TEN TIPS TO A SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATION

Dr. Jon P. Anderson

2

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS

The proposal may not be successfully submitted if the instructions are not followed Page limits Page margins Font selection

Helps you organize the proposal in a consistent way

ApplicationGuideSF424

3

DON’T MAKE THE REVIEWERS WORK HARD

Provide a logical outline Highlight main points

and objectives Address the review

criteria Significance Investigator Innovation Approach Environment

4

DON’T BE AFRAID TO PROVIDE A BASIC OVERVIEW

You are an expert in the field – don’t assume the reviewer is also an expert

Provide a brief overview of the current state of affairs How does your proposed research

fit Generates a better story than just

diving into a detailed research plan If you can get the reviewers

excited about the research, then you have an advocate in the review process

5

DIAGRAM THE MAIN IDEA OF THE RESEARCH

A picture is worth a thousand words

Reviewers can get a quick overview of the research Remember to describe

the diagram – get the reviewer to see what you want them to see

A simple timeline or summary Gantt chart can easily display how the work will proceed

6

LIST POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

If you can think of potential problems with the proposed research, so can the reviewers

Reviewers like to see that you have thoroughly thought about the research

Listing possible problems is not the same thing as saying this project will fail

7

PROPOSE A REASONABLE TIMELINE AND BUDGET

Not all research projects require the same resources $100,000 and 6-months

If you require more time and money, then make a request. Remember to justify your

request for more time and/or money.

NOTE – Mean Phase I award (FY 2006-2008) for SBIR and STTR was $170,000

8

INCLUDE A COVER LETTER

List specific areas of expertise that are appropriate for the review of your grant

List individuals or organizations who would have a conflict as a reviewer

Suggest relevant granting institutes or centers to fund the research

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HAVE AN OUTSIDE EXPERT REVIEW THE GRANT

Scientific and technical quality of the proposed research Are the objectives reasonable? How do you measure feasibility?

Identify potential problems with the research Are the relevant papers cited? Will this research solve a specific

problem?

SBIR

STTR

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HAVE A NON-EXPERT REVIEW THE GRANT

Provides a different perspective on the writing Readability Logical flow of ideas Grammar Use of graphics

Is there a clear understanding of the underlying problem and the solution that this research provides?

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GET IT DONE EARLY

Last minute submissions can fall short Computer problems Connection problems Incomplete/incorrect

forms You can no longer

hand-deliver the application to the NIH

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LI-COR SBIR SUCCESS STORIES

LI-7500 Open Path CO2/H2O Gas Analyzer

Odyssey Infrared Imaging System

IR-Labeled Phosphoramidites

LI-7700 Open Path Methane Analyzer