Grant Writing
Strategies
All About Grants!
Research & Innovation Week
April 20, 2015
Cynthia Jobe, Lead Grant Writer
jobec@umsl.edu
Remember the
4Cs
• Lacks scientific significance or societal importance
• Does not answer a well-defined research question or
address a societal problem
• Poor research design
• Inadequate literature review
• Weak evaluation methodology
Why Proposals Fail
• Poor grammar, typos, punctuation, missing words
• Poorly written – boring, verbose, unclear, too much
jargon, clichés, negative tone
• Under-developed work plans
• Poorly developed budget
Why Proposals Fail
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Be Clear
Be Concise
Be Consistent
Be Compelling
The Four Cs
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Read the RFP
Follow the rules
Submit on time
Write to the review
criteria
Take the Free Shots!
Reviewers are often:
• Tired
• Pressed for time
• Juggling many responsibilities
Have some Respect!
“Agreed. We only fund proposals that we can
understand”
Make sure it is yours!
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Use active voice
Avoid jargon
First three pages are critical
Clarity
Simplicity
Make it Readable!
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White space
Consistent heading structure
Visuals and charts
Font size
Avoid density
Presentation Matters!
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Pad the budget
Include websites in the narrative
Include information in appendix that belongs in narrative
Test the guidelines
Don’t do these things!
Questions ?
Thank You!
All About Grants!
Research & Innovation Week
April 20, 2015
Cynthia Jobe, Lead Grant Writer
jobec@umsl.edu