Hints on Writing a Successful Grant
This section is based, in part, on a presentation given by Dr James Ferrara of the University of Michigan Medical School, to the annual congress of the American Society of Hematology, Philadelphia, 2002.
Tips for success
Clarity
Applicants should state 3-5 specific aims and state the hypothesis, where relevant, upfront. Reviewers will be asking themselves the following questions when they read each application:
Special Project/Early Career Investigator Award
Fellowship Project
Caregivers Education Award
Openness
Applicants should acknowledge competing hypotheses, funding opportunities and time constraints. What are the pitfalls of the approaches proposed?
Attention to detail
Applicants should carefully check the letter of intent and full application for errors, e.g. references not correlating with text, spelling mistakes, etc.
Timelines and resources
The budget
Authorized Expenses: These include: salary and fringe benefits, equipment and supplies necessary to fulfil the project's aims; travel expenses directly related to the implementation of the project; costs associated with the publication of the research
Unauthorized Expenses: salaries, travel and/or housing related to sabbaticals; purchase or rental of office equipment; fees for tuition; membership dues, congress/meeting registrations, subscriptions, books or journals
Personnel: Justify the amount of effort you propose to spend on the project; less than 20% raises concerns about your commitment. Indicate in detail how each salaried person (including yourself) will contribute to the project, including their experience and established expertise.
Consultant expenses: The request should be minimal and very well justified.
Equipment: Justify why you need each requested piece of equipment.
Supplies: Ensure your proposal will make efficient use of supplies and labor. Think carefully about all the activities you will need to do to accomplish your objectives, and plan your supply budget accordingly.
Additional Funding: It is permissible for a project to receive additional funding from another source. However, this information must be provided on the full application form.
Institutional Overhead Payments: Applicants may request institutional overhead payments. It is important to note that any institutional overhead payments will be paid out of the amount funded, not in addition to it.
Final comment
Ensure that you read all sections of this website thoroughly before completing a letter of intent or full application form. It is highly likely that if you have any questions concerning the Awards Program, the answer will be found within the site. If not, contact the administrator for further clarification.