research proposals and problem grants claire mcmurray, ph.d., ku writing center
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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 I t is a learnable skill so train and practice!. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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 GrantorsGovernment
• 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 ProcessResearching 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.
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…