Obtain
IRB approval (if required). Collect all necessary
supplementary materials (supporting letters, agreements, etc). The Sponsored Programs Office (SPO) will route
electronic clearance sheet for PI and approver signatures.
Submit final copy to SPO for processing according to the Proposal Submission Policy. For print submissions, SPO will duplicate and mail. For electronic submission, SPO will convert to appropriate electronic format and submit.
Receive word from sponsor: If you are funded, celebrate, and let SPO know. The
Contracts and Grants office will assist with all reporting and post-award grant activity. If you are not funded, inform SPO and seek comments for next submission.