Quick Start Workflow

1. Define your project + Identify your needs

If you are formulating a new project proposal or refining an existing one, how you define the scope and needs of your project may change depending on your funding source's goals and resources. It's a good idea to apply for several funding opportunities, so be flexible and write multiple versions of your proposal.  The more effort you put into defining your research project and specifying your needs, the more likely you are to be selected for funding.

2. Identify potential funding sources

  • Research funding sources both inside and outside your discipline/field. In many cases, your research question will be intriguing for different kinds of stakeholders.
  • Find projects similar to yours and find out how they were funded.
  • Ask other students who have done projects and traveled how they were funded.
  • Determine your category: dissertation, archival, experimental, fieldwork, or manuscript? Funders will usually list these categories in the CFP (Call for Proposal).
  • Do some “market research” into your potential funding source. What projects have they funded in the past few cycles? Look at news articles to see what work the funders are currently engaged in.
  • Most importantly, apply early and often.

3. Develop a proposal

A grant proposal must always: have a clear research hypothesis  + demonstrate that the project is aligned with the goals of the funding institution.

 alt=""     Follow the application guidelines exactly.

alt=""       Adjust your project to fit the CFP guidelines. Align the methodology and goals with your project budget and timeline.

alt=""     Be clear and concise. Use images, diagrams, drawings, and maps where applicable.

alt=""     Use active, persuasive language when describing outcomes.

alt=""   Seek feedback and write many drafts!

Notes on Style

Writing for proposals is not the same as for academic work. It needs to be highly accessible with limited use of industry-specific terminology. Do not assume that the reviewer of your application has expertise in your field.

  • Use short, clear sentences
  • Employ an active voice (I or we)
  • Remain future-focused
  • Commit to strong, persuasive phrasing
  • Convey enthusiasm and confidence

4. Write a budget

A grant budget is usually comprised of two things: a spreadsheet of how the grant will be used on expenses and a budget narrative (justification). A budget narrative is a paragraph that explains the expenses. Even when proposal guidelines do not specifically mention a narrative, we suggest including one. This budget narrative can exist at the bottom of the table and should provide a brief overview of the budget. Make sure that all budget items meet the funding agency’s requirements. Check with the grant funder if you are unsure whether the grant is taxable.

 

Certain grants will ask for a timeline in your budget proposal. This timeline should list all the activities you will need to carry out to meet each of your objectives. Your timeline may be written as a narrative, but it can also be put into a table. A visual representation of your timeline may be easier for reviewers to understand.

Divide your timeline by quarters or months, depending on how long the funding period is. Place each activity into a quarter or month as opposed to specifying specific dates. These activities might include preliminary research, fieldwork, visits to archives, installation, model-making, publication design, etc. Include all activities from the day funding is awarded to the last day of funding.

Include when deliverables will be finished (or when you will fulfill reporting deadlines) and when/how you will assess the project’s progress and address any inadequacies.  If collaborating with other designers and researchers, be sure to address who is responsible for completing each task. Keep the timeline realistic.  

5. Write a Personal Statement

Foreground previous research and community outreach. Also:

  1. How you became interested in the research
  2. Struggles you encountered and how you overcame them
  3. Connections you made between your research and other labs/institutions
  4. Collaborations you made with your research and help from another lab/institution
  5. Connections you made between your research and community outreach opportunities

6. Solicit Recommendations

Ask for recommendations at least one month in advance of the deadline. Focus on senior faculty who know you and your research well​. Ideally, this is someone who:​

  •  Knows you well enough to trust that your project will succeed​
  •  Is willing to offer project guidance and advice​
  •  Is respected in the field​