Project Idea/Opportunity

The grants process often starts with the identification of an idea generated by a faculty member, a team of faculty with their respective Dean, the Academic Vice President, or the Grants Administrator presenting a grant opportunity.  Upon identification of an idea, it is important to contact the Government Grants Office(GGO) without delay to meet, discuss, and

• Is the idea aligned with the University’s Academic Long Range Plan or the business plan for a particular school or faculty member?

• Is the idea in concert with the University’s mission?

• Are there internal and or external collaborators/partners involved in any capacity?

• Are there equipment needs (computers, etc.)?

• What type of funding is being sought? Is it for an institutional or instructional grant, for faculty research, a project or program, or training?

Writing A Grant Proposal

The GGO Office reviews many types of grant proposals each year. Although we do not offer a proposal writing service, we understand the importance of crafting a first rate-application. This link brings you some of the best proposal-writing guides on the web.

Known Funding Source

If you know which agency fits your research/project idea, and you are thinking of applying to this agency, contact the GGO as soon as possible. Starting early and allowing enough time to complete the application is key to submitting a successful proposal.  Complete the Notification Form and send to the GGO once your decision is made to pursue this grant opportunity.

Minimally, the GGO should be contacted AT LEAST 3 WEEKS prior to the agency deadline.  This will ensure resources and budget commitments are discussed properly and approved as needed.

Things to consider:

• When is the application due at the funding agency?  Is this a realistic time frame?

• What is the cost-share requirement, if any?

• If you are working with another institution/agency [subcontractor or partner] on a proposal, and that institution/agency will actually submit the proposal, you must still get approval from your Dean and contact the GGO. Please complete the Notification Form.

Unknown Funding Source

Research Prospective Funding Sources

The first step is to complete a Funding Sources Request Form [FSRF]. The principal investigator/project director prepares the Funding Sources Request Form, ensuring internal approval.  All projects require approval from the department chair, department dean, and the Academic Vice President.   As necessary, additional signatures may be required, including:

• The Vice President for Information Services, who signs the form when the project requires hardware or technology resources.

• The Vice President of Advancement and the Associate Vice President of Development, who sign the form when the project requires substantial additional fundraising.

Secondly, upon receipt and review of the FSRF, the faculty member will be contacted and a meeting will be called.  This meeting will be with the three grants officers and the faculty member to discuss funding needs and timeframes, providing an opportunity to maximize grant-funding opportunities for the faculty member. The three grants offices are separate and have unique processes to follow, therefore, each provides various means of assistance that will be discussed at the meeting. 

The three grants offices will provide the following types of services in support of developing your ideas and researching prospective funding:

• Alert faculty and administrative staff members to sources of funding for specific projects.

• Discuss and develop project ideas with PI’s / PD’s(s).

• Research and disseminate information on external funding sources.

• Obtain and disseminate requests for proposals and proposal guidelines.

• Discuss requests for proposals and proposal guidelines with the PI’s / PD’s(s).

• Solicit participation from faculty, administrators, and staff to pursue external funding.

• Contact potential funding sources.