SOURCING FOR RESEARCH
GRANTS
Prof. Austin I. Obiekezie
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
University of Calabar
Maiden Scientific Writing Seminar
College of Medical Sciences – University of Calabar
Presentation Outline









Definition of Terms
Why do we need research grants?
Types/Forms of Research Grants
Research Funding Bodies
The Grantmanship Flowchart
 Define the Project
 Identify Funding Sources
 Contact Funders/Program Officers
 Acquire Proposal Guidelines
 Determine submission deadlines/personnel needs etc
 Write and submit Grant Proposal
Essential Tips in Sourcing Grants
Overcoming Funders’ antipathy – The Nigerian Problem
Where do we stand in UNICAL?
Conclusions
Definition of Terms

Research Grant Funding

Monetary award given by a government
agency, foundation, corporation or other
entity to fund a particular project

Research Funding Body

Grantmanship

the art of acquiring peer-reviewed
research funding
Types / Forms of Research Grants

Small Grants Programs
 Tailored
to individual research
 Small to medium size volume
 Best for the beginner/graduate/fellowships
 May not require substantial track record of
research
 NGOs / Charity organizations, governments
 Examples: TDR, IFS, IoT (ETF) etc

Large Institutional Grants
 Large
in volume and complexity
 Governments and large corporations
 Examples: Carnegie Foundation, WHO, etc
Types / Forms of Research Grants
 Scholarships
 Fellowships
/Residencies
 Endowments
 Travel /Conference Grants
There is something for everyone!!!
Categories of Support




Operating – running program to meet
community needs
Special Project – new project or project
with limited timeframe
Capital/Equipment – specified amount
for construction, renovation, expansion,
purchase land or equipment
Endowments - planned gifts, will or trust
Why do we need Research Grants?



Fund individual research programs
Fund Graduate Research
Enhanced institutional capacity
 The
aim of applying for funding is to
obtain the resources required to
perform the desired research.
What Research Grants Can do
 Vast
increase in the research revenue base of
the University/ Department/ College
 Mentorship possibilities at the international
level
 Join the elite club group of international grant
networks
 One good grant deserves another – sets you up
for many future grants in a way that could
make the entire difference to your careers
Why people/organizations fund
research








Humanitarian purposes
Advancing business interests
National exigencies/policies
Religious obligations
Tax rebates/holidays
Just to feel good
Show off…
Regardless, the funds are made available for good
use
Good to identify the driving force behind the
granting body
Research Funding Bodies
Grant Sources
 Governments
(Federal, State,
LGA)
 Non-governmental organizations
 Foundations
 Bilateral Health organizations
 Corporations
 Philanthropists
Nature / Types of Funding Bodies
 Funding
organizations differ in the
degree of rigour they expect and in the
amount of competition for their funds
 Prestigious government-funded
organizations have very high standards
and are extremely competitive.
What you need to know about the
funding body



Is it interested in the knowledge the
research project will provide?
Does it provide funds of sufficient
magnitude?
Each type of organization will require a
different type of grant application, targeted
to their interests and requirements
Assessing Funding Eligibility



Eligibility
 Type of organization
 Geographic restrictions
 Population, other characteristics – gender etc
Size of Award
 Sufficient amount to complete program
activities
 Number of grants
 Award size and duration
Project Focus
 Project complements funder’s goals and
priorities
Assessing Funding Eligibility
Cont.

Type of Activity
 Specified use of funds

Restrictions
 Matching funds
 Expenditure limitations
 Evaluation requirements
The Grantmanship Flowchart
Grantmanship Process
Develop
Project
Idea
Prepare/
Identify
Submit
Funding
Source Application
Await
Outcome
Grant Sourcing Flowchart
•Define your Project
•Identify Funding Sources
•Contact Funding Agencies / Bodies
•Acquire / Familiarize with Proposal Guidelines
•Know the submission deadline
•Determine personnel needs and other issues
•Write and submit the Proposal
1. Define Your Project





Clarify project purpose / write a concise mission
statement.
Define the scope of work to focus your funding
search.
Determine the broad project goals and identify the
specific objectives and requirements
Decide who will benefit. Draft expected project
outcomes in specific measurable terms.
Draft a timeline that includes the planning phase,
the period of searching for funds, proposal writing,
and the intended project start date.
2. Identify Funding Sources








Advertisements in mass media
Professional/Institutional Newsletters
Acknowledgements in articles/presentations
Colleagues –Word of mouth
Networks
Research Offices (Academic Planning/Directorate
Internet Sources. (search engines, computerized
databases (Africa Research.Net etc.
Do not limit search to one source
2. Identify Funding Sources contd’
SHOTGUN APPROACH vs. RIFLE APPROACH
SHOTGUN: Shoot a scatter shot and see what falls.
Look for funding agencies, investigate what they fund,
and apply for something from the agency. Your goals
are broad enough to be modified to fit their goals.
1.
2.
RIFLE: Take careful aim at one specific target.
Look for funding agencies that fund only what you want.
Search for an exact match to fund your project using
your specifically stated goals.
2. Identifying Funding Sources


Look for a match between your project and the
grants you seek by looking for consistency
between the purpose and goals of your project
and the funder. In addition, pinpoint specific
funding priorities and preferences.
Request proposal guidelines. Also request a list
of projects previously funded through this
specific grant program; an annual report may be
available
Identify funding source

Match objectives
– research interests
– your personal characteristics
career phase
 gender, ethnicity
 location

Internet Websites

The Grantsmanship Center - www.tgci.com
The Foundation Center - www.fdncenter.org
GuideStar.org – www.guidestar.org
GrantsNet - http://www.os.dhhs.gov/grants/index.shtml
Grants.gov – http://grants.gov/Index
Research Arica.Net

Others – WHO, TDR, MRC,





3. Contact Funders

Think of the funder as a resource.

Identify a project officer who will
address your questions.


Some funders offer technical
assistance, others do not. If it’s
available, ask for technical assistance,
including a review of proposal drafts.
Inquire about how proposals are
reviewed and how decisions are made.
3. Contact Funders contd’

Inquire about budgetary requirements
and preferences.
Are matching funds required?
 Is in-kind support acceptable as a portion
of applicants' share?
 What may be counted as in-kind support,
and how might it be applied?
 What are the payment processes, including
cash flow etc.


Remember, the contacts you make may
prove invaluable in the future.
3. Contact Funders contd’
Letters of Inquiry

Alternative to a call or visit
(Investigate organization to find preference)

Do homework before the letter for previous
funding history, types of projects, amounts

Provide information about your Dept./Unit/
Medical School

Provide information about your proposed
project

3. Contact Funders contd’
Letters of Inquiry

1-2 pages!
Par 1 -- Who are you? Mission, organization, you are
seeking funds

Par 2 -- Why this agency? You understand their priorities

Par 3 -- What is the need? Clear and brief

Par 4 -- What's the plan? Bullet goals/objectives

Par 5 -- Why fund you? Uniqueness, qualifications

Par 6 -- How much? Broad categories

Par 7 – Closing – thank you, contact information, whether

Letters of Intent

Introduction



Needs


Demographic and statistical evidence
Project Description


Why you are writing
Mission and population served
Link funder’s priorities and project goals
Solution


How it addresses need
Best practices
Letters of Intent

Project Plan


Activities, timetables, methodology
Organizational Capacity
Ability and commitment
 Previous work and staff qualifications


Budget


Funding request, organizational support
and other resources
Sustainability

Project continuation
4. Acquire/Familiarize Proposal Guideline
Read the guidelines carefully, then read them again.
Guidelines usually tell you about:
 submission deadlines
 eligibility
 proposal format: award levels forms, margins,
spacing, evaluation process and restrictions on
the number criteria of pages, etc.
 review timetable
 budgets
 funding goals and priorities
 award levels
 evaluation process and criteria
 who to contact
 other submission requirements
5. Know Submission Deadline





Plan to submit your proposal on or preferably
before the deadline.
Determine what format the funder requires
for submission.
Be realistic about whether you have time to
prepare a competitive proposal that meets
the deadline.
Know the funder's policies on late
submissions, exceptions, and mail delays.
Find out how the funder will notify you about
the receipt and status of your proposal.
Factor this information into your timeline.
6. Determine Personnel Needs etc



Identify required personnel both by
function and, if possible, by name.
Contact project consultants, trainers,
and other auxiliary personnel to seek
availability; acquire permission to
include them in the project; and
negotiate compensation.
Personnel compensation is important
budget information.
Write the Proposal

Topic of Full Presentation
Essential Tips in Sourcing Research Grants
Overcoming Funders’ Antipathy




Your funding track record
Internet presence in terms of publications etc
Get a well known external expert on your side –
anyhow
Check your e-mail address (yahoo.com and
other similar sites are 419 media)
Where do we stand in UNICAL?





What is our Grantmanship Quotient - in
the University, in the College??
How do we compare with other
Institutions – Abysmal!!!
How do we improve the culture of Grant
Hunting?
What requirements should be put in place
–
What are the responsibilities on the part
of administration and on the part of
staff??
Conclusions /Way Forward for
Medical School





Initiative should not stop at the maiden
workshop
Constitute a Grant Hunting Party of committed
research staff with specific targets
We must overcome self-centeredness
Continuous and rigorous training for staff
Subscribe to Searchable Research Databases
(Africa Research . Net)
Research Africa.Net Subscription Rates
Grant Money is not the
problem, it is the absence
of ideas and drive