Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
Download our research proposal template
Discover proofreading & editing
Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
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To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Methodology
Statistics
Research bias
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
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Why should you write a grant proposal, format of a grant proposal, how to write a grant proposal, step 1: decide what funding opportunity to apply for, and research the grant application process, step 2: plan and research your project, preliminary research for your grant proposal, questions to ask yourself as you plan your grant proposal, developing your grant proposal, step 3: write the first draft of your grant proposal, step 4: get feedback, and revise your grant proposal accordingly, step 5: prepare to submit your grant proposal, what happens after submitting the grant proposal, final thoughts, other useful sources for writing grant proposals, frequently asked questions about writing grant proposals, related articles.
You have a vision for a future research project, and want to share that idea with the world.
To achieve your vision, you need funding from a sponsoring organization, and consequently, you need to write a grant proposal.
Although visualizing your future research through grant writing is exciting, it can also feel daunting. How do you start writing a grant proposal? How do you increase your chances of success in winning a grant?
But, writing a proposal is not as hard as you think. That’s because the grant-writing process can be broken down into actionable steps.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to grant-writing that includes researching the application process, planning your research project, and writing the proposal. It is written from extensive research into grant-writing, and our experiences of writing proposals as graduate students, postdocs, and faculty in the sciences.
A grant proposal is a document or collection of documents that outlines the strategy for a future research project and is submitted to a sponsoring organization with the specific goal of getting funding to support the research. For example, grants for large projects with multiple researchers may be used to purchase lab equipment, provide stipends for graduate and undergraduate researchers, fund conference travel, and support the salaries of research personnel.
As a graduate student, you might apply for a PhD scholarship, or postdoctoral fellowship, and may need to write a proposal as part of your application. As a faculty member of a university, you may need to provide evidence of having submitted grant applications to obtain a permanent position or promotion.
Reasons for writing a grant proposal include:
The experience of writing a proposal can be helpful, even if you fail to obtain funding. Benefits include:
All sponsoring agencies have specific requirements for the format of a grant proposal. For example, for a PhD scholarship or postdoctoral fellowship, you may be required to include a description of your project, an academic CV, and letters of support from mentors or collaborators.
For a large research project with many collaborators, the collection of documents that need to be submitted may be extensive. Examples of documents that might be required include a cover letter, a project summary, a detailed description of the proposed research, a budget, a document justifying the budget, and the CVs of all research personnel.
Before writing your proposal, be sure to note the list of required documents.
Writing a grant proposal can be broken down into three major activities: researching the project (reading background materials, note-taking, preliminary work, etc.), writing the proposal (creating an outline, writing the first draft, revisions, formatting), and administrative tasks for the project (emails, phone calls, meetings, writing CVs and other supporting documents, etc.).
Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to writing a grant proposal:
Now that you know what you are applying for, you can think about matching your proposed research to the aims of the agency. The work you propose needs to be innovative, specific, realizable, timely, and worthy of the sponsoring organization’s attention.
To facilitate intelligent thinking and shape the overall direction of your project, try answering the following questions:
Create an actionable plan for your research project using the answers to these questions.
At this stage, you should have identified the aims of your project, what questions your work will answer, and how they are relevant to the sponsoring agency’s call for proposals. Be able to explain the originality, importance, and achievability of your proposed work.
Now that you have done your research, you are ready to begin writing your proposal and start filling in the details of your outline. Build on the writing routine you have already started. Here are some tips:
After writing your first draft, read it carefully to gain an overview of the logic of your argument. Answer the following questions:
Now take time away from your proposal, for at least a week or more. Ask trusted mentors or collaborators to read it, and give them adequate time to give critical feedback.
Now you are almost ready to submit. This is exciting! At this stage, you need to block out time to complete all final checks.
Now you wait! If the news is positive, congratulations!
But if your proposal is rejected, take heart in the fact that the process of writing it has been useful for your professional growth, and for developing your ideas.
Bear in mind that because grants are often highly competitive, acceptance rates for proposals are usually low. It is very typical to not be successful on the first try and to have to apply for the same grant multiple times.
Here are some tips to increase your chances of success on your next attempt:
You learn about your field and grow intellectually from writing a proposal. The process of researching, writing, and revising a proposal refines your ideas and may create new directions for future projects. Professional opportunities exist for researchers who are willing to persevere with submitting grant applications.
➡️ Secrets to writing a winning grant
➡️ How to gain a competitive edge in grant writing
➡️ Ten simple rules for writing a postdoctoral fellowship
A grant proposal should include all the documents listed as required by the sponsoring organization. Check what documents the granting agency needs before you start writing the proposal.
Granting agencies have strict formatting requirements, with strict page limits and/or word counts. Check the maximum length required by the granting agency. It is okay for the proposal to be shorter than the maximum length.
Expect to spend many hours, even weeks, researching and writing a grant proposal. Consequently, it is important to start early! Block time in your calendar for research, writing, and administration tasks. Allow extra time at the end of the grant-writing process to edit, proofread, and meet presentation guidelines.
The most important part of a grant proposal is the description of the project. Make sure that the research you propose in your project narrative is new, important, and viable, and that it meets the goals of the sponsoring organization.
A grant proposal typically consists of a set of documents. Funding agencies have specific requirements for the formatting and organization of each document. Make sure to follow their guidelines exactly.
Your research proposal is the most important part of your doctoral application. Find out how to write a proposal for your own research, for advertised PhD projects, and for Professional Doctorates.
A research proposal is the beginning of your doctoral project. The proposal outlines the intended focus of your research and the possibilities. It will also include your research question, which is the question your project will explore and aim to answer. A good research question will guide your process and should be feasible, specific and relevant to your topic.
Doctoral research should be an original contribution to an academic field, and your proposal should demonstrate that.
A proposal should be concise and direct - the panel won’t be expecting you to know all the answers yet, but they need to see the need for the project, your planned approach or methodology, and its potential impact. Make sure your research proposal structure includes these elements:
Your proposal should be no more than 1500 words (not including references). Once you’ve drafted your proposal, ask your potential supervisor for feedback and work on any edits alongside them. Once both you and your supervisor are happy with the proposal, you can submit your application.
1. be distinct.
Amplify the originality of your research, particularly if your work will spotlight an underrepresented area of research or offer a new perspective on a major issue. Outline the need for your research and any elements that might facilitate real-world change.
How will your project contribute to the research community? Will it have potential for public engagement or be of benefit to a certain community? What could the outcomes be?
Demonstrate your project's scope in your proposal to help it stand out to a decision panel, and to highlight your potential as a researcher.
Use your proposal to demonstrate your knowledge of the field, your grasp of methodologies and key concepts, and your abilities as a researcher. Make sure your research plan is feasible and shows your understanding of research practice. The panel will be looking out for good planning and project management.
Make sure you state which of the projects you are choosing to apply for. Your statement should be concise, with your key points clearly emphasised and detailed. This will help you make a strong impression on the application panel.
Your proposal should provide an outline that demonstrates your understanding of the research project you are applying for, its goals and potential impact, and the approach that you would take as a doctoral candidate. Demonstrate your knowledge of the field and current academic work on the topic and outline what sort of methodology you would choose.
For example, what do you think would be the best way to collect data for the project, and why? Include any potential avenues you would pursue, sharing the project’s research outcomes and possible long-term impacts you could facilitate. Make sure that your proposal has a clear plan for undertaking the research in the proposed timeframe. Your potential supervisor may be able to offer guidance on this.
The statement should be 1500 words, not including any references or appendices.
The researcher is at the heart of any research project - what is about this research that inspires you? Does your personal or professional background give you a unique insight?
Your personal statement should be a snapshot of you as an individual, your professional identity and your experience. The purpose is to demonstrate to the panel that you have the potential to be an excellent researcher and that you are the right person for your proposed project.
When you’ve thought about your proposal, the next step is to submit your application. Read our guide on how to apply.
A well-written and skillfully prepared research proposal is crucial to the success of an application for research funding and to the efficient set-up and management of an award. Early planning, and when needed, consultation with [email protected] is encouraged.
Research agreements.
There are several types of research-related agreements that researchers, faculty, and administrators may encounter. They vary by the goal and nature of the engagement, as well as the identity of the other party.... Read more about
A set of basic principles to guide the retention and maintenance of research records by Harvard faculty and staff.
Preparing a proposal.
Harvard defines equipment as an item that costs over $5,000 and has an expected useful life of more than one year. A proposal requires special attention if it includes equipment.... Read more about
Stipends are payments made to individuals for subsistence support or to defray expenses during a period of academic appointment. Stipend payments are not compensation for services rendered and, therefore, are not allowable on federal awards unless the purpose of the agreement is to provide training to selected participants and the charge is approved by the sponsoring agency (OMB Circular Uniform Guidance, Subpart E). The most common type of federal awards that include stipends are fellowships and training grants. Additional information is available in the...
Harvard Global Research and Support Services, Inc. was established in February 2012 and is dedicated to providing operational support for Harvard University’s international activities. Harvard Global follows Harvard University’s institutional policies and is a 501(c)(3) corporation.
Departments or faculty who are either requesting to submit a proposal to one of the below Harvard Global sponsors or are receiving funds from these sponsors should reach out to the Harvard Global Grants and Contracts Specialist at OSP,...
Harvard University is responsible for monitoring the programmatic and financial activities of its subrecipients to ensure proper stewardship of sponsor funds. The PI is primarily responsible for ensuring that the subrecipient is meeting the programmatic objectives of the project. The PI and Department/Local Level Managing Unit provide administrative and financial oversight of the subrecipient to confirm that the subrecipient invoices align with the project deliverables.
For subawards under federal prime awards, Harvard must comply with OMB Uniform Administrative Requirements...
A well-written and skillfully prepared proposal is crucial to the success of an application for research funding
Steps must be taken to set up accounts or authorize pre-award spending before spending begins
Ensure compliance while maintaining public trust in research results and outcomes
Timely closeout of sponsored awards is essential to Harvard's compliance with sponsor requirements and University policies
The content and quality of the application you submit to us will determine whether you are successful. Therefore, it is vital that you have a full understanding of what is required, as well as knowing the various stages of the application process, so that you maximise your chances of being funded.
These notes are intended to assist you in the preparation of applications to the ESRC responsive mode: research grants funding opportunity and should be read in conjunction with the ESRC research funding guide .
They provide informal guidance on points for applicants to remember when drafting applications.
You may also find this information helpful if you’re applying to another funding opportunity although you should take care to follow any funding opportunity-specific guidance provided.
Careful attention will help you to avoid some of the basic pitfalls and improve the funding chances of your research idea.
Allow yourself time.
Preparing a draft application and consulting on it, preparing the project costings and getting advice on these, as well as reading the regulations of the funding opportunity to learn what is and what is not permissible, are all time-consuming parts of the process of application.
The key guidance for applicants applying to our research grants scheme is:
All funding agencies will have their own criteria for deciding on allocation of their resources. It is worthwhile taking time to familiarise yourself with these and ensuring that your application clearly addresses your targeted source of support.
We are an agency funded by the government and its mission is “to promote and support by any means, high quality, basic, strategic and applied research and related postgraduate training in the social sciences; to advance knowledge and provide trained social scientists which meets the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the economic competitiveness of the UK, the effectiveness of public services and policy, and the quality of life; and, to provide advice on, and disseminate knowledge and promote public understanding of, the social sciences”.
All successful ESRC research grants demonstrate four characteristics. They must:
Further information relating to how applications are peer reviewed and the standards against which you will be judged are provided within ESRC’s guidance for reviewers and ESRC’s peer reviewer training tool – this is an online course which takes around an hour to complete, although it is possible to dip in and out as well.
You should read the funding opportunity guidance which is designed to help you through the process. This cannot be overstressed; familiarising yourself with the content of the research funding guide may seem tedious but will help you to avoid basic mistakes which at best will require clarification with office staff and at worst may prejudice chances of success. Please abide by the rules, since they are there to ensure a level playing field for all applicants, and applications which break the rules will be rejected. Make sure you are using the current versions of guidance as rules and regulations are subject to change. If in doubt, check with the named ESRC contact for the funding opportunity.
You should discuss your application with peer groups, colleagues and, if you are a relatively new researcher, with senior and more experienced researchers. Experienced collaboration or mentoring rarely goes amiss. If you have never sent in an application to us before, try to get the advice of someone who has already been successful.
Talk to your research office and draw on the support that they can give you in putting together your application and calculating your costings.
When you justify your costings, they should be considered with care and close reference to our research funding guide.
Be realistic – lavish costings are unlikely to find favour with panel members and an application which promises the earth at remarkably low expense will be regarded with caution.
Panels take a very dim view of applications where the costings have been padded to reach the lower financial threshold for the funding opportunity, and if potential cuts would take the overall cost of the application below the threshold the application will not be funded.
You need to provide clear and convincing justification of your costings and should think carefully about the time and resources needed to complete the research successfully within the specified period.
Grants will be based on the eligible costings included in applications and will be subject to standard indexation and be cash limited at the time of announcement, so it is important to get costings right when applying.
A well thought out financial plan helps to create confidence in the application generally. Give as detailed a breakdown of costs as possible so that the panel can properly assess the application.
Do make sure that what you are asking for is allowed within the regulations. Bear in mind that ESRC is looking for value for money, and that applications which offer poor value for money will be scored down by panels, even when the science may be excellent.
The research application is the means by which you will be trying to convince the panel that your application is worth funding so think carefully about what information you are going to give and how it is presented.
Make sure you think your project plan through and cover all stages of the research lifecycle. The project lifecycle includes the planning and research design stage, the period of funding for the project, and all activities that relate to the project up to and including the time when funding has ended.
The research lifecycle therefore also includes knowledge exchange and impact realisation activities, the dissemination process including reporting and publication and the archiving, future use, sharing, and linking of data.
Many applications are unsuccessful not because they lack interesting or important research ideas, but because they fail to communicate adequately how these research ideas will be explored and translated into an achievable plan of action.
It is vital that you have a full understanding of what is required, as well as knowing the various stages of the application process, so that you maximise your chances of gaining an award.
Convey to the panel your genuine interest, understanding and enthusiasm for the work.
The vision and approach section is the core of your application. It is also important to make sure that you devote enough space in the application to describing the research you intend to conduct and the research design and methods – the panels find it very frustrating when applicants devote pages to explaining why their proposed research is exciting but then provide only a short and inadequate explanation of how they propose to explore this in practice.
Write in plain English. Your application is likely to be seen by many people, including some who will not be familiar with your particular specialism. Detail and specification may necessitate the use of disciplinary or technical terminology and this will be clear to peer reviewers, but the ideas you wish to convey and your reasons for doing so should be apparent to a wide audience.
Peer reviewers and panel members do not welcome dense blocks of text which have not been broken down into paragraphs and sub sections. By the same token, do take the trouble to check spelling, grammar and punctuation. These are all part of the quality of presentation and presentation matters.
Our mission places emphasis on ensuring that researchers engage as fully as possible with the users of research outcomes. These may be:
Try to consult with and involve people who could make a valuable contribution to the research and who could provide support and interest. Involving stakeholders and users in the planning stages can be highly beneficial.
In line with the common position on excellence with Impact adopted by research councils, we expect that the researchers we fund will have considered the potential scientific, societal and economic impacts of their research.
You should actively consider how these can be maximised and developed throughout your application. Consideration of the potential economic and social impact of your proposed research will form part of the peer review and assessment process of your application. You are expected to take impact seriously. If you believe that your research project is purely theoretical or methodological and will only have impacts within academia you should consider your impact strategy to justify your belief.
Opportunities for making an impact may arise, and should be taken, at any stage during the lifecourse of the research. It is important that researchers have in place a robust strategy for maximising the likelihood of such opportunities arising and their own capacity for taking advantage of these.
Further information on impact, innovation and interdisciplinarity.
Once you have completed the application make sure that all the required information is provided. Some of the most common issues are:
For the esrc responsive mode: research grants funding opportunity.
Applications receiving sufficiently supportive comments from external academic reviewers are forwarded to the panel members (introducers) for a funding recommendation. This is primarily informed by the average expert reviewer score. The minimum threshold score for progressing to the panel is determined on an individual funding opportunity basis.
Applications receiving an average expert reviewer score below the minimum threshold are rejected as not meeting the requisite scientific standard.
At the full panel meetings a proportion of applications will be recommended for funding. Unsuccessful applications fall into two categories – those which are unsuccessful due to lack of funds, and those which do not meet the requisite scientific standard.
A ranked list of recommendations is then considered by the grants delivery group for a final funding decision.
We accept only invited resubmissions. We do not allow the resubmission of any previously unsuccessful applications (including applications previously submitted to another research council), unless applicants have been specifically invited to do so.
In the majority of cases funding decisions are made around six months from the submission of your application, so please bear this in mind when applying.
If your research is time-critical you will need to allow enough time from submission for the application to go through the full application process, and the post-award checks/contracting process which takes an additional two months, on average.
Congratulations, and we hope your project goes well.
However, if difficulties arise such as delays in recruitment, staff illness, replacements, or changes to the work plan then please let us know immediately via your research office.
Under our research funding guide rules you will not need to notify us of virements of funds between headings and no supplementation will be allowed.
Last updated: 16 February 2024
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Your proposal is your chance to tell us why you want to study your PhD at Sussex. Follow our guide to making your research proposal as strong as possible.
If you are considering studying a PhD, there are two options available to you.
If you decide to design your own research project, you need to write a research proposal which will form a central part of your PhD application.
Follow our step-by-step guide below to help you through the process of writing your research proposal.
You should contact the relevant academic department before applying to Sussex and check if there are any additional requirements for your research proposal.
Even at this early stage, you may be asked questions regarding your research, and so you should start thinking about:
If you need further advice you can contact our academic staff working in your field.
You can also ask research students and academic staff at your current university for help. It is good practice to discuss your ideas with others in your research area and use their suggestions to further your understanding and strengthen your proposal.
During this process you should start making detailed notes. You might also want to start planning your research proposal. If so, breaking it down into the traditional sections below may help you organise and manage your thoughts:
Choosing the right supervisor is one of the most important steps towards a successful and rewarding PhD.
Before approaching a supervisor, you'll need to have a clear idea of the research you hope to undertake.
Once you have established a relationship with a potential supervisor, you can ask them to read the first draft of your research proposal. They can give you valuable feedback and help you refine your ideas before you submit your application.
Discover how to find a supervisor
You may now be in a position to start writing your proposal. This is central to your final application.
A strong research proposal:
The exact content and structure of your research proposal will depend on your subject area.
Below you can see information from each academic school which shows what they expect a research proposal to contain:
Length: 8-10 pages
Your research proposal should include the following sections:
Introduction
You should:
Thesis statement
Write a summary of your overarching research question and include:
Literature review
You must show you have the ability to review current research (literature and papers) within your field of study. Your literature review should demonstrate that your research question is relevant, you are aware of the work of others in your field, and how your research will contribute new findings to the subject area.
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework provides the rationale behind your research proposal. You must provide a critical review of existing theories, which are closely related to your research topic. Show how these theories frame your research questions and the overall structure of your research proposal.
Methodology
You must show how you will carry out the research and analyse your findings. Include potential sources, how data will be collected, and any difficulties there may be in conducting your research.
Ethical considerations
Outline any ethical concerns which arise from your research topic or your proposed methods. Read the existing codes of conduct in the social sciences before writing this part of your research proposal.
Bibliography
List the sources you have used in your literature review and any potential sources you may use for your research.
For more information visit the Business School .
Length: 2,000 - 3,000 words excluding references
Your research proposal should describe what you want to research, why it is important to do this research, and how you plan to conduct your study. Here is a suggested structure:
Provide a clear working title for your research.
The introduction will indicate the focus of your research and your main research question. It should also address:
Research context
Provide a concise overview of the context in which you plan to conduct your research.
This section provides a concise review of related research within your field of study. It demonstrates that you are aware of the work of others and how your research will contribute new knowledge. It should also demonstrate critical engagement with relevant conceptual and theoretical frameworks and make clear your theoretical position about the issues you are researching, how this frames your research questions and your methodological approach.
Methodology and methods
Indicate your methodological approach, followed by details of how you plan to answer your research questions. This should include information about:
Provide a timeline, including time to conduct the research, process and analyse your data and write your final thesis.
Provide a bibliography of all citations used in your proposal.
For more information visit the School of Education and Social Work .
Length: 2,000 words
You should identify which research group you want to work with and check that we can support your area of research before writing your research proposal.
Your research proposal should include:
For more information visit the School of Engineering and Informatics
Length: about 2,000 words
You must provide a working title for your research. This is likely to change over time, but provides a good starting point.
You should introduce the questions and issues central to your research and explain how your research will benefit the field.
Research background
Expand on the information you have given in your introduction and try to answer the following questions:
You must set out your research questions as clearly as possible and explain the problems you want to explore.
Research methods
Show how you plan to carry out your research:
Set out your timescale for completing your study. You need to think about dividing your research into sections and indicate how you plan to write up each section.
Include a bibliography, which lists the books and articles, you have referred to in the proposal.
Extra information
Some of these sections will be easier to write than others at this preliminary stage. The selectors who read your proposal know that it is a provisional statement and that your ideas, questions, and approaches will change during the course of your research.
You should treat the proposal as an opportunity to show that you have begun to explore an important area of study and that you have a question, or questions, that challenge and develop that area. It is also necessary to demonstrate that you can express your ideas in clear and precise English, accessible to a non-specialist.
For more information visit the Department of English
Length: 1,000-2,000 words
Include a short summary of your central question. You should tell us what you are attempting to research and why it is significant.
Thesis statement and literature review
Explain the subject matter of your project, and why you think the issues raised are important. You should also show us you are familiar with texts in the field, and can show how your research area is relevant, and in context to current academic thinking.
You must explain how your proposed project is original and will increase our understanding of the subject matter.
You must state clearly what you hope to discover at the end of your research.
Theoretical framework
Show how you plan to carry out your research and how you will analyse the findings.
Outline any ethical concerns which arise from either your research topic or your proposed methods of collating data.
List the sources you have used in your literature review and point to potential sources for your research.
For more information visit the School of Global Studies
You must provide a working title for your research, this is likely to change over time, but provides a good starting point for your proposal.
Include a bibliography, which lists the books and articles you have referred to in the proposal.
For more information visit the School of History, Art History and Philosophy
Length: 2000-3500 words (excluding bibliography)
Your title should give a clear indication of your proposed research approach or key question.
Include a short summary of your central question. You should tell us what you are attempting to research and why it is significant. You must state clearly what you hope to discover at the end of your research.
Explain the subject matter of your project and why you think the issues raised are important. Provide a summary of the key debates and developments in your chosen area and demonstrate your knowledge and grasp of the specific literature (global) that you will be engaging with during your research. You should show that you are familiar with texts in your chosen area, and what are the gaps in the literature that your research is attempting to fill, i.e., how your proposed research is original and will increase our understanding of the subject matter. Through this, you should detail how your research area fits into current academic thinking and/or policy discourse.
The theoretical framework provides the rationale behind your research proposal. You must provide a critical review of existing theories or concepts (global), which are closely related to your research topic. Show how these theories/concepts frame your research questions and the overall structure of your research proposal, and clearly state the specific theoretical concepts/analytical frameworks that you are engaging with.
You should outline your draft overall research question and any relevant sub-research questions and hypotheses through engagement with the theoretical literature.
State to what extent your approach is distinctive or new or builds on/deepens existing theoretical literature in your chosen area.
Research Design
Show how you plan to carry out your research (including fieldwork) and how you will analyse the findings. You should also show how this relates to your hypothesis. Put details of your research design in terms of approaches, methods and tools, along with some indication of specifics such as sample size (i.e., give an idea of the scope of your research project).
Outline any ethical concerns that arise from either your research topic or your proposed methods of collecting and collating data.
List the sources you have used in your literature review. Also, separately, point to potential sources that will be appropriate for your proposed research.
For more information about the PhD in Development Studies by Research visit the Institute of Development Studies website .
Length: 2,000-3,000 words
You must show you have the ability to review current research within your field of study. Your literature review should demonstrate that your research question is relevant, you are aware of the work of others in your field, and show how your research will contribute new findings to the subject area.
Outline any ethical concerns which arise from your research topic or your proposed methods.
For more information visit the School of Law, Politics and Sociology
Length: 1,500-2,000 words
You should identify the research group you want to work with and ensure that we can support your area of research before writing your research proposal.
If you are applying for an advertised research project you should tell us:
For more information visit the School of Life Sciences
You should identify the research area (and/or the researchers) you want to be involved with.
You should either:
If you are applying for advertised funding you should tell us:
For more information visit the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Length: about 2,000 words (not including bibliography)
You must provide a working title for your research. This is likely to change over time but provides a good starting point for your proposal.
Brief abstract
Write a paragraph summarising your proposed project.
Research questions and rationale
Introduce your main research questions and why you think your research matters. Indicate how you think your research will be an original contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the subject. Describe the form of your anticipated outputs if your proposal includes creative practice. You may want to explain how you think your research will connect with existing research interests at Sussex.
Conceptual framework
The conceptual framework should elaborate the rationale behind your research proposal. You should demonstrate a critical engagement with theories and secondary literature or other artefacts that are relevant to your research topic. Show how these theories frame your research questions and the overall structure of your research proposal. If relevant, reflect on the research dimension of your creative practice.
Methodology and Research Ethics
Show us how you intend to achieve your research aims and outcomes and how you will answer your research questions. Include information about specific methods and access to relevant sources. If your project involves creative practice in some way, it is important that you describe what facilities you will need and indicate your experience in the relevant production techniques. You may want to include a practice portfolio, or provide links to online examples of your work. Reflect on any ethical considerations relevant to the conduct of your research.
Indicative timeline
Provide an account of how you envisage conducting your research to completion within the period of registration. Note that we fully expect proposals and attendant timelines to evolve in practice, but we are keen to see your ability to design a research project, bearing this in mind.
Include any literature, audiovisual or online resources you have referenced in the proposal.
For more information visit the School of Media, Film and Music
Length: 1,000-1,500 words Your research proposal should contain the following sections:
You should assume you are writing your research proposal for someone who has a good understanding of psychology, but not an expert in your area of research.
You should identify any gaps in our knowledge in your research area, and how your research will fill them. At the end of the section outline your aims and hypotheses.
We are interested in your ability to think critically. You should answer the following questions:
You are expected to show how your initial idea can be developed and expanded over the duration of your PhD degree.
Reference list
You must add in a reference list in American Psychological Association format.
For more information visit the School of Psychology.
Once you have completed your proposal, check it through thoroughly. You should make sure all the information you have cited is accurate. Correct spelling and punctuation is also essential.
Write in clear sentences and structure your research proposal in a logical format that is easy for the reader to follow.
It is easy to miss errors in your own work, so ask someone else to proofread your research proposal before submitting it to Sussex.
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I am having a hard time deciding what to do or feel so I wanted to ask this question here.
For background, I am a PhD student and am doing pretty well overall. I also happen to have a fellowship that covers my tuition and stipend for the next two years. At this point, I have a very clear and novel research agenda that I will most likely work on for the rest of my career and that I have presented at different venues.
My advisor has recently watched a talk I gave and told me that she would like me to write a grant proposal based on the ideas in my talk. Now, I feel uncomfortable doing this because I feel like she had absolutely zero contribution in the development of any of these ideas in this talk, and, if she gets the grant based on these ideas, I would lose "authority" over my own research agenda.
During my time in the Ph.D., my advisor has contributed very little intellectually to my work, (although I admit he has been a great editor). When it came to publications, I never had an issue regarding this because I would always be the first author, and it was clear that I was the expert on the topic (giving talks, etc...). However, if I understand correctly this grant proposal will only have his name on it, and it would not mention that the ideas developed in the grant belong to me (other than references to our past work).
Am I right to worry? What can I do?
Here are two simple reasons why you should encourage your advisor to write the research grant with your idea:
I admit she has been a great editor
Editing a scientific manuscript seems like a trivial thing, but depending on the context sometimes it is the task that requires the most effort. This is not something that you can ignore.
Since you are a member of the project, this is a great opportunity for you. At the end of the day, the funds will not be spent on your advisor's personal purchases. It will be your travel money, conference registration fee, research visit compensation, etc.
I do not believe that the ambition of getting the credit that you think you deserve is a feasible goal here. In the best case, she will say "OK then, I won't write a grant based on your idea." And then what? You are back to square one.
In the future, you will have many brilliant ideas, and most of them will be way better compared to the one that you have today. So, the best course for you (I think) is writing the proposal, and enjoying the grant both by putting an item in your CV and spending the money to travel around.
I understand your concern, but you have a couple of things backwards.
While, in theory, when it comes to papers, you could write these yourself and you don't need your supervisor*, when it comes to grants, however, it's a completely different story. I'm speaking from a UK perspective and terminology here, but I assume similar practices apply elsewhere.
Unfortunately, in practical terms, there is absolutely no way for you to apply for a traditional grant as a PI at your stage, and are unlikely to for a long time. This is because funding bodies tend to have strict eligibility criteria, of which the most common is "permanent academic position in a recognised higher institution", closely followed by the often unstated criterion "demonstrates experience and an established presence in the field, and is the most suitable permanent post academic to lead this particular proposal"
In other words, it is probably not possible for you to be writing a grant at this stage. Which means, your best bet of actually continuing this line of research that you're banking the rest of your entire career on, may in fact well be to convince someone grantworthy to apply for a grant on the basis of your ideas, for you to continue working with them. Otherwise, once you're out of the phd and looking for a job, your most likely route is that you'll have to join a project based on a grant that someone else proposed, which is unlikely to be your particular niche topic that you so love. And this doesn't even address the whole "even if you apply for a grant yourself to resurrect this line of research once you've made permanent, say, 7 years down the line, this research may no longer be grantable, based on current trends and buzzwords".
Having said that, there are ways for you to be an official contributor on the grant proposal, rather than simply be a person that your PI happens to hire with the grant money. Many funding bodies allow the concept of a "named researcher" on the grant. This is typically someone who is at a stage in their career that is ineligible to apply for the grant per se, but it is understood that they are an integral part of the proposal (typically understood to mean the project is largely their baby and they will be the ones pouring all the work on it), and is therefore named on the grant. This is great for your CV, because it shows you have experience submitting grants and getting funding. Plus it saves the university time and money because they won't have to go through the hiring process.
So if I were you, not only would I encourage your advisor to write the grant, but I would try to find out if you can be a named researcher on the grant and continue your research with them in that capacity.
Ok, I am lying a bit, because there is in fact another, more straightforward way to go about this after your phd, which is to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship. This is an award that allows you to work as a postdoc for a few years working alone on your own research. But at the end of the day, these grants are far rarer than traditional grants (which are already in high competition), and are thus even more competitive than normal grants, are much less flexible (e.g. in terms of creating a partnership), and still require finding an interested supervisor to supervise the work. If you do get one of these, it may be seen more favourably than a named researcher route (in that you won such a grant directly), I'm not too sure. But in reality, if you are a named researcher on a grant, this is already great, much easier, and will still allow you to control and continue your research.
These are all personal opinions, and I'm also still learning the ropes and shortcuts of the system, so I may be wrong on a couple of points. But more or less this has been my experience. Happy to be corrected in the comments below. Hope it helps.
PS. The cutting edge novel stuff I was working on during my PhD that I thought would change the world and I was ready to base my entire career on? Haven't managed to touch that in 7 years now. Now that I'm getting a permanent post I may go back to it, but I've already got other projects in my hands already, which are far more practical from a funding point of view.
* Though in practice, even here, I think you're probably underestimating the impact that your supervisor will have had, both in terms of what they contributed to the research in indirect terms, as well as how the impact of the paper may have changed from the network effect of having their name on it.
An idea can be put down to a A4 page. Writing a superb 20-50 page grant proposal, project and financial plan is something completely different. Managing a project successfully is another different career step.
What you have to decide is not who had the idea or is the "owner", but what is the likelihood to get funding for it without your advisor and that someone else doesn't have the same idea at another place/how long you can save it up.
This is a poker game. You know what professional poker players do? They invest in other poker players (to get some ratio of their win) even playing the same tournament as their opponents to maximize their winning chances.
I was also thinking like you once. Maybe there are branches and periods within a research career within you can work and manage a project/idea/proposal completely on your own. But this cannot stay your modus operandi to become professor and stay profressor. You have to share ideas and success, delegate responsibilities, divide labour to stay successful.
If you idea is more than an idea, then patent it. Universities often ask their coworkers to come with patent-ready ideas to their patent departments. Then it will also be clear who had which share % developing the idea.
In the short-term: a grant may expose your idea to third party, so you may loose some ownership on it. However, if you published the idea, there is no doubt about the ownership.
it would not mention that the ideas developed in the grant belong to me (other than references to our past work).
A grant is a funding request. You have to write it based on solid proof that what you plan to do will work, so what you downplay as "references to our past work" is of the uttermost importance. The rest of the grant (PI, name of the person proposing the grant, etc) is 20% politics and 80% bureaucracy. So publish as much as you can, but if your advisor is involving you in grants' writing it will be a good learning experience (unfortunately, even if your idea is good to guarantee you a career in the future, you will have to write more and more grants...)
In the long-term: I urge you to consider you are among peers[1]. You may have had a great idea, and you may have a plan for the future, since you state you have
a very clear and novel research agenda that I will most likely work on for the rest of my career and that I have presented at different venues.
Be realistic, there are many good ideas out there, not all of them get the required fundings. Additionally, if you were to have the absolute scientific breakthrough idea in your topic, you would be busy managing your own funds, not asking how to proceed to random strangers on the internet.
Being ambitious and knowing the own capabilities and value is good. But what is coming out from your writing/question is the usual self-entitled behavior of "succesful" PhD students. I am not saying you will not have a successful career, I hope you will have one. What I want to stress is that if it will happen only because of your merits and ideas ... it will only happen this way in your head, because your head will trick you in ignoring all the support you received and that you will be given, from your current and future peers (see your curent advisor doing a great job, supporting and setting you free to pursue your ideas).
[1] if you feel you are significantly smarter than your peers ...
At this point, I have a very clear and novel research agenda that I will most likely work on for the rest of my career and that I have presented at different venues... My advisor has recently watched a talk I gave and told me that she would like me to write a grant proposal based on the ideas in my talk...
You are very worried that, by winning this grant, your advisor will somehow "scoop" all credit for the research agenda you've identified... but you seem completely indifferent to the notion that audience members from any of those multiple other venues (or readers of your first-author publications) might just as easily scoop you by writing their own grants.
Even if it plays out exactly as you most fear, working with your advisor on this will lead to funding and more publications (presumably where you are still first-author); whereas some other group beating you both to the punch might lead to only a couple citations or footnotes.
What your advisor is offering here is a way for you to start the ball rolling on your research agenda at a very early stage in your career. Will this lead to some future confusion about "priority"? Maybe, maybe not. It sounds like you've given plenty of talks on the subject and have a good number of first-author publications under your belt so I wouldn't be too worried about one grant tipping the scales (particularly not if this grant leads to more publications where you are once again first-author).
Also, since we are talking about a "research agenda that I will most likely work on for the rest of my career" who's to say that this one grant proposal must give away the entire plot? Presumably, if this research territory is unexplored enough to build an entire career out of it, then some first exploratory forays can likely be packaged as post-doc projects, PhD theses, or even MS theses. Your advisor's editorial/administrative experience should actually be invaluable here - both in terms of knowing the project scopes most likely to be funded, as well as knowing how to maximize the amount of strong publications from a project of a given size.
(Moved from comment to answer)
I see two major concerns from your side. 1. You are afraid that you will "loss the authority". 2. You are afraid that you cannot be one of the authors of the application.
For 1: I am not sure what do you mean by "authority". Do you mean that you used to be the single author in these papers, and now you have to share authorship?
For 2: I personally think you can be one of the listed coauthor of the grant application. I personally know quite a few PhD candidates coauthoring grant application with professors across different institute (with or without the involvement of their advisor). So I am not sure if there is rule prohibiting students to be listed as coauthors.
PS: Besides proof-reading, I think there are some other value your advisor might be able to give you. For an incomplete list:
I am just a PhD student myself (so take this with a grain of salt) but I don't think one should conflate a grant proposal with a publication. Also, isn't it likely that a successful grant application would bring more funding to the research group, thereby benefiting you? Finally, I would think that one needs to trust their PhD advisor's judgment on these kinds of things, otherwise your degree may be a rocky road.
I feel your pain. I have had to be satisfied with insufficient credit a few times and have even once had an entire final form paper outright stolen from me by researchers higher up the food chain. It happens. Don't listen to anyone who says it doesn't.
But you have to consider your position. The awarding of grants is a notoriously subjective process. (WHAT??? SUBJECTIVITY in SCIENCE??? Surely you jest! Ummm ... no.) Granting agencies will look at a proposal from an established researcher much more seriously than they will from a newbie, even a potentially talented newbie. I remember speaking with a someone who sat on such boards from time to time who said, "Seriously, I just don't have time to read these proposals. Last month I granted money to this one proposal just because I like the guy!" Now, don't blow a gasket; she went on to say, "Of course, one of the reasons I like the guy is that he does good work!" Point being, if your grant -- a first time effort -- had come across her desk in a stack of 10 others when she was already up to her nose in her own work, you wouldn't stand a chance.
In short, you need to ask yourself if you can get this funded without your advisor's help.
Also, for my money, whose name gets put on the papers that come out of the research will be more far more important than who is the lead on the grant. If your advisor is a decent person (Beware! Not all of them are!) she will put you as first author on the papers, as long as you actually do the work.
One last thing: It's not necessarily a binary thing; you don't necessarily have to tell her all or nothing. You don't have to tell your advisor your every thought. You can be cagey. There may be ways to keep the good stuff under wraps until you are ready to reveal it in a way that mark it as unmistakably yours. (Does your research group publish pre-prints, for instance?) It can be miserable having to go through life thinking like that, but sometimes that's what you have to do.
A couple of years ago I took a "Researcher Management and Leadership Training" Coursera course from the University of Colorado. In it they said that a good advisor will have you write a grant with them as the PI, and commit that if they get the grant and you go off to a faculty position somewhere else, you can take some of the money. This way, when you are on the job market you have a little pot of money to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. See if your advisor will do something like that.
Kick for touch - and make it a Percy Montgomery !
Say you have to finish your PhD now - you must focus on that to the exclusion of all else.
After that you have to defend the thesis, apply for publication and get some well-earned R & R back home.
Then is the time to look at looking for funding for the idea you've had.
Though in the meantime you can look at who else in the country is doing similar research, whether you can work with them and so on . . .
Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged phd advisor funding authorship ..
Succesful grant proposal writing offers you the opportunity to drive your career as a researcher, to fund your own research, to get you into independence early after obtaining your PhD and to grow your research group. Also, outside of academia it plays an important role for funding research and innovation activities.
There are plenty of national and international funding programmes with different funding schemes. Although there are differences between the funding schemes that influence what each winning proposal would look like, the process of how to turn your idea for a project into a proposal is the same.
Therefore, this workshop focuses on a) How to develop your idea for a project into a sound work programme; b) how to match it with the requirements of a particular funding programme; and c) how to facilitate communication with the reviewer by presenting your complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way.
This training is dedicated to researchers with little or no experience in grant proposal writing.
At the end of the workshop, the participants will have:
SESSION 1: Funding programmes and how to read the documents (3.5 hours) • The triangle of projects • Overview of funding opportunities • Background information on funding programmes and evaluation processes • How to read the official documents • The funding scheme fingerprint
SESSION 2: Developing your idea into a work plan (3.5 hours) • Elements and structure of a work plan • The Disney method • Developing your idea for a research project into a first work plan • Visualisation of the work plan
SESSION 3: Communicating your project convincingly (3.5 hours) • Matching your idea with the funding programme of choice • Communication with the reviewer • Objectives and how to get the details to make them SMART • Innovative aspects
SESSION 4: Impact and budget (3.5 hours) • Where to put which information in the proposal and how to write about it convincingly • The eagle’s perspective on research projects • Impact • Budget calculation • Coordination of the grant proposal writing process
Dr. Sabine Preusse decided to quit academia in 2006 after obtaining her PhD in Astrophysics and moved on to the project management of European Funded Research projects in the Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum. Besides writing grant proposals and being a project manager in the field of production technologies, she has also trained herself as a business economist (IWW) and a professional business trainer. With this she founded her own company RaumZeit e.K. Coaching Training Beratung in 2011 and is now (also as a professional business coach) supporting researchers from all levels and disciplines in grant proposal writing and the implementation of research projects, dissemination and exploitation of project results, as well as open educational resources.
Since 2011 Sabine Preusse has given more than 150 two-day workshops on grant proposal writing and more than 80 coaching sessions with respect to grant proposal writting, design of research projects and career-building for young researchers, postdocs and professors.
Instructor photo © Dean Vrakela; website photo © Sabine Preusse
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If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need to write a compelling grant proposal . A well-crafted proposal outlines your organization’s mission, objectives, and impact on the community.
By understanding the key interests of granting agencies , customizing your proposal to align with their priorities, and presenting a clear and compelling case for funding, you can increase your chances of securing the financial support you need to advance your philanthropic goals. In today’s post, we’ll look at why grant proposals are important, their key components, and how to write a good one.
Understanding what grant proposals are is crucial. A grant proposal serves as a formal request that outlines your organization’s mission, projects, and financial needs to potential funders.
These documents play a pivotal role in securing funding for nonprofit organizations. They showcase the purpose of the organization, the specific projects or initiatives that require funding , and how the funds will be used to make a positive impact. A well-crafted grant proposal can attract donors and establish credibility and trust with funding agencies.
Writing a nonprofit grant proposal requires careful attention to the components that make a strong case for funding . Together, the different elements define your organization’s mission, goals, and financial stability. Let’s dive into the essential sections to include in an effective nonprofit grant proposal .
The executive summary provides a concise overview of the relevant project, emphasizing key points. This section should encapsulate the purpose of the proposal, the amount of funding needed, and the anticipated impact on the community.
In this section, outline your organization’s history, mission, and values. Highlight its core principles and explain how they align with the potential funder’s objectives. Demonstrating a deep understanding of your nonprofit’s background and purpose can reinforce credibility and trust with the grantmaker.
When detailing the program or project in your grant proposal, clarity is key. Describe the objectives, activities, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes with precision. This section should clearly articulate how the proposed initiative addresses a specific need in the community and the strategies you’ll employ to achieve the desired results.
The budget and financial information section provides transparency regarding the allocation of funds and the sustainability of the project. Include a detailed budget that outlines the costs associated with the initiative, including personnel, supplies, overheads, and any other relevant expenses. You should also emphasize the potential for long-term financial viability and the impact of funding on achieving the intended goals.
By incorporating these key components into your grant proposal, you can effectively communicate your organization’s mission, vision, and impact , ultimately enhancing your chances of securing the funding you need to drive positive change in your community.
When crafting a nonprofit grant proposal , paying attention to several key elements can significantly impact its success. From researching and targeting funders to aligning with the funder’s mission and priorities, thorough preparation is essential. Let’s look at how to write a compelling nonprofit grant proposal.
One of the initial steps in developing a successful nonprofit grant proposal is researching potential funders whose missions align with your organization’s objectives. Use online resources, grant databases, and networking opportunities to discover funders that have previously supported similar projects.
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By understanding a funder’s priorities, preferred projects, and funding criteria, you can tailor your proposal to resonate with their interests, increasing your chances of securing the grant.
Incorporating storytelling elements into your grant proposal can captivate funders on an emotional level. By weaving narratives that illustrate the potential impact of your project on the community or cause you aim to serve, you create a connection that goes beyond statistics and figures.
Share real-life anecdotes, personal experiences, or case studies that convey the urgency and relevance of your proposed initiative. Engaging funders through storytelling can leave a lasting impression and reinforce the significance of your project.
Your potential funder needs to believe that your project aligns with their mission and objectives . Clearly show how your initiative resonates with the funder’s core values and priorities. Demonstrate a deep understanding of their focus areas and indicate how your project addresses critical issues. This not only showcases your organization’s commitment but also increases the likelihood of your proposal being favorably received.
After writing your grant proposal, proofreading and editing are crucial to ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism. By meticulously reviewing and refining your document, you can significantly enhance its coherence and impact on potential donors and grant organizations.
Editing focuses on the overall coherence and impact of your grant proposal. It involves restructuring sentences for better flow, ensuring the logical progression of ideas, and enhancing the persuasiveness of your arguments.
By editing your proposal, you sharpen your message, reinforce key points, and ensure a compelling narrative that captivates the reader. This elevates the overall quality of your proposal, presenting a more convincing case for why your nonprofit deserves funding.
Proofreading is the final polish after editing. Proofreading plays a pivotal role in the grant proposal process by ensuring that your ideas are conveyed clearly and concisely. It eliminates typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, and inconsistencies that could detract from the credibility of your proposal. A thorough proofread will allow you to present a polished and professional document that reflects your organization’s dedication to securing funding for your projects.
When proofreading and editing your proposal, remember that precision and attention to detail are paramount. By investing time and effort into refining your proposal, you can significantly increase its effectiveness and maximize your chances of securing the funding you need to advance your organization’s mission.
Crafting a compelling nonprofit grant proposal requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of your organization’s needs and goals. As a nonprofit, conveying your message effectively is critical to securing funding for your projects. In this guide, we explored the essential elements of writing a successful grant proposal, from identifying funding opportunities to articulating your mission with clarity and purpose .
Remember, proofreading and editing play a crucial role in ensuring clarity, coherence, and professionalism. Thoroughly reviewing your proposal for errors, consistency, and adherence to guidelines can significantly enhance its impact and persuasiveness. If you’d like a professional to take over this part, our expert editors can help. Try our service for free today !
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The Bureau of Indian Affairs Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience presents a virtual 90-minute Grant Writing Workshop led by Dr. Meade Krosby (Senior Scientist with the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group and University Director of the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center) and Dr. Chas Jones (CEO and Director for PICEA Consulting Group). Learn project proposal development and grant application writing strategies to improve your chances of securing needed funding for climate resilience projects.
A recording of the event will be posted to the Tribal Climate Resilience Annual Awards Program web page.
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Written by Mark Bennett. You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it. It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains ...
As any GradFund advisor would surely caution, the exact structure of your grant proposal will depend on the grant for which you are applying and your discipline. However, many successful dissertation research grant proposals will contain similar components: an introduction; a background, methodology, and/or literature review; your previous ...
Therefore, in a good research proposal you will need to demonstrate two main things: 1. that you are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis. 2. that you are capable of communicating your ideas clearly. Applying for a PhD is like applying for a job, you are not applying for a taught programme.
When writing your PhD proposal you need to show that your PhD is worth it, achievable, and that you have the ability to do it at your chosen university. With all of that in mind, let's take a closer look at each section of a standard PhD research proposal and the overall structure. 1. Front matter.
Reframing our mindset from "this is something I have to do" to "this is something I get to do" is an essential step in writing a great grant proposal. Tips for Grads is a professional and academic advice column written by graduate students for graduate students at UW-Madison. It is published in the student newsletter ...
The grant writing process. A grant proposal or application is a document or set of documents that is submitted to an organization with the explicit intent of securing funding for a research project. Grant writing varies widely across the disciplines, and research intended for epistemological purposes (philosophy or the arts) rests on very ...
When writing a grant proposal, there are five main criteria that you need to consider. These are: Significance. Approach. Innovation. Investigators. Environment. The funding body will look for these criteria throughout your statement, so it's important to tailor what you say and how you say it accordingly. 1.
In writing your proposal, cover the following aspects: - The topic that you propose to research: provide a clear title for your study; outline and provide a motivation for your proposed research question(s); offer a justification of your choice of topic with reference to academic or other relevant literature.
Writing a proposal or prospectus can be a challenge, but we've compiled some examples for you to get your started. Example #1: "Geographic Representations of the Planet Mars, 1867-1907" by Maria Lane. Example #2: "Individuals and the State in Late Bronze Age Greece: Messenian Perspectives on Mycenaean Society" by Dimitri Nakassis.
1. Title. Your title should indicate clearly what your research question is. It needs to be simple and to the point; if the reader needs to read further into your proposal to understand your question, your working title isn't clear enough. Directly below your title, state the topic your research question relates to.
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
Purpose of A Proposal. • To show you have a worthwhile research project to undertake • To demonstrate that YOU have the competence to complete it • To discuss all relevant aspects of the research process • To enable others to evaluate whether enough information exists to want to support the proposed study - As a supervisor (e.g. a ...
Step 2: Plan and research your project. Preliminary research for your grant proposal. Questions to ask yourself as you plan your grant proposal. Developing your grant proposal. Step 3: Write the first draft of your grant proposal. Step 4: Get feedback, and revise your grant proposal accordingly.
a relevant title for the project - the first step in writing your proposal is to decide on a title that clearly indicates the focus of your research. an outline of your chosen research question or focus - this should be outlined at the beginning of your proposal, clearly stating any factors that make the project unique.
Starting on PhD research is a big step in a researcher's academic journey, and submitting a research proposal is a significant part of it. Indeed, many PhD scholars seek guidance on how to write a PhD research proposal, which is the foundational document that outlines the scope, objectives, and methodology of their prospective doctoral study.This article takes a look at the essential ...
Preparing a Proposal. A well-written and skillfully prepared research proposal is crucial to the success of an application for research funding and to the efficient set-up and management of an award. Early planning, and when needed, consultation with [email protected] is encouraged. Approvals.
A comprehensive research proposal is one of the most important parts of your PhD application, as it explains what you plan to research, what your aims and objectives are, and how you plan to meet those objectives. Below you will find a research proposal template you can use to write your own PhD proposal, along with examples of specific sections.
These notes are intended to assist you in the preparation of applications to the ESRC responsive mode: research grants funding opportunity and should be read in conjunction with the ESRC research funding guide. They provide informal guidance on points for applicants to remember when drafting applications. You may also find this information ...
Write your proposal. You may now be in a position to start writing your proposal. This is central to your final application. A strong research proposal: formulates a precise, interesting research question; establishes the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking
b. Table of content (to be written last) c. Abstract (to be written last): A concise summary of your project including the most important points. Please make sure your abstract is perfectly logic and coherent. Read abstracts in scientific journals to get familiar with the wording and the grammar in abstract writing. d.
A grant is a funding request. You have to write it based on solid proof that what you plan to do will work, so what you downplay as "references to our past work" is of the uttermost importance. The rest of the grant (PI, name of the person proposing the grant, etc) is 20% politics and 80% bureaucracy.
Methodology. This is a very important part of your research outline and should receive a lot of attention. It may well be the longest section of your proposal. Give detailed information about how you intend to answer your research questions. Anyone who reads your proposal will want to know the sources and quality of evidence you will consult ...
Provide a clear plan - Explain how your programme of work solves "the problem" you are addressing. Show how you will begin your research and your key milestones. Clarify that you have the skills to carry out the research. Be as specific and quantitative as possible - For example, to claim that your new method is "more sensitive" than others is ...
Short description. Succesful grant proposal writing offers you the opportunity to drive your career as a researcher, to fund your own research, to get you into independence early after obtaining your PhD and to grow your research group. Also, outside of academia it plays an important role for funding research and innovation activities. There ...
1. Great team members spend time acquiring grant writing skills . As grant awardees know, writing grants requires a very different skillset from writing journal articles. Thus, to be awarded grants — and to respect everyone's time — it's critical for all team members to obtain grant writing skills.
A well-crafted grant proposal can attract donors and establish credibility and trust with funding agencies. Key Components of a Nonprofit Grant Proposal. Writing a nonprofit grant proposal requires careful attention to the components that make a strong case for funding. Together, the different elements define your organization's mission ...
Standard structure of a successful research proposal flow chart. Always pay attention to details.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Branch of Tribal Climate Resilience presents a virtual 90-minute Grant Writing Workshop led by Dr. Meade Krosby (Senior Scientist with the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group and University Director of the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center) and Dr. Chas Jones (CEO and Director for PICEA Consulting Group).