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Tool Kit: Advice

  • Read all the sponsor’s guidelines.  Then read them again.  Then memorize them.
  • If the sponsor’s program announcement provides guidelines for how proposals will be evaluated, use them as a guide while you write and a checklist before you finalize the application.
  • Develop your proposal according to your sponsor’s guidelines.  Make sure you cover every item on the guidelines. If you have questions about the sponsor's intent, contact the program representative identified in the RFP and ask for clarification.
  • Follow the sponsor’s rules.  No exceptions.

  • Don't try to solve all the world's problems with one project.  Establish a project scope limited enough for you to do well and broad enough to meet all the grant sponsor's requirements.
  • Write for the sponsor, not for yourself or the university.  Defer to the sponsor’s priorities, use the sponsor’s language, and reflect the sponsor’s perspective.
  • Paint a clear, credible, engaging picture of yourself, your project team, and the university.
  • Sound enthusiastic and confident.
  • Don’t make promises you can’t keep.  Don’t shade the truth.
  • Write and package the proposal so it is easy to read and work with.  Don’t exceed length limitations.  Obey all instructions concerning type size and other formatting.