LEC
Grant Writing 101
From research question to fundable proposal
Lecture Slides
Grant Writing 101
LAAR 64150 · Design Research

The winning proposal is always the clearest proposal that all grant reviewers understand.

Write in clear language, no jargon. Your readers are knowledgeable non-experts.

A general structure

  • Abstract / Summary
  • First Paragraph
  • Background and Previous Work
  • Objectives
  • Work Plan
  • Intellectual Merit
  • Broader Impact
  • Budget
  • Bibliography
Part I

Write for a reader

Part II

The structure

Part III

Show the work

Abstract / Summary

  • Use plain language to describe what you are going to do.
  • Save the background — it does not belong here.

First Paragraph

  • Hook sentence.
  • Then: what are you going to do?

Background and Previous Work

  • Map out the field you are working in.
  • Identify the gap.
  • Say why your proposed work can address that gap.

Objectives

  • Use verbs with clear aims — study x to understand y.
  • Be careful with “explore.”
    • You want the work to sound exploratory, not like a fishing trip.

Work Plan

  • What is your research? What are you going to do?
  • Explain in plain and straightforward language.
  • Have a clear plan — and make sure it is realistic.
Part I

Write for a reader

Part II

The structure

Part III

Show the work

Intellectual Merit

  • How does your project contribute to the theory of x, or fill the gap of y?

Broader Impact

  • Societal impact — educational, STEM, K–12.
  • DEI should be intrinsic to the proposal, not bolted on.
  • Climate, environmental, ecological.

Budget

  • Pay yourself, so that they know you will work.

Bibliography

  • Show you know the field — and how you can contribute to it.

Pictures!

We are visual professions — use diagrams to explain your idea.

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