No matter your field of research, drafting a grant proposal is an important aspect of successful research. Grants enable you to get the resources and funding you need to conduct your project.
While drafting a research grant proposal is often a time-consuming task, the long-term benefits are invaluable assets for your research project.
In this article, we cover how you can structure your research grant proposal and what to consider when you begin the drafting process.
Before You Start Writing
You should read the grant application guidelines thoroughly, noting down any specific instructions and guidelines. Failing to comply with a simple rule – such as using a specific template – can have negative ramifications on your proposal’s outcome.
Drafting a proposal can take time, so you should establish deadlines and plan your time in advance. This can help you work towards feasible milestones and keep you on track to submitting the proposal on time.
Additionally, you should determine your audience. This can help you shape your proposal so that it captures the evaluator’s attention. Think about what type of information will draw them in, such as figures to explain your data or testimonials from other researchers in your field.
Drafting Your Proposal
Structure your grant proposal in a cohesive order. This enables you to explain your research in a logical order. It also allows the reader to connect the ideas of your proposal naturally, rather than trying to work it out themselves.
Opening Pages
You should have a title page that includes the title of your research project and any relevant authors. It should look sleek and professional.
The abstract should be a summary of your research including its relevance to your field, a brief outline of your methodology and the results you wish to achieve.
If the guidelines stipulate that you need a cover letter, then ensure it summarises the basics of your proposal. Keep it short and direct, as the cover letter will be the first one of the things the evaluator reads.
The Body of Your Proposal
The introduction should state the problem your research project intends to solve. A clear hypothesis will bolster your proposal and outlining how your research will be impactful will engage the reader.
The literature review should include existing evidence that informs your research. You can also discuss how your research will address any gaps in the literature.
When explaining the project narrative, discuss your methodology and how you will evaluate your findings. A timeline that frames your project can support your methodology and any project objectives, outcomes and deliverables.
A section about key personnel in your project can strengthen your proposal. When you show that you’re collaborating with experienced researchers in your field, you are reassuring the reader that they’re investing in a highly experienced team.
Lastly, your budget should be detailed in a spreadsheet or table. It should explain the various costs associated with your research project. It’s vital to include a budget narrative that justifies your budget to show the reader that you’ve considered all aspects of your project.
Review and Submit
Reviewing your proposal is an ample opportunity to determine if it’s compelling and persuasive. It can help you identify any weaknesses and unclear statements, which you can refine. You can get other researchers to review your proposal. A fresh set of eyes can help you spot anything that isn’t quite right.
Once you’re satisfied with the final draft of your research grant proposal, you can submit it to the organisation and wait for the results. If you are successful, then you are equipped to undertake your research.
However, if you aren’t successful you shouldn’t feel disheartened. Take the opportunity as a chance to learn and grow, so you can be successful with your next proposal.
