Research Proposals and Problem Grants

Claire McMurray, Ph.D., KU Writing Center

The Vocabulary of “Grant” “Writing”

What do we mean by “grants”?Why is it more than just “writing”?Vocabulary can differ from grant to grant

It is a learnable skill so train and practice!

Different Types of Grantors

Government• Local• State• Federal

Foundations• Community• Corporate• Donor advised

funds

Corporations• Sponsorships

Different Types of Funding• Research proposal• Capital project• Capacity building• General operating• Specific Project• Arts & culture grant • Continuing support• Curriculum

development• Emergency funds• Facilities/equipment• Employee matching

gifts• Endowment funds• Management/technical

assistance

• In-kind gifts• Matching/challenge support• Seed money• Program related

investments (loan)• Social entrepreneurship

(making $ with your mission)

• Postdoc• Fellowship• And more!

Limitations of Grants

www.grantelligence.com

Steps in the Grant Writing Process

Researching PlanningWritingEditingSubmittingRevisingResubmitting

Where does academia fit in the funding world?

In addition to more “typical” grants:Research proposals

FellowshipsPostdoc applications

Research Proposals vs Problem GrantsResearch Proposals• Academia• Main goal:

knowledge• Hypothesis/research

question• Unknown outcome• Thorough literature

review• Investigator

credibility• Concludes with

dissemination of knowledge

Problem Grants• Non-profits• Main goal:

improvement for a specific group

• Problem statement• Anticipates problems,

shows immediate results

• Explains organization’s background, history, mission

• Concludes with grant sustainability

How are they similar?Both types must: Include a summary/abstract Explain the project’s methodology Show the question’s/problem’s significance Demonstrate the project’s contribution Include a budget Contain good writing (clear, concise, no jargon, etc.) Provide good organization (logical flow, helpful subheadings,

etc.) Strive to follow the grantor’s instructions completely Demonstrate a good “fit” Weave all sections of the grant together (show how everything

builds from the core: the question/gap/problem) Include a plan for evaluating the project’s success/outcomes

Research Proposals: A Template Transmittal letter Title page Abstract Table of contents Topic of wide interest Brief reference to literature Gap in knowledge Research question Specifics of project Literature review Methodology Timeline Budget Strong conclusion

theprofessorisin.com

Problem Grants: A TemplateAbstract/summary/executive summaryIntroduction/credibility/organizational historyProblem statement/statement of needMethods/proceduresProgram objectives and outcomesEvaluationFuture funding/program sustainabilityBudgetSupporting documents

Rules for Good Grant WritingHigh impact information firstBolding/bullets/subheadings are your friendsFollow instructions! Have others edit your workTables and graphs save space and break up textAction verbs and active voice jazz it up Use short, concise sentences and short paragraphsNo jargonNo cramming on the pageBe specific as much as possibleSupport statements with facts, evidence, etc.

“Man, they weren’t very encouraging.”

www.grantelligence.com

Need some encouragement?

Come visit the Writing Center for more help!

Grant Resources on CampusGrant writing books in the library and Writing Center

Hall Center for Humanities

Graduate Writing Program

Grants/Scholarships Subject Librarian

KU Office of ResearchCheck your handout for more helpful links and resources!

Questions?

And now for a hands-on activity…