Grant Seeking
Securing external funding for research is a complex multi-step process.
The process begins with the definition of the research project. Once the scope and method for the project are determined, grant seekers need to identify likely funding sources, make contact with funders (as appropriate), review proposal guidelines and related materials, and select the best prospects. A variety of sources fund social science research, and IGA provides assistance in identifying funding sources.
The institute also provides junior faculty with seed funds to develop grant proposals through the Junior Faculty Research Program.
- Preparing the proposal package involves writing the narrative, developing a budget, and assembling supporting materials, etc. IGA provides assistance with this process including tips on grant writing.
Contact Lori Dana for assistance with budgets, forms, and submission.
Proposals are frequently rejected on the initial attempt. It is important to request reviewers’ comments or other feedback, if available, to see if it would pay off to revise and resubmit. The following sites provide information on why proposals are declined. These lists are helpful in pointing out pitfalls to avoid in grant seeking and proposal writing:
- Grant Makers Reveal the Most Common Reasons Grant Proposals Get Rejected
- Why Proposals are Rejected
- Most Common Problems Cited by Peer Reviewers
- Common Mistakes in NIH Applications
The IGA Library & Data Archive also collects materials to assist grant seekers. A bibliography of books on grant writing and grant seeking is available on this site.
Lois Wolk Seminar
Mexican-American Postsecondary Pathways: Investigating the College Attendance Gap