Keep Your Eyes Open for Funding Sources
Become familiar with sources of funding for the type of research that you
conduct. Examine the websites of federal funding agencies and check the
announcements areas for current information.
Communicate
Discuss your plans with a program officer at the agency to which you plan to
apply for funds. The program officer can answer questions about review of your
proposal and can provide information that can guide your application.
Include a Detailed Review of the Literature
Show that you've done your homework. Cite the major research to demonstrate
your handle on the scientific literature in your discipline. Reference work from
your lab, but also work from competing labs (you never know who will review your
proposal!).
Be Meticulous
Carefully prepare your grant application. If your proposal is written poorly,
it will not be taken seriously.
Give Reviewers a Reason to Fund Your Proposal
Your proposal should leave reviewers with a clear understanding of your
objectives as well as the implications of your research. What is the applied
relevance of your work? Be sure that your proposal answers the question,
"So what?" Convince the reviewers that your research question is worth
an answer and that the answer will be of use to the world.
Seek Constructive Criticism
Get feedback on a draft of your grant proposal. Ask a trusted colleague to
review it, spot holes, and offer suggestions to strengthen your proposal.
Be Realistic
Understand that most proposals are not funded. Take advantage of the comments
and advice that you receive through the review process and sharpen your
application for the next round of grant applications.
