Preparing a Successful SHRM Foundation Grant Application

Lynn McFarland, Ph.D.August 23, 2012

Goals of this Slideshow

• Provide information about the SHRM Foundation Grant Program

• Give guidance for preparing a successful proposal

• Review the components of the grant application

Overview of SHRM Foundation Research Program

• Program funds original, rigorous empirical research projects that advance the HR profession

• More than $2.3 million in research grants funded 107 research projects over past 12 years

• Majority of research published in academic journals and presented at national conferences

• Highly competitive process

Types of Research Funded

• High-impact HR-related research • Addresses current challenges or emerging

trends• Aimed at academic audience with direct,

actionable implications for HR practice• Well-designed and appropriate

methodology• Relevant and appropriate sample size• Generalizable across organizations• Achievable within two years

How to Apply

• Two funding deadlines each year, posted on web site: www.shrm.org/about/foundation/research

• Follow guidelines carefully

• Meet the deadlines

Preparing to Write the Proposal

• Be clear about your goals and objectives for the project

• Think about the “story” you want to tell with your research and/or “case” you want to make

• Consider what the reviewers will know and what you need to tell them

• Outline what to include under each part• Develop a timeline for completion

Helpful Reminders

• Remember that writing a grant is much like writing a paper to submit for publication

• Reviewers need to know that your work will be– Grounded in the literature of the field– Built on a solid, theoretical basis– Based on sound methodology– Value-added for academics and

practitioners

Contributions to the HR Academic Literature(generally 5-8 pages)

Set the stage for your study:• Provide a succinct but thorough review of the most

relevant literature• Provide the theoretical basis for your research• Include specific research questions and/or

hypotheses, providing support for each

This section should also address:• Why is this research important?• What literature does it extend?• How will it extend the literature?• What is new and unique?• How/where will the results be disseminated?

Implications for HR Practice(generally 1-3 pages)

Discuss practical value of the project for:• Improving HR effectiveness• Changing HR policies and practices• Enhancing organizational performance through human

resource management

This section should address questions such as:• How will this study influence HR practice?• What changes might an HR professional make to

specific HR practices and policies based on the results?• How will the findings impact the effectiveness of

organizations?

Statement of Methodology(generally 3-5 pages)

Describe how the study will be conducted including:• Source of data and status of commitments to

participate from those sources• Appropriateness of sample and sample size• Rationale for use of specific methodology for the

study

This section should address questions such as:• What are the sources of the data?• Why are you using this particular methodology?• How is this methodology useful for answering the

research questions/testing hypotheses?

Project Schedule(1 page)

Provide a timeline for project completion:• Include target dates for completion

of project segments (e.g., pilot tests, data analysis)

• Keep within allotted two-year timeframe for projects

Budget and Budget Justification(generally 1-2 pages)

In addition to the actual required budget items:• Indicate how the amount of funds requested

corresponds with overall scope of the project and potential impact

• Include a justification statement for each line item

• Note if other funding is being sought or has been received for the project

In preparing the budget, keep in mind the Foundation does not fund:

• Items your university or organization would typically fund (e.g., conference travel)

• Equipment purchases except in rare instances when a compelling case is made

Appendices

Include in this section:• References• Human Subjects Approval• Relevant research Materials (e.g.,

survey questions, commitment letter from participants)

• Researcher Qualifications (CVs or resumes)

Most Common ReasonsProposals Not Funded

• Lack of theoretical grounding• Inappropriate methodology• Potential impact not viewed as significant for

extending academic research in the area• Low potential value of research for practitioners• Concerns over ability to secure a sample or

relevance of and/or generalizability of sample identified

• Unrealistic timeline• Failure to follow guidelines• Incomplete information

Summary

• We look forward to receiving your proposal

• After reviewing the website, if you still have questions, contact Lynn McFarland at Lynnmcfarland@bellsouth.net or call at 803-767-6992.

• Thank you!