10/28/08 1texas a&m university office of proposal development competing for funding at the...

10/28/08 1 Texas A&M University Office of Proposal Development

Competing for Fundingat the

National Science Foundation

Oct. 28, 2008

Lucy [email protected]

Office of Proposal Development Texas A&M University


Texas A&M UniversityOffice of Proposal Development

Unit of Office of Research and Graduate Studies; Unit of Office of Research and Graduate Studies; Supports Texas A&M faculty in the development Supports Texas A&M faculty in the development

and writing of research and educational proposals:and writing of research and educational proposals: center-level initiatives center-level initiatives multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research teams multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research teams research affinity groupsresearch affinity groups junior faculty research junior faculty research diversity in the research enterprisediversity in the research enterprise


Office of Proposal Development OPD-WEB

OPD-WEB (OPD-WEB (http://opd.tamu.edu/http://opd.tamu.edu/) ) Funding opportunitiesFunding opportunities Junior faculty supportJunior faculty support Proposal development resourcesProposal development resources Grant writing seminars and workshopsGrant writing seminars and workshops Grant writing workbooks and toolkitsGrant writing workbooks and toolkits PI perspectives on competitive proposalsPI perspectives on competitive proposals


For more info Go to Go to http://http://opd.tamu.eduopd.tamu.edu, click “Seminar , click “Seminar

Materials”, then “Seminars by Date” and look for Materials”, then “Seminars by Date” and look for this seminar (first link)this seminar (first link) For an electronic version of this presentation For an electronic version of this presentation For additional resource materialsFor additional resource materials

Articles and presentations by NSF program officersArticles and presentations by NSF program officers Lists of helpful NSF linksLists of helpful NSF links ““Toolkit” on NSFToolkit” on NSF


Overview Before you startBefore you start Things you need to know about competing Things you need to know about competing

for research fundingfor research funding NSFNSF

Organization and cultureOrganization and culture Funding mechanismsFunding mechanisms Finding where you fitFinding where you fit Writing the proposalWriting the proposal What happens after you submitWhat happens after you submit

Other agenciesOther agencies Q&A PanelQ&A Panel


Grad Students and Postdocs:Start Before the Clock Starts

Ask advice from faculty who have been Ask advice from faculty who have been successful in getting fundingsuccessful in getting funding

Take courses and workshops on writing Take courses and workshops on writing proposalsproposals

Volunteer to help write a grant proposalVolunteer to help write a grant proposal Apply for fellowships, dissertation grants, Apply for fellowships, dissertation grants,

conference travel grantsconference travel grants Network within your fieldNetwork within your field


Moving to a Faculty Position:Establish a Research Agenda

What big questions do you want to answer in the first 5 What big questions do you want to answer in the first 5 years? In the first 15 years?years? In the first 15 years?

Is the topic separated enough from that of your advisor Is the topic separated enough from that of your advisor to establish an independent career, but builds on your to establish an independent career, but builds on your grad workgrad work

Is it a topic you are passionate about?Is it a topic you are passionate about? Do have publications that will support this line of Do have publications that will support this line of

research?research? Is your agenda in an exciting, high-impact area of Is your agenda in an exciting, high-impact area of

scholarship?scholarship? Is your topic in an area that is currently funded by Is your topic in an area that is currently funded by

agencies or likely to be funded soon?agencies or likely to be funded soon?


Network Talk to senior colleagues, department head Talk to senior colleagues, department head

What are the expectations in your department What are the expectations in your department regarding funding?regarding funding?

When should you start pursuing funding for your When should you start pursuing funding for your research?research?

Where have they been funded?Where have they been funded? If possible, find “grant mentors”If possible, find “grant mentors”

Attend conferences and seek out program Attend conferences and seek out program directors from agencies, colleagues in your area directors from agencies, colleagues in your area who have been well-fundedwho have been well-funded

Determine where you expect to seek funding Determine where you expect to seek funding and work to become part of that communityand work to become part of that community


Be Strategic New faculty are very busy! Use your time wisely.New faculty are very busy! Use your time wisely. Outline grant submissions for the first 2 or 3 Outline grant submissions for the first 2 or 3

years as part of your overall career planyears as part of your overall career plan Understand expectations in your field, institution and Understand expectations in your field, institution and

departmentdepartment Get to know your agency(ies) and programsGet to know your agency(ies) and programs

Use start-up funds to position yourself to be Use start-up funds to position yourself to be competitive (pubs, preliminary data)competitive (pubs, preliminary data)

Allow enough time to prepare a well-written Allow enough time to prepare a well-written proposalproposal Learn the process at your institutionLearn the process at your institution


Build a Track Record

Publish on the topicPublish on the topic Pursue smaller grants firstPursue smaller grants first Collaborate with more senior researchersCollaborate with more senior researchers

Be sure your contribution is identifiableBe sure your contribution is identifiable Division of resources and outputs should be Division of resources and outputs should be

defined before submitting the grantdefined before submitting the grant Generate preliminary resultsGenerate preliminary results


Consider Applying for New Investigator/Early Career Grants

Find out what grants are available in your Find out what grants are available in your discipline specifically for early career discipline specifically for early career researchersresearchers

Will not be competing with senior researchersWill not be competing with senior researchers Still expect a track recordStill expect a track record

PublicationsPublications Preliminary dataPreliminary data

Understand expectations for these grants (e.g., Understand expectations for these grants (e.g., NSF CAREER, NIH K99, DoD YIP)NSF CAREER, NIH K99, DoD YIP)


Persevere Intelligently Plan on rejectionPlan on rejection

Funding rates typically 20% or lowerFunding rates typically 20% or lower Even the best researchers are declined more than Even the best researchers are declined more than

they are fundedthey are funded Agencies expect you to revise and resubmitAgencies expect you to revise and resubmit

Ways to respond to a declined proposalWays to respond to a declined proposal Get discouraged and stop applyingGet discouraged and stop applying Disregard reviewers’ comments and resubmitDisregard reviewers’ comments and resubmit Learn from reviewers’ comments and revise Learn from reviewers’ comments and revise

intelligentlyintelligently Pursuing grants is like honing in on a targetPursuing grants is like honing in on a target


Discussion


Things You Need to Know About Competing for Research Funding


It’s not about you…It’s about the funder

Understand what the funder is trying to Understand what the funder is trying to accomplish by giving this grantaccomplish by giving this grant Funder’s mission and cultureFunder’s mission and culture Program objectivesProgram objectives Review criteriaReview criteria

Understand the funder’s organization and Understand the funder’s organization and proceduresprocedures Where does the money come from?Where does the money come from? How are proposals reviewed?How are proposals reviewed? Who will make the decisions related to your proposal?Who will make the decisions related to your proposal?


A Proposal is Not an Academic Article

Must be persuasiveMust be persuasive Must communicate passionMust communicate passion Must communicate impact Must communicate impact Must be easy to understand by readers with Must be easy to understand by readers with

various backgroundsvarious backgrounds Must tie research to the goals of the funderMust tie research to the goals of the funder Focuses on future, not pastFocuses on future, not past Must inspire confidence in researchers’ abilities Must inspire confidence in researchers’ abilities

and resourcesand resources


You must convince the reviewers…

This is a project that should be doneThis is a project that should be done It supports the goals of the agency and programIt supports the goals of the agency and program It will yield significant resultsIt will yield significant results It is more important (or cooler or more significant) It is more important (or cooler or more significant)

than other proposed projectsthan other proposed projects

You (and your team) are the right people You (and your team) are the right people to do itto do it You have the skills and resources to be successfulYou have the skills and resources to be successful You have thought through the projectYou have thought through the project

And most importantly, you must….And most importantly, you must….


Intrigue the Reviewers


““There is no amount of There is no amount of grantsmanship that will turn a grantsmanship that will turn a bad idea into a good one, but bad idea into a good one, but there are many ways to there are many ways to disguise a good one.”disguise a good one.”

William Raub,William Raub,former Deputy Director, NIHformer Deputy Director, NIH


The National Science Foundation

Organization of NSFOrganization of NSF Types of funding opportunitiesTypes of funding opportunities NSF’s mission and goalsNSF’s mission and goals Proposal requirements and Proposal requirements and

Evaluation CriteriaEvaluation Criteria Review ProcessReview Process


NSF Structure Divided into directorates:Divided into directorates:

Biological Sciences (BIO)Biological Sciences (BIO) Computer and Information Science and Eng (CISE)Computer and Information Science and Eng (CISE) Education and Human Resources (EHR)Education and Human Resources (EHR) Engineering (ENG)Engineering (ENG) Geosciences (GEO)Geosciences (GEO) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE)Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Office of Polar Programs (OPP)Office of Polar Programs (OPP)

Each directorate divided into divisions and programs -Each directorate divided into divisions and programs -see see http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp

Submit most proposals to specific disciplinary programSubmit most proposals to specific disciplinary program Also cross-cutting programsAlso cross-cutting programs


Funding Opportunities

Helpful NSF web pages to search for Helpful NSF web pages to search for funding opportunitiesfunding opportunities Guide to ProgramsGuide to Programs

http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp ““About Funding” About Funding”

http://www.nsf.gov/funding/aboutfunding.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/funding/aboutfunding.jsp

““Active Funding Opportunities” (by due date)Active Funding Opportunities” (by due date)http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_list.jsp?org=NSF&ord=rcnthttp://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_list.jsp?org=NSF&ord=rcnt

Award Search Award Search http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp


Types of Funding Opportunities

Program Description or Program Program Description or Program Announcement (“unsolicited”)Announcement (“unsolicited”) Administered by disciplinary “programs” within

directorate and division Typically due once or twice per year (sometimes due

dates; sometimes “target dates” or “windows”); 1 – 3 PIs

Follow Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) for formatting, eligibility, etc.

http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf08_1/gpg_index.jsp Note: New GPG will take effect Jan. 2009 http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf09_1/index.jsp

Synopsis of research interests and abstracts of funded proposals on web site


Types of Funding Opportunities SolicitationsSolicitations

More focused than program announcementsMore focused than program announcements Often tied to particular agency initiativeOften tied to particular agency initiative NSF-wide and cross-cutting opportunitiesNSF-wide and cross-cutting opportunities Often apply for limited period of timeOften apply for limited period of time Give specific format, criteria and other requirements Give specific format, criteria and other requirements

that may differ from GPGthat may differ from GPG

SupplementsSupplements Additions to existing grantsAdditions to existing grants Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Research Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Research

Experiences for Teachers, Research Opportunity Experiences for Teachers, Research Opportunity Awards, etc.Awards, etc.


Types of Funding Opportunities Dear Colleague LetterDear Colleague Letter

Informs research community of upcoming Informs research community of upcoming opportunities, special competition for supplements, opportunities, special competition for supplements, etc.etc.

Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID)Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) quick-response research on natural or anthropogenic quick-response research on natural or anthropogenic

disasters and similar unanticipated events disasters and similar unanticipated events Up to $200K for 1 yearUp to $200K for 1 year

Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER)Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) Up to $300K for 2 yearsUp to $300K for 2 years High risk, exploratory researchHigh risk, exploratory research

Both RAPID and EAGER Both RAPID and EAGER will take effect in Jan 2009will take effect in Jan 2009 and are reviewed internally (be sure to talk to the and are reviewed internally (be sure to talk to the Program Manager)Program Manager)


Funding Opportunities

In addition to research grants, NSF In addition to research grants, NSF funds…funds… InstrumentationInstrumentation Conferences and WorkshopsConferences and Workshops Doctoral Research in Selected Areas Doctoral Research in Selected Areas

(Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants)(Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants) International TravelInternational Travel Graduate Student FellowshipsGraduate Student Fellowships


NSF Culture and MissionStrategic Goals, 2006 - 2011

DiscoveryDiscovery Advance frontiers of knowledgeAdvance frontiers of knowledge Emphasize areas of greatest opportunity and potential Emphasize areas of greatest opportunity and potential

benefitbenefit Establish nation as global leader in transforming science Establish nation as global leader in transforming science

and educationand education LearningLearning

Cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive S&E workforceCultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive S&E workforce Expand scientific literacy of all citizensExpand scientific literacy of all citizens

Research InfrastructureResearch Infrastructure Build nation’s research capability through investments in Build nation’s research capability through investments in

advanced instrumentation, facilities, cyberinfrastructure advanced instrumentation, facilities, cyberinfrastructure and experimental toolsand experimental tools


NSF Strategic Goals (cont’d)

StewardshipStewardship Support excellence in science and Support excellence in science and

engineering research and education through a engineering research and education through a capable and responsive organizationcapable and responsive organization


NSF 2009 Priority Areas (NSF-wide Investments)

http://www.nsf.gov/news/priority_areas/ Adaptive Systems TechnologyAdaptive Systems Technology NSF Centers Programs and FundingNSF Centers Programs and Funding Climate Change Science ProgramClimate Change Science Program Cyber-enabled Discovery and InnovationCyber-enabled Discovery and Innovation CyberinfrastructureCyberinfrastructure Dynamics of Water Processes in the EnvironmentDynamics of Water Processes in the Environment National Nanotechnology InitiativeNational Nanotechnology Initiative Networking and Information Technology R&DNetworking and Information Technology R&D Science and Engineering Beyond Moore’s LawScience and Engineering Beyond Moore’s Law Selected Crosscutting ProgramsSelected Crosscutting Programs


NSF Culture Each directorate has its own culture and Each directorate has its own culture and

prioritiespriorities Get to know the directorates and divisions that Get to know the directorates and divisions that

could fund your workcould fund your work Read web site – goals, priorities of directorate, Read web site – goals, priorities of directorate,

division, programsdivision, programs Get to know program directorsGet to know program directors Use funded programs data base to find out what has Use funded programs data base to find out what has

been funded recently - been funded recently - http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/index.jsp

Volunteer to serve as reviewerVolunteer to serve as reviewer Attend NSF national and regional workshopsAttend NSF national and regional workshops


NSF Funds…

Basic research, not developmentBasic research, not development How basic depends on directorate, programHow basic depends on directorate, program

Novel ideas (but high risk projects will Novel ideas (but high risk projects will require more extensive track record)require more extensive track record)

““Transformative” researchTransformative” research Projects that improve STEM education Projects that improve STEM education

and diversityand diversity High impact (not incremental) researchHigh impact (not incremental) research


Finding Where Your Research Fits at NSF

Talk to colleagues in your areaTalk to colleagues in your area Use the website (see articles in your packet)Use the website (see articles in your packet)

Look at program descriptionsLook at program descriptions Look at funded programsLook at funded programs Demonstration: Demonstration: http://http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jspwww.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp

Ask the Program OfficerAsk the Program Officer E-mail and/or call with questionsE-mail and/or call with questions

Be prepared to answer the question, “What is your research Be prepared to answer the question, “What is your research objective?” in 25 words or lessobjective?” in 25 words or less

Visit NSFVisit NSF Look for them at conferencesLook for them at conferences

Attend NSF national and regional workshopsAttend NSF national and regional workshopshttp://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsp


RFPs: Analyzing an NSF Solicitation

Who is eligible to submit?Who is eligible to submit? What is the funding level and funding period?What is the funding level and funding period? What is NSF’s objective?What is NSF’s objective? What are the review criteria?What are the review criteria? What is the review process?What is the review process? Do they refer to reports, other programs?Do they refer to reports, other programs? What projects have been funded in the past?What projects have been funded in the past?


Grant Proposal Guidehttp://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf09_1/gpg_index.jsp Default authority for formatting, page Default authority for formatting, page

length, etc.length, etc. Includes info onIncludes info on

BiosketchesBiosketches BudgetsBudgets Additional documentsAdditional documents ProceduresProcedures

Exceptions from GPG must be detailed in Exceptions from GPG must be detailed in solicitationsolicitation


Charles Mingus on Grant Writing

Making the simple Making the simple complicated is complicated is commonplace; commonplace; making the making the complicated simple, complicated simple, awesomely simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.that's creativity.


Connect to Review Criteria

Through-out proposal point out explicitly Through-out proposal point out explicitly how program components address review how program components address review criteriacriteria

Address each criterion separatelyAddress each criterion separately Make this easy to findMake this easy to find Make this conciseMake this concise


Performance Expectations:Review Criteria

Intellectual MeritIntellectual Merit How important is the proposed activity to advancing How important is the proposed activity to advancing

knowledge and understanding within its own field or knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? across different fields?

How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) How well qualified is the proposer (individual or team) to conduct the project? to conduct the project?

To what extent does the proposed activity suggest To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and original concepts; is it and explore creative and original concepts; is it potentially transformative? potentially transformative?

How well conceived and organized is the proposed How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? activity?

Is there sufficient access to resources? Is there sufficient access to resources?


Review Criteria Broader ImpactsBroader Impacts

Advance discovery while promoting teaching, training Advance discovery while promoting teaching, training and learningand learning

Broaden participation of underrepresented groupsBroaden participation of underrepresented groups DisseminationDissemination Societal benefitsSocietal benefits Improve infrastructure for researchImprove infrastructure for research Discuss throughout proposal AND in separate section Discuss throughout proposal AND in separate section

in both Project Summary and Descriptionin both Project Summary and Description Special CriteriaSpecial Criteria

Program specificProgram specific Listed in solicitation under “Proposal Review Listed in solicitation under “Proposal Review

Information”Information”


NSF Proposal Sections: Examples

Project Summary (typ. 1 page)Project Summary (typ. 1 page) Project Description/Research Narrative Project Description/Research Narrative (typ. 15 pgs)(typ. 15 pgs) Literature Cited (typ. no page limit)Literature Cited (typ. no page limit) Budget (forms)Budget (forms) Budget Justification (typ. 3 page max)Budget Justification (typ. 3 page max) Biosketches (typ. 2 pages per person)Biosketches (typ. 2 pages per person) Current and Pending Projects (no limit)Current and Pending Projects (no limit) Equipment and Facilities (no limit)Equipment and Facilities (no limit) Supplement Documentation (e.g., letters of Supplement Documentation (e.g., letters of

collaboration; limits vary)collaboration; limits vary)


The Project Summary

The most important part of your proposal!The most important part of your proposal! Provides reviewers with a context for your proposed researchProvides reviewers with a context for your proposed research Helps reviewers understand your research topicHelps reviewers understand your research topic Persuades reviewers of the need for your researchPersuades reviewers of the need for your research Assures reviewers of your qualificationsAssures reviewers of your qualifications Assures reviewers of your access to appropriate resourcesAssures reviewers of your access to appropriate resources Outlines your research objectivesOutlines your research objectives Describes your expected outcomesDescribes your expected outcomes Demonstrates the significance of your research Demonstrates the significance of your research

MustMust include intellectual merit and broader include intellectual merit and broader impact, separately discussedimpact, separately discussed


Example Project Description Outline Introduction and OverviewIntroduction and Overview (typically 1 – 2 pages)(typically 1 – 2 pages)

Statement of problem/question/hypothesisStatement of problem/question/hypothesis Overview of the projectOverview of the project Overall goalsOverall goals Significance and Intellectual MeritSignificance and Intellectual Merit

Background and Current State of KnowledgeBackground and Current State of Knowledge (typ. 2 – 3 pages)(typ. 2 – 3 pages) Preliminary Data or Prior WorkPreliminary Data or Prior Work conducted by the PI(s) conducted by the PI(s) (varies depending on amount of (varies depending on amount of

prior work; no more than 4 pages)prior work; no more than 4 pages) Research PlanResearch Plan (typ. 5 – 8 pages) (typ. 5 – 8 pages)

Detailed goals and objectivesDetailed goals and objectives MethodologyMethodology Plan of work (e.g., tasks, milestones, schedules)Plan of work (e.g., tasks, milestones, schedules) Expected outcomesExpected outcomes

Broader ImpactsBroader Impacts (typ. ¾ - 1.5 pages)(typ. ¾ - 1.5 pages) Scientific broader impacts (benefit to your broader field, other scientific fields, and to society Scientific broader impacts (benefit to your broader field, other scientific fields, and to society

in general)in general) Education and diversity (benefit to students, integration of research and education, etc.)Education and diversity (benefit to students, integration of research and education, etc.) Dissemination (how will others find out about your research?)Results of Prior NSF SupportDissemination (how will others find out about your research?)Results of Prior NSF Support

Results of Prior SupportResults of Prior Support (1 short paragraph for each prior project)(1 short paragraph for each prior project) Only required for PI/co-PIs with NSF funding in the last 5 years.Only required for PI/co-PIs with NSF funding in the last 5 years. List award #, funding period, amount, PI and describe goals and results (esp in terms of List award #, funding period, amount, PI and describe goals and results (esp in terms of

papers published and students graduates)papers published and students graduates) Note: many PIs put this at the very front of the project description; I think it should go in the Note: many PIs put this at the very front of the project description; I think it should go in the

front if the prior projects are closely related; otherwise, put it at the end.front if the prior projects are closely related; otherwise, put it at the end.


Introduction/Overview

Provides a framework for the reviewerProvides a framework for the reviewer Remainder of proposal will flesh out this Remainder of proposal will flesh out this

frameworkframework Opportunity to make important points up Opportunity to make important points up

frontfront Communicate your excitement!Communicate your excitement!


Goals State specific, measurable goals of State specific, measurable goals of

your projectyour project Tie to program/agency mission and Tie to program/agency mission and

goalsgoals If hypothesis-based research, state If hypothesis-based research, state

your hypothesisyour hypothesis Discuss expected outcomesDiscuss expected outcomes


Background/Literature Review

Spend some time researching thisSpend some time researching this This section should tie closely to your This section should tie closely to your

proposed researchproposed research What are the holes in current knowledge that your What are the holes in current knowledge that your

work will fill?work will fill? How does your research extend and advance How does your research extend and advance

knowledge in the field?knowledge in the field? Do not be dismissive of previous researchDo not be dismissive of previous research Be thorough in citing important work but be Be thorough in citing important work but be

conciseconcise


Significance

Explain explicitly why proposed research Explain explicitly why proposed research is importantis important Tie to agency and program goalsTie to agency and program goals Relate to review criteriaRelate to review criteria

Make this easy to findMake this easy to find


Preliminary Data

Understand the expectations of the agency Understand the expectations of the agency and programand program How much preliminary data is expected?How much preliminary data is expected? Higher risk research will require more preliminary Higher risk research will require more preliminary

datadata Less experienced researchers will generally need Less experienced researchers will generally need

more preliminary datamore preliminary data Preliminary data should strengthen reviewers’ Preliminary data should strengthen reviewers’

perception of your chance of successperception of your chance of success


Research Plan Be very clear about how you will accomplish Be very clear about how you will accomplish

your stated goals and objectivesyour stated goals and objectives Include detailsInclude details

What, specifically, will you do when you get the What, specifically, will you do when you get the money?money?

Schedules and milestones are often helpfulSchedules and milestones are often helpful This is especially important if you are a relatively new This is especially important if you are a relatively new

researcherresearcher Address any potential dead ends, roadblocks, Address any potential dead ends, roadblocks,

show-stoppers and how you will deal with themshow-stoppers and how you will deal with them Avoid ambiguous terminology – be very specific!Avoid ambiguous terminology – be very specific!


Project assessment and evaluation

How will you know if you were successful?How will you know if you were successful? Describe what will be measured in order to Describe what will be measured in order to

assess how well project met each of its assess how well project met each of its objectives objectives Who will conduct assessment? Who will conduct assessment? Discuss logisticsDiscuss logistics

Formative assessment: conducted throughout Formative assessment: conducted throughout project and results fed back to improve projectproject and results fed back to improve project

Summative assessment: final assessment at Summative assessment: final assessment at end of projectend of project


Connect narrative text to budget

Budget categories are defined by the funding Budget categories are defined by the funding agencyagency

Be sure activities discussed in narrative are Be sure activities discussed in narrative are reflected in budgetreflected in budget

Connect narrative text to the budget to ensure Connect narrative text to the budget to ensure appropriate balance and proportion, appropriate balance and proportion,

If a budget justification section is requested, use If a budget justification section is requested, use it to complement and deepen the narrative detailit to complement and deepen the narrative detail


Beware of Boiler Plate

Thinking of proposal narrative as “boiler Thinking of proposal narrative as “boiler plate” will result in a mediocre, disjointed plate” will result in a mediocre, disjointed proposalproposal

Begin each proposal as a new effort, not a Begin each proposal as a new effort, not a copy & pastecopy & paste

Be very cautious integrating text insertsBe very cautious integrating text inserts Strong proposals clearly reflect a coherent, Strong proposals clearly reflect a coherent,

sustained, and integrated argument grounded sustained, and integrated argument grounded on good ideason good ideas


Points to Emphasize State benefits of your research clearlyState benefits of your research clearly

Why is it important and how is it novel?Why is it important and how is it novel? How will it advance knowledge in field?How will it advance knowledge in field? Societal benefitsSocietal benefits

Research Plan should be specific and detailedResearch Plan should be specific and detailed Clearly state measurable goals and outcomesClearly state measurable goals and outcomes Discuss how you will address any possible problemsDiscuss how you will address any possible problems

Be sure to emphasize integration of education and Be sure to emphasize integration of education and researchresearch Measurable goals (e.g., number of students, diversity Measurable goals (e.g., number of students, diversity

goals, etc.)goals, etc.) Connect to existing NSF projects if possibleConnect to existing NSF projects if possible


Submission

Submit through Fastlane web interfaceSubmit through Fastlane web interface Must be registered (check with proposal Must be registered (check with proposal

administrator)administrator) Also can use Grants.govAlso can use Grants.gov

Must route proposal and budget for Must route proposal and budget for approvalapproval

10/28/08 56

Research & Education Communities

Proposal Preparation Time

Org. submitsviaFastLane N

SF

NSFProg.Off.

Prog,Off.

Anal.&

Recom..

DDConcur

ViaDGA

Organization

MERITREVIEW

DGA Review & Processingof Award

Proposal Receipt to DivisionDirector Concurrence of Program Officer Recommendation

Returned Without Review/Withdrawn

Mail

Panel

Both

Award

NSF Proposal & Award Process & TimelineNSF Proposal & Award Process & Timeline

Decline

90 Days 6 Months 30 Days

Proposal Receiptat NSF

DD Concur Award


Review Process

May be ad hoc or panel review (at least May be ad hoc or panel review (at least three reviewers)three reviewers)

Proposal rated:Proposal rated: Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, PoorExcellent, Very good, Good, Fair, Poor Comments included as feedbackComments included as feedback

NSF tries to return reviews within 6 NSF tries to return reviews within 6 months of due datemonths of due date

10/28/08 58

NSF Panel Review(most research divisions)

The panel is an advisory committee composedof ~10-20 people depending on # of proposals

Each proposal must receive at least 3 reviews

In panel, each reviewer describes his/her viewsof the proposal to the rest of the panel

The panel as a whole then discusses the proposal

The proposal is then placed in a funding recommendation category (e.g. Fund, Fund if Possible, Do not fund)


Pained by reviewer comments? Get over it!


Resubmitting proposals Take reviewers’ Take reviewers’

comments to heartcomments to heart Somewhere between Somewhere between

advisory & mandatory advisory & mandatory Assess next step:Assess next step:

Start overStart over Major renovationMajor renovation Minor renovationMinor renovation

Re-conceptualizeRe-conceptualize Drop the ideaDrop the idea

10/28/08 64

Tips for Success Review proposals that have been fundedReview proposals that have been funded

Contact PI’sContact PI’s Have more than one person read your Have more than one person read your

proposal prior to submission proposal prior to submission Peers AND scientists not in your area.Peers AND scientists not in your area.

If Rejected – Try AgainIf Rejected – Try Again Talk with the Program OfficerTalk with the Program Officer Pay attention to Reviewer’s comments Pay attention to Reviewer’s comments Attend a Grant-writing workshop Attend a Grant-writing workshop


Resources NSF web site: NSF web site: www.nsf.govwww.nsf.gov

Info on divisions and programsInfo on divisions and programs http://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/staff/orglist.jsp

Guide to ProgramsGuide to Programs http://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/funding/browse_all_funding.jsp

Tip to search within web site go to google and search: “Tip to search within web site go to google and search: “keywordkeyword site:www.nsf.gov”site:www.nsf.gov”

Office of NSF director (recent speaches): Office of NSF director (recent speaches): http://www.nsf.gov/od/http://www.nsf.gov/od/

NSF Grant Proposal GuideNSF Grant Proposal Guide http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpghttp://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg Gives requirements, formats, etc.Gives requirements, formats, etc.

Awards search of funded proposalsAwards search of funded proposals http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/

NSF E-mail notificationsNSF E-mail notifications https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?

code=USNSF&custom_id=823code=USNSF&custom_id=823 Get up to date information via e-mailGet up to date information via e-mailhttp://www.drexel.edu/provost/graduatestudies/hazelrigg.pdfhttp://www.drexel.edu/provost/graduatestudies/hazelrigg.pdf

NSF Regional Grants ConferencesNSF Regional Grants Conferenceshttp://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsphttp://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/outreach.jsp


The NSF CAREER Program Duration: 5 years Duration: 5 years Funding level: “minimum” $400K total (except min. Funding level: “minimum” $400K total (except min.

$500K total for BIO directorate)$500K total for BIO directorate) Eligibility:Eligibility:

Have a PhDHave a PhD Untenured, holding tenure-track Asst. Prof. position or equivalentUntenured, holding tenure-track Asst. Prof. position or equivalent Have not competed in CAREER more than two times previouslyHave not competed in CAREER more than two times previously Have not won a CAREER awardHave not won a CAREER award

Due: Typically third week in July; exact date depends on Due: Typically third week in July; exact date depends on directoratedirectorate

CAREER page:CAREER page: http://http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_idwww.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5262&org==5262&org=NSF&sel_orgNSF&sel_org==NSF&fromNSF&from=fund=fund


Success Rate for New Investigators: CAREER Compared to Other Awards

0

5

10

15

20

25

MPS SBE CSE GEO ENG BIO EHR

CAREER

New PI

(From presentation at Fall 2007 NSF Regional Grants Conference; Year not Specified)


Other Agencies that May Fund Your Project

National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of Health (NIH) US Department of Agriculture (USDA)US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Education (DoED)Department of Education (DoED) Department of Defense (DoD)Department of Defense (DoD) Department of Energy (DOE) and National LabsDepartment of Energy (DOE) and National Labs Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA)Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Endowment for Humanities (NEH)National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS)Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) And more, plus private foundations….And more, plus private foundations….


To Find Funding Opportunities

Grants.gov lists all federal grantsGrants.gov lists all federal grants http://www.grants.gov/http://www.grants.gov/ Advanced SearchAdvanced Search

Learn about the agency of interestLearn about the agency of interest How do they announce funding opportunities?How do they announce funding opportunities? Do they accept investigator-initiated Do they accept investigator-initiated

proposals?proposals? What are their mission, goals and culture?What are their mission, goals and culture?


Basic Research Agencies vs. Mission Agencies

NSF and NIH are Basic Research AgenciesNSF and NIH are Basic Research Agencies Independent research vision, missionIndependent research vision, mission Decisions made mainly on basis of peer reviewDecisions made mainly on basis of peer review Relatively stable research agendaRelatively stable research agenda Long-term investmentsLong-term investments

EPA, USDA, NOAA, DoD, etc. are mission EPA, USDA, NOAA, DoD, etc. are mission agenciesagencies Mainly near-term objectives Mainly near-term objectives Scope of Work tightly defines research Scope of Work tightly defines research

tasks/deliverablestasks/deliverables Can change quickly with change in political leadershipCan change quickly with change in political leadership Funding decisions may be based on peer review, Funding decisions may be based on peer review,

geographic location, other factorsgeographic location, other factors


Intramural vs. Extramural Research Some agencies fund only research by outside Some agencies fund only research by outside

scientists - scientists - extramural research extramural research NSF and DARPANSF and DARPA

Some agencies fund research by internal scientists Some agencies fund research by internal scientists – – intramural researchintramural research NIST and the National LabsNIST and the National Labs

Many fund both intramural and extramural researchMany fund both intramural and extramural research E.g., NIH, DoD, USDA, etc.E.g., NIH, DoD, USDA, etc.

Often a good idea to develop relationships and Often a good idea to develop relationships and collaborate with internal scientistscollaborate with internal scientists

Some agencies encourage faculty to participate as Some agencies encourage faculty to participate as visiting researchers during the summer visiting researchers during the summer


To Find out More Information on Other Agencies

See OPD Website Compilations and Directories of Funding Compilations and Directories of Funding

AgenciesAgencies

http://opd.tamu.edu/funding-opportunities/compilations-and-directorihttp://opd.tamu.edu/funding-opportunities/compilations-and-directories-of-funding-agencieses-of-funding-agencies

Proposal Resources by AgencyProposal Resources by Agency

http://opd.tamu.edu/proposal-resourceshttp://opd.tamu.edu/proposal-resources Toolkits for InvestigatorsToolkits for Investigators

http://opd.tamu.edu/the-craft-of-writing-workbook/toolkitshttp://opd.tamu.edu/the-craft-of-writing-workbook/toolkits


Federal Awards Made Databases NIH Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific NIH Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific

Projects (CRISP) Projects (CRISP) http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/ http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/

NIH Extramural Awards By State and Foreign Site NIH Extramural Awards By State and Foreign Site

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/award/state/state.htmhttp://grants.nih.gov/grants/award/state/state.htm NSF Award Data NSF Award Data

http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/

NASA NSPIRES Past Solicitations and Selections NASA NSPIRES Past Solicitations and Selections http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitations.do?http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitations.do?method=past&stack=pushmethod=past&stack=push

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Grants On-Line Database (GOLD)Grants On-Line Database (GOLD)http://www.gold.ahrq.gov/http://www.gold.ahrq.gov/


Federal Awards Made Databases USDA Current Research Information SystemUSDA Current Research Information System

http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/ http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/ Department of Defense (DoD): Department of Defense (DoD):

Congressionally Directed Medical ResearchCongressionally Directed Medical Research http://cdmrp.army.mil/scripts/search.asphttp://cdmrp.army.mil/scripts/search.asp

Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR/STTR Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR/STTR AwardsAwards

http://www.dodsbir.net/awards/Default.asphttp://www.dodsbir.net/awards/Default.asp


Federal Awards Made Databases

Department of Education (ED) Grant AwardsDepartment of Education (ED) Grant Awardshttp://www.ed.gov/fund/data/award/grntawd.html http://www.ed.gov/fund/data/award/grntawd.html

Department of Energy (DoE) Project Summaries Department of Energy (DoE) Project Summaries

http://www.osti.gov/rdprojectshttp://www.osti.gov/rdprojects// Department of Health and Human ServicesDepartment of Health and Human Services

http://taggs.hhs.gov/AdvancedSearch.cfm http://taggs.hhs.gov/AdvancedSearch.cfm

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants Information and Control System Information and Control System http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/gics/index.html http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/gics/index.html

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants Awarded Grants Awarded

http://www.imls.gov/search.asphttp://www.imls.gov/search.asp


Federal Awards Made Databases

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Recent National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Recent Grant Awards Grant Awards http://www.neh.gov/news/recentawards.html http://www.neh.gov/news/recentawards.html

Federal R&D Project Summaries and Awards Federal R&D Project Summaries and Awards (NIH, NSF, EPA, DoE, USDA, & SBA) (NIH, NSF, EPA, DoE, USDA, & SBA) http://www.osti.gov/fedrndhttp://www.osti.gov/fedrnd/ /

Health Services Research Projects in Progress Health Services Research Projects in Progress grants and contracts awarded by major public and private grants and contracts awarded by major public and private

funding agencies and foundations. funding agencies and foundations. http://www.academyhealth.org/hsrproj/search.htm http://www.academyhealth.org/hsrproj/search.htm

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Administration state by state summaries of awards madestate by state summaries of awards made

http://www.samhsa.gov/statesummaries/index.aspxhttp://www.samhsa.gov/statesummaries/index.aspx


Funding from Foundations

Foundation Center (Find Funders)Foundation Center (Find Funders) http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/

Foundation FinderFoundation Finder http://lnp.foundationcenter.org/finder.htmlhttp://lnp.foundationcenter.org/finder.html

990 Finder990 Finder http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/ http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/

http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990pffly.pdfhttp://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990pffly.pdf http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/demystify/http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/demystify/

10/28/08 1texas a&m university office of proposal development competing for funding at the...

Documents