Writing a Compelling Grant
Application
Trish Lowney, PhD
plowney@syr.edu
315-443-2882
1
Key Questions…
What:
Is a grant?
Why:
Do you want to apply for one?
When:
Do you need support?
How:
To write a compelling application?
What:
Distinguishes an award winning
application from the rest of the pack?
2
The Compelling Application
Is based on a Great Idea
What is your great idea?
Who’s to say it’s great?
3
The Compelling Application…
Presents important
outcomes
What would ‘the world’ <or
your domain> look like if you
achieved your idea?
4
The Compelling Application…
Uses the best approaches
What’s the best way go
from the idea to the new
world?
Do you have an explicit
rationale for each <task>?
5
The Compelling Application…
Has the expertise and
infrastructure required
for success
What people power and
other resources are
required by your idea and
its approaches?
6
The Compelling Application…
Answers the So What ?
Has a clearly articulated
impact for the sponsor, the
project team, and/or others
7
The Compelling Application…
Is based on a Great Idea
Presents important outcomes
Uses the best approaches.
Has the expertise and
infrastructure required for
success
Answers the So What ??
At a reasonable (allowable..) cost
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The winning application
Culmination of successful marketing campaign
Who is paying the bills?
Not you… the sponsor…
How do you make your case?
Follow application instructions…
Know your audience, the
reviewers, and selection
process they will use
Consider reviewers’ expertise,
review criteria, and the setting in
developing / writing / presenting
your materials
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The winning application
Culmination of successful marketing campaign
Clearly, concisely conveys…
Summer beach reading
Informative
While inspiring the reader
to advocate for your
application – This MUST be
funded!
10
Why applications don’t get funded
Instructions not followed
– Returned un-reviewed
– Raises questions in reviewers’ minds
Poorly presented
–
–
–
–
Dense, hard to read, not clear
Lacks focus, poorly organized
Key terms not defined, excess use of jargon
Writer assumes reader ‘knows what they meant’
• Reader evaluates what is presented in the entire application,
as presented
11
Why proposals don’t get funded
•
•
•
•
Idea not significant / important / innovative
Outcomes or impact incremental
Lack of theoretical framework
Approaches are not suitable, rationale not given,
no consideration of challenges / alternatives
• Not feasible
– Essential expertise not available
– Essential resources / infrastructure not available
– Haven’t demonstrated ability to execute proposed
approaches
– Budget / resources inadequate for work proposed
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Writing Tips
REMEMBER: You are not along in this activity
Ask for help (mentors, chair, etc.)
Thoroughly prepare
Learn sponsor’s / programs interests
Review prior awards (avoid duplication)
Get copies of recently funded proposals
https://sushare.syr.edu/display/vfc/Sample+Awarded+Proposals
Read application / solicitation instructions
13
Writing Tips
Contact the sponsor in advance
Purpose: Your project & its approaches fit the program
– Send a one-page summary by email (a concept paper)
with estimated cost. Arrange follow up phone call.
– If responding to specific solicitation – are there any
critical points to keep in mind?? Review process:
same / different?
Create a proposal development plan with deadlines
Get lots of constructive feedback before you send
in… plowney@syr.edu
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In two sentences & everyday language
Describe your idea
Describe what will be different if your idea is
addressed (outcomes)
Describe why your idea and these outcomes are
important (innovative, high impact, significant
to whom)
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• Can you break down the idea / outcomes in
objective or measurable manner?
• List the expertise needed (personnel)
• List the resources needed (other than personnel)
• Review questions on slide #2
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