Learn Proposal Fundamentals

General Proposal Writing Websites

The Art of Grantsmanship by Jacob Kraicer

This site provides an excellent “common sense” overview of what is most important to keep in mind when writing a grant proposal-what reviewers are looking for, etc. Includes a helpful timetable (in an ideal world) of “when to start what, when.”

EPA Grant Writing Tutorial

This section entitled “How to Enhance a Grant Proposal” breaks down different parts of a grant proposal and provides links to tips and samples of each area of a proposal

The Foundation Center Proposal Writing Short Course

This site is geared toward writing proposals for any genre. It is not specifically slanted towards “hard sciences” or federal sponsor proposal writing. It describes the different sections needed for a strong, organized proposal and is very clear and easy to follow.

Specific Proposal Writing Websites

NIH “All About Grants Tutorials”

This is an all-encompassing site covering everything you need to consider/include when writing a proposal for an NIH grant. It is very easy to follow, and walks you through a grant proposal from the planning stage to the finished product, and points out ways to make your proposal more “user friendly” for reviewers.

The Toolkit: Getting an NIH R01 Application

The main focus of this site is to help “otherwise competent and qualified” proposal writers get funded by avoiding common mistakes. It explains the criteria a reviewer uses to evaluate your proposal, and explains how understanding this process will improve your chances of being funded.

Annotated NIH R01 Application

Gives a complete example of an outstanding R01 proposal application package. Highlighted comments from NIAID pointing out key items to check for are included throughout the body of the application. It utilized the updated 9/04 forms that are mandatory for all applications received on or after May 10, 2005

The Foundation Center: Proposal Budgeting Basics

This walks you through a simple tutorial that provides a good overview of the basic components of a project budget, including an explanation of the general concepts of overhead costs and fringe benefits.

NSF Guide for Proposal Writing

This website utilizes a very straightforward approach to the preparation of a grant proposal. It starts with the planning stage “Before you write”, and takes you through each part of the grant proposal, addressing items to consider and include. It also explains the criteria NSF uses to evaluate a proposal, and emphasizes the importance of the “intellectual merit” and “broader impacts” of the research in your proposal.

Revising Proposals

Suggestions for Revising Proposals

This site offers good points to consider when you are preparing to revise a proposal for re-submission. While it is geared toward NIH re-submission, it contains valuable tips that would be helpful to anyone revising a proposal.