Keep Your Eye on the Keep Your Eye on the Prize: Prize:

Tips for Successful Tips for Successful Grant WritingGrant WritingKelli I. Stajduhar, R.N., Ph.D.Kelli I. Stajduhar, R.N., Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Centre on Aging and Associate Professor, Centre on Aging and School of Nursing, UVicSchool of Nursing, UVicCIHR New InvestigatorCIHR New Investigator

MSFHR Research ScholarMSFHR Research Scholar

Overview of WorkshopOverview of Workshop

Purpose of Research ProposalPurpose of Research Proposal Significant Elements of Research Significant Elements of Research

ProposalProposal Common Problems with Research Common Problems with Research

ProposalsProposals General "Tips" to ConsiderGeneral "Tips" to Consider DiscussionDiscussion

Purpose of Research Purpose of Research ProposalProposal

Communicates research plan to Communicates research plan to others (e.g., funding agencies)others (e.g., funding agencies)

Serves as a detailed plan for Serves as a detailed plan for actionaction

Serves as a contract between Serves as a contract between investigator and funding bodies investigator and funding bodies when proposal approvedwhen proposal approved

Questions a Proposal Questions a Proposal MustMust AddressAddress

What you want to doWhat you want to do Central hypothesis/research questionCentral hypothesis/research question Specific objectivesSpecific objectives

Why this is a reasonable thing to doWhy this is a reasonable thing to do Review of previous work by you and Review of previous work by you and

othersothers Succinct rationale for projectSuccinct rationale for project

Why this is importantWhy this is important Significant new knowledge to be Significant new knowledge to be

obtainedobtained Improvements to health which will Improvements to health which will

resultresult

Questions a Proposal Must Questions a Proposal Must AddressAddress

How you are going to do itHow you are going to do it Detailed work plan, logical sequence Detailed work plan, logical sequence

and timelinesand timelines Analysis and interpretation of resultsAnalysis and interpretation of results Pitfalls and ways around themPitfalls and ways around them

Why Why youyou should do it should do it Relevant prior experience and skillsRelevant prior experience and skills Collaborators for technical gapsCollaborators for technical gaps Preliminary data showing feasibilityPreliminary data showing feasibility

Framework for Writing a Framework for Writing a "Typical" Research "Typical" Research

ProposalProposal Introduction/BackgroundIntroduction/Background

Introduce topic and significanceIntroduce topic and significance Statement of purpose, research Statement of purpose, research

questions/objectives/hypothesesquestions/objectives/hypotheses Review of LiteratureReview of Literature

Related literature and theoretical Related literature and theoretical traditionstraditions

Framework for Writing a Framework for Writing a "Typical" Research "Typical" Research

ProposalProposal Design and MethodsDesign and Methods

Overall approach and rationale Overall approach and rationale Sampling, recruitment, data Sampling, recruitment, data

collection methods, data analysiscollection methods, data analysis Rigor (trustworthiness and/or Rigor (trustworthiness and/or

validity and reliability of the validity and reliability of the research)research)

Ethical considerationsEthical considerations

Framework for Writing a Framework for Writing a "Typical" Research "Typical" Research

ProposalProposal TimelineTimeline Dissemination/Knowledge Dissemination/Knowledge

Translation Translation LimitationsLimitations Investigator Roles and ExpertiseInvestigator Roles and Expertise BudgetBudget AppendicesAppendices

Introducing the StudyIntroducing the Study

Goal: capture interest in the studyGoal: capture interest in the study Focus on importance of study Focus on importance of study Clear and concise (details will follow)Clear and concise (details will follow) Synopsis of the primary target of the Synopsis of the primary target of the

studystudy Persuasive logic backed up with Persuasive logic backed up with

factual evidencefactual evidence Should "paint a picture" of your Should "paint a picture" of your

proposal in the mind of the readerproposal in the mind of the reader

The Problem/Research The Problem/Research QuestionQuestion

For qualitative studies, the problem statement For qualitative studies, the problem statement usually broad, but must be specific enough to usually broad, but must be specific enough to convince others that it is worth focusing onconvince others that it is worth focusing on

For quantitative studies, problem statement For quantitative studies, problem statement much more specific with delineation of much more specific with delineation of hypotheseshypotheses

Research questions clearly delineated Research questions clearly delineated (sometimes with sub-questions)(sometimes with sub-questions)

Scope of research question(s) needs to be Scope of research question(s) needs to be manageable within the time frame and context manageable within the time frame and context of the studyof the study

The Problem/Research The Problem/Research QuestionQuestion

May also consider writing goals and May also consider writing goals and objectives forobjectives for

the researchthe research Goals are large statements of what Goals are large statements of what

you hope to accomplish you hope to accomplish Objectives are operational and tell Objectives are operational and tell

specific things you will be specific things you will be accomplishing in your projectaccomplishing in your project

Literature ReviewLiterature Review Selective and persuasive - building a Selective and persuasive - building a

case for what is known or believed, what case for what is known or believed, what is missing, and how the study fits inis missing, and how the study fits in

Seeking to identify gaps in knowledge Seeking to identify gaps in knowledge and how the research will address these and how the research will address these gapsgaps

Structure of literature review differs for Structure of literature review differs for qualitative/quantitative proposalsqualitative/quantitative proposals

Showcase what you have already doneShowcase what you have already done Conclude with a brief summary Conclude with a brief summary

outlining significance, originality, outlining significance, originality, practical implications (i.e., how your practical implications (i.e., how your research will increase knowledge and research will increase knowledge and lead to better health)lead to better health)

Methods SectionMethods Section

Orientation to the MethodOrientation to the Method Broad description of the particular Broad description of the particular

method that will be used - Overview method that will be used - Overview of the research planof the research plan

Rationale for qualitative/quantitative Rationale for qualitative/quantitative research generally and for the research generally and for the specific method usedspecific method used

Show clear link between methods and Show clear link between methods and the objectives you have previously the objectives you have previously defineddefined

SamplingSampling

Define sampling strategy to be usedDefine sampling strategy to be used Provide rationaleProvide rationale Characteristics of the potential types of Characteristics of the potential types of

persons, events, or processes to be persons, events, or processes to be sampledsampled

Inclusion/exclusion criteriaInclusion/exclusion criteria Sample sizeSample size

Estimates provided based on previous Estimates provided based on previous experience, pilot work, power analysis, experience, pilot work, power analysis, etc.etc.

Recruitment/AccessRecruitment/Access

Provide details on:Provide details on: Where the study will take place Where the study will take place

and why this is the best and why this is the best locationlocation

How the sample will be How the sample will be recruitedrecruited

How you will gain access to the How you will gain access to the setting(s)setting(s)

Data Collection MethodsData Collection Methods

Define data collection strategy to be Define data collection strategy to be usedused

Provide explicit details Provide explicit details Give rationale for methods and their Give rationale for methods and their

appropriatenessappropriateness Data collection methods vary Data collection methods vary

depending on research approach - be depending on research approach - be consistentconsistent

Discuss potential pitfalls or obstaclesDiscuss potential pitfalls or obstacles Suggest alternative approachesSuggest alternative approaches

Data AnalysisData Analysis

Define type of data analysis Define type of data analysis strategy to be usedstrategy to be used

Provide explicit details about Provide explicit details about data analysis procedures: data analysis procedures: qualitative/quantitativequalitative/quantitative

Analysis methods vary depending Analysis methods vary depending on research approachon research approach

Data Management & Data Management & AnalysisAnalysis

How will the data be kept organized How will the data be kept organized and retrievable?and retrievable?

How will the researchers engage in How will the researchers engage in reflexivity (e.g., by self-analytical)?reflexivity (e.g., by self-analytical)?

Convinces the reader that the Convinces the reader that the researcher is sufficiently researcher is sufficiently knowledgeable about data analysis knowledgeable about data analysis and has the necessary skillsand has the necessary skills

RigorRigor Reflected throughout the proposalReflected throughout the proposal

Address this specifically, using Address this specifically, using relevant criteria for the research relevant criteria for the research approach used (e.g., approach used (e.g., qualitative/quantitative)qualitative/quantitative)

Ethical ConsiderationsEthical Considerations

Consent formsConsent forms Dealing with sensitive issuesDealing with sensitive issues

TimelineTimeline

A clear indication of the time frame for the A clear indication of the time frame for the research and the times when each aspect of the research and the times when each aspect of the research will be implemented research will be implemented

Create graphical depiction of your time line - Create graphical depiction of your time line - demonstrates feasibility of your research in a demonstrates feasibility of your research in a visible wayvisible way

Be realistic in your projections: goal is to Be realistic in your projections: goal is to demonstrate that the tasks can be accomplished demonstrate that the tasks can be accomplished in a reasonable fashion during the project periodin a reasonable fashion during the project period

Dissemination/Knowledge Dissemination/Knowledge Translation Translation

Identify potential users of Identify potential users of research findingsresearch findings

Include strategies for Include strategies for ongoing exchange with users: ongoing exchange with users: tradition/non-traditional tradition/non-traditional approachesapproaches

Detail plans for Detail plans for communication/disseminationcommunication/dissemination

LimitationsLimitations

Highlight that you know what the Highlight that you know what the limitations of your approach are limitations of your approach are and what you plan to do to and what you plan to do to minimize the limitationsminimize the limitations

Defend why you chose the Defend why you chose the approach you didapproach you did

Investigator Roles and Investigator Roles and ExpertiseExpertise

Are the investigators qualified, Are the investigators qualified, competent, and have the experience and competent, and have the experience and credentials?credentials?

Define investigator roles: Clarify how Define investigator roles: Clarify how each of the roles are essential to the each of the roles are essential to the success of the project (e.g., what specific success of the project (e.g., what specific knowledge/skills does each investigator knowledge/skills does each investigator bring to the research)bring to the research)

Is the research environment adequate Is the research environment adequate and conducive to conducting the study?and conducive to conducting the study?

Investigator Roles and Investigator Roles and Expertise: Track Record Expertise: Track Record

(P.I.)(P.I.) Academic and Research TrainingAcademic and Research Training Honours and AwardsHonours and Awards PublicationsPublications Research AccomplishedResearch Accomplished Grant FundingGrant Funding LeadershipLeadership

BudgetBudget Familiarize yourself with what the Familiarize yourself with what the

granting agency will fundgranting agency will fund Think through the research step-by-Think through the research step-by-

step and make a list of what you will step and make a list of what you will need (e.g., personnel, supplies, need (e.g., personnel, supplies, equipment, database access, etc.) equipment, database access, etc.)

BudgetBudget

Provide clear description and Provide clear description and justification for items requested, justification for items requested, item by item (show how the costs item by item (show how the costs were calculated)were calculated)

If hiring research staff, briefly If hiring research staff, briefly describe responsibilities of research describe responsibilities of research staff in relation to the research planstaff in relation to the research plan

Make the budget realisticMake the budget realistic

AppendicesAppendices

Complement what is written in the full Complement what is written in the full proposal proposal

Assume the reviewer will only have a Assume the reviewer will only have a short time to read your proposal and it short time to read your proposal and it will only be the main body of your will only be the main body of your proposal (not the appendices)proposal (not the appendices)

Then, assume that you have gotten the Then, assume that you have gotten the attention of the reviewer who would attention of the reviewer who would now like some additional information - now like some additional information - this is the purpose of the Appendicesthis is the purpose of the Appendices

Examples of Possible Examples of Possible Appendices Appendices

Time LineTime Line Letters of Support Letters of Support Qualitative Interview QuestionsQualitative Interview Questions Quantitative Survey Questionnaire: Quantitative Survey Questionnaire:

instruments/measuresinstruments/measures Dissemination/Knowledge Dissemination/Knowledge

Translation Plan Translation Plan

Commonly cited problems Commonly cited problems for not getting fundedfor not getting funded

Lack of significance of Lack of significance of scientific issuescientific issue

Lack of original or new Lack of original or new ideasideas

Unrealistic, overly ambitiousUnrealistic, overly ambitious Scientific rationale not validScientific rationale not valid Diffuse, superficial, lacks Diffuse, superficial, lacks

focusfocus

Commonly cited problems Commonly cited problems for not getting fundedfor not getting funded

Fishing expedition: no basic Fishing expedition: no basic scientific question being addressedscientific question being addressed

Insufficient methodological detail Insufficient methodological detail Innovation but lacking preliminary Innovation but lacking preliminary

datadata Inadequate experience of Inadequate experience of

investigator; lack of appropriate investigator; lack of appropriate collaboratorscollaborators

General "Tips" to General "Tips" to ConsiderConsider

Major undertaking: Allocate lot's of Major undertaking: Allocate lot's of time!!time!!

General rule of thumb: Start 4 months General rule of thumb: Start 4 months before deadlinebefore deadline

Examine proposals from successful Examine proposals from successful applicantsapplicants

Seek assistance and pre-review from Seek assistance and pre-review from others with experience in grant others with experience in grant writing (plan time for rewriting)writing (plan time for rewriting)

General "Tips" to General "Tips" to ConsiderConsider

Highlight match between your proposal Highlight match between your proposal and purpose of competitionand purpose of competition

Get to know your granting agencies and Get to know your granting agencies and what they fund what they fund

Know that your proposal may be Know that your proposal may be reviewed by people who are not in your reviewed by people who are not in your areaarea

Follow the rules of the competitionFollow the rules of the competition Write for a multi-disciplinary audience Write for a multi-disciplinary audience

General "Tips" to General "Tips" to ConsiderConsider

Reviewers are busy people and have many Reviewers are busy people and have many proposals to read: Make your proposal one proposals to read: Make your proposal one that they will want to read!that they will want to read!

Use short paragraphs and summarize oftenUse short paragraphs and summarize often If able, use spaces between headings; bold If able, use spaces between headings; bold

important pointsimportant points Avoid using jargon, trendy or "in" words, Avoid using jargon, trendy or "in" words,

abbreviations, or redundant phrasesabbreviations, or redundant phrases Try summarizing main points on a tableTry summarizing main points on a table

General "Tips" to General "Tips" to ConsiderConsider

If a novice, consider writing the If a novice, consider writing the proposal with a team of people, not proposal with a team of people, not just you alonejust you alone

Consider conducting pilot work or Consider conducting pilot work or taking some small steps to begin taking some small steps to begin your researchyour research

1.1. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

2.2. Carefully read through the reviewers’ Carefully read through the reviewers’ commentscomments

3.3. Make the suggested changes to improve Make the suggested changes to improve your proposalyour proposal

4.4. Resubmit to the same or another funding Resubmit to the same or another funding agency.agency.

If Your Proposal is Rejected

General "Tips" to General "Tips" to ConsiderConsider

Be patient and don't Be patient and don't give up!give up!