Research Proposals& Grants

Research Proposals

• A proposal sets forth both the exact nature of the matter to be investigated & a detailed account of the methods to be used

• Contains material supporting the importance of the topic & the appropriateness of the research methods to be used

Research Proposals

Functions of a Proposal1. Means of communication

serves to communicate the investigator’s research plans to those who provide consultation, give consent, or disburse funds

2. Research Planserves as a plan for action, step-by-step guide

3. Contracta completed, approved proposal can serve as a bond of agreement

Research Proposals

Regulations Governing Proposals• All funding agencies have their own

guidelines for submissions (for example: NIJ Guidelines

• These should be followed exactly• Download and complete the proper

forms• Heed deadlines

Research Proposals

• Specific formats may vary• Nearly all proposals include:

• Introduction/Background• Importance of the Study/Project• Review of Literature• Methodology• Definitions• Limitations/Applications

Introducing the Study

• Start with a short, well devised statement

• Establish the overall area of concern, peek interest, communicate essential information for understanding the rest of the proposal

• Identify & define the central concept• Most common error: Failure to get to

the point

Background

• Any research problem should show its lineage from the background of existing knowledge, previous investigations, or contemporary practice (in applied cases)• What is already known or done?• How does this research relate to what is

already known or done?• Why select this method?

State the Question/Goal

• Set forth a clear and explicit statement of the question or goal to which your research is directed

• Does not need all subtopics or even formal ‘hypotheses’

• Should be a specific & accurate synopsis of the primary target of study

Importance of the Study

• Why is that question or goal an important one?• What’s contributed to the knowledge base?•Or, Why is it useful in a practical setting?

• This should also tie in to the Background, Literature, and any Hypotheses or Research Questions

Review of Literature

• See previous notes on Lit Reviews

• The best research proposals achieve links using the organized framework of the lit review to connect existing knowledge on a topic, the importance of that topic to a specific research question, & how it should best be studied

Methodology/Procedures

• All proposals should include a plan for the careful & systematic investigation of the topic

• This section is usually the most critically scrutinized

• Work through your methodology as a step-by-step plan

• Be detailed

Methodology/Procedures

• Include: sources of data, collection of data, and analysis of data

1. Target population/sampling methods2. Instruments/techniques for measurement3. Design for the collection of data4. Procedures for collecting & recording data5. Explanation of data analysis procedures6. Plans for contingencies (like subject

mortality)

Methodology/Procedures

• Specific to this class, you should also be sure to note the computer programs you’ll use for these tasks

Additional Components

• Definitions where appropriate: Define the variables, any jargon, etc.

• Limitations/Applications: Indicate what your study can and cannot do or show (and for what groups)

• Budget: Personnel, materials, etc.• Timeline: Projected start dates and

completions dates for each element of the project

Example: NIJ Proposal

Finding Grants

UF - "FYI"

UF Division of Sponsored Research

Private Foundations

Subscription Services

Government GrantsFinding & Applying

Government Grants

Government Grant Categories

• Agriculture• Arts• Business & Commerce• Community Development• Disaster Prevention & Relief• Education• Employment, Labor, &

Training• Energy• Environmental Quality• Food & Nutrition

• Health• Housing• Humanities• Information & Statistics• Law, Justice, & Legal Services• Natural Resources• Regional Development• Science & Technology• Social Services & Income

Security• Transportation

Government Grants

Applying for a Government Grant

1. Register 2. Download application package (& any

special instructions3. Complete all sections4. Submit on-line or mail, as appropriate5. Track Status6. Complete any follow-up requests

Government Grants

Computer Applications:• Most govt. grant applications accept

only three types of files• PDF files• Word documents• Text documents

• PureEdge Viewer• Adobe Acrobat

Submitting Proposals for Grants

• Typically forms are in PDF format• Complete using Adobe

• Write the major components in Word

• All documents then submitted on-line

Successful Grant Proposals

Best Chance of Success• Find a grant opportunity that matches

well with your issue, needs, abilities• Follow all the guidelines• Keep your budget reasonable &

appropriate to the tasks proposed• Account for all elements of the research

plan (especially methods) in detail