Transcript Grant Anatomy 101 Module 2 Nitty-Gritty of Proposal Writing Introductions • Who we are – Liz DePoy, PhD • Grant writer for institutions for over.

Grant Anatomy 101
Module 2
Nitty-Gritty of Proposal Writing
Introductions
• Who we are
– Liz DePoy, PhD
• Grant writer for institutions for over 30 years and for
our own company, ASTOS, for 10 years
• Research methodologist
• Evaluator
• Theorist
Introductions
• Who we are
– Stephen Gilson, PhD
• Grant collaborator and PI for institutions for over 20
years and for our own company, ASTOS, for 10 years
• Policy analyst
• Theorist
Module 2: Learning Objectives
– Improve proficiency in the thinking and action
processes of grant proposal preparation
– Become proficient in problem mapping
– Articulate need
– Formulate goals and assessable objectives or aims
without giving away the store
– Structure proposal activities
– Become familiar with the sections of a proposal
– Learn proposal writing techniques
– Write about resources and institutional setting
– Examine budgeting and budget justification
Problem
• Definition: a conceptual-value assertion of what
is to be addressed and changed through
knowledge, education or programmatic action
• Problem statements form the foundation for all
research, education, and programmatic thinking
and action processes
• Careful, expansive and systematic formulation of
the problem statement forms the foundation for
any proposal
• From expansive problem statements, many needs
can be gleaned
Problem Mapping
• A thinking tool that expands an initial problem
statement
• A concept map used to contextualize an initial
problem statement.
Need Statement
• A systematically supported template of
research, educational or programmatic actions
that are necessary to resolve all or part of the
problem as it is stated
Problem Mapping
• The problem map is constructed by stating the
initial problem presented by an individual,
group, community, system, funding agency as
conceptualized by that entity, and then asking
two questions two analytic questions: “what
causes the problem?” and “what are the
consequences of the problem?”
• The same two questions are repeatedly
posed for the causes and consequences
that are articulated.
Problem map activity
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Examine the RFP (distributed in Module 1)
Formulate your initial problem statement
Create a problem map
Identify which part of the problem map your
proposal will address
• What is needed to address the problem
statement that you selected?
• Link your problem focus with the funding agency
mission and purpose in a short narrative
Parts of a proposal
Research
Education and programmatic
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Abstract
Purpose
Problem and need
Aims
Research plan/methods
Significance
Plans to assessment progress and
address unexpected obstacles
Institutional context
Budget and budget justification
Vitae
Assurances
Letters of support
Abstract
Purpose
Problem and need
Goals and objectives
Plan of operation
Evaluation and sustainability
Institutional context
Budget and budget justification
Vitae
Assurances
Letters of support
Coherence
• Definition: Coherence refers to consistency
among and within sections (content and
format)
• A critical factor in research grant proposals
that is often overlooked
Goals/Aims
• Broad statements about the ideal or "hoped
for."
• They look forward in time to specific
"desirables."
• They also look back to the value context
because they emerge directly from the
statement of what knowledge or action is
needed to remediate a problem.
Objectives
• Operationalized goals/aims.
• Applying the concept of operationalization,
objectives identify how abstract goals/aims
will be met.
• Objectives form the basis for evaluation/
assessment of progress
• Process- what will be done
• Outcome-what will result from what is done
Exercise for Research Proposals
(write this part of your narrative)
• What do you intend to do?
• Why is this worth doing? How is it innovative?
• What has already been done in general, and what have
other researchers done in this field? Use appropriate
references. What will this new work add to the field of
knowledge?
• What have you (and your collaborators) done to establish
the feasibility of what you are proposing to do?
• Methodology: How will the research be accomplished?
Who? What? When? Where? Why? (process)
• How will this research contribute to knowledge and inform
action (outcome)
• IRB plans?
Plan of Operation
Exercise for Educational Proposals
• What do you intend to do? (goals)
• Why is this worth doing? How is it innovative?
• What has already been done in general, and what
have others done in this field? Use appropriate
references. What will this training or programmatic
work add to your field?
• What evidence supports your approach?
• How will the education/program be accomplished?
Who? What? When? Where? Why? (process
objectives)
• What will happen as a result of your project (outcome
objectives)
Boilerplate: Resources and
Institutional Setting
• Personnel
• Institutional Resources and Attributes
• Why you are the best
Boilerplate Exercise
• Write this section of your proposal
Budget and Budget Justification
• Be frugal but budget for the resources that you
need in order to successfully complete the
project
• Justify all expenses in narrative format
• Look carefully at what is not covered by the
funder and be careful not to include in itemized
budget
• Follow requested format for budget and
justification
• Know institutional policies for indirect
calculations, fringe rates etc.
Summary of Module 2
– Improve proficiency in the thinking and action
processes of grant proposal preparation
– Become proficient in problem mapping
– Articulate need
– Formulate goals and assessable objectives or aims
without giving away the store
– Structure proposal activities
– Become familiar with the sections of a proposal
– Learn proposal writing techniques
– Write about resources and institutional setting
– Examine budgeting and budget justification