How to Write a Killer Grant Application

Finding a number of great grants to apply to is only the beginning; then you have to actually sit down and write your grant application. These applications usually force scientists to condense tens of pages into just a few; the ability to express complex research projects in a couple of pages can be the difference between ending up with no money, and scoring $100,000 worth of funding.

Know What You Need

Understanding the NIH’s grant-giving mechanism is the first step towards receiving funding. This huge arm of the government gives out many types of grants, and you’re more likely to win some money if you choose an appropriate funding mechanism. Usually the grant applications differ by time period of the project and award amount; check out this Word document about the different types of grants the NIH awards.

Before You Start Writing

Read, read, and reread the application, and make note of any special writing procedures or specific sections of the form that you will need to pay heed to.
Bounce your project idea off your colleagues and others who are knowledgeable about your field.
Ensure that your proposed project has never been done before; do a thorough literature search to be sure.
Complete a rough outline of the application; notice where your idea seems strong and where it may be lacking.
Write a timeline for when you will finish different drafts of your application. Plan to do at least three drafts.
Become familiar with how your application will be judged and any relevant peer review criteria.
Search for a mentor who will agree to provide you with detailed help throughout the process.
Look online or ask your colleagues for grant applications that were successful; use them to inform how you structure your own research proposal.

As You Write

As you draft and refine your grant proposal, make sure to highlight the following aspects of your research, to make a good impression on your peer reviewers.

Significance: What does your project bring to the table, for your field as a whole? Why is it crucial that your research be done? Highlight the big picture idea of how your research project will be significant for scientific knowledge.
Innovation: Make sure your peer reviewers know that you are building on past research and developments, not that you’re trying to repeat them over again. Your project must bring something new to the table, whether it be a minute refinement or a hypothesis for a totally new concept.
Approach: Your project’s aims can sound wonderful and amazing, but if the grant reviewers don’t think it can be accomplished with your current approach and time frame, they won’t give it a second glance. Thoroughly cover your intended research strategies, and be honest about potential setbacks and how you will overcome them.

More Grant Writing Resources:

Source:

Writing Your Grant Application. (2011) Department of Health and Human Services.