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Writing and Editorial Tips

Plan ahead and begin preparing materials early

Before you start writing the application, think about the budget and how it is related to your research plan. Remember that everything in the budget must be justified by the work you've proposed to do. Be realistic. Don't propose more work than can be reasonably done during the proposed project period.

Below are some of the major highlights of the grant writing process. If you're looking for something more thorough, you can use this grant writing checklist.

Organize your thinking

Start with an outline following the suggested organization of the application. Write one sentence summarizing the topic sentence of each main section. Do the same for each main point in the outline.

Stick with the format

Your application has a better chance at succeeding if it is easy to read and follows the required format. Reviewers are accustomed to finding information in specific sections of the application, so you must organize your application to effortlessly guide reviewers through it. This creates an efficient evaluation process and saves reviewers from hunting for critical information.

Make no assumptions

Include enough background information to enable an intelligent reader to understand your proposed work. Although not a requirement for assignment purposes, a cover letter can help the sponsor assign your application for initial peer review.

Make the case

Capture the reviewers' attention by making the case for why the sponsor should fund your research. Tell reviewers why testing your hypothesis is worth their money, why you are the person to do it, and how your institution can give you the support you'll need to get it done.

Be explicit

Be specific about your aims, methods, budgetary needs, the links between your work and the funds to which you are applying, and the value of your research. Be clear and direct in describing the connections between your research questions and objectives, your objectives and methods, your methods and results, and your results and your subfield or the broader discipline.

Keep it simple

Make one point in each paragraph. This is key for readability. Keep sentences to 20 words or less. Write simple, clear sentences. Use the active, rather than passive, voice. For example, write "We will develop an experiment," not "An experiment will be developed."

Be succinct

Use a clear and concise writing style so that a non-expert may understand the proposed research. Often you will know much more on the topic than the reviewer, so make your points as directly as possible. Use basic English, avoiding jargon or excessive language. Spell out all acronyms on first reference. Be consistent with terms, references, and writing style.

Have others read

Have both expert and non-expert others read through your proposal.

Devote time

Include additional time to composing and reviewing your proposal’s first paragraph and first page – first impressions count in grant applications too!

Anticipate reviewer’s questions

Predict potential questions that the reviewer may have and answer them, such as:

What are we going to learn as a result of the proposed project that we do not know now? (goals, aims, and outcomes)
Why is it worth knowing? (significance)
How will we know that the conclusions are valid? (criteria for success)

There are many guides to writing grant applications available online, through university writing centers, and research and grants offices. Below are some additional resources for preparing stronger grant applications.

Writing Assistance

Marquette

External

If you have questions about the review process or guidelines, please feel free to ask! Contacting Project Planning and Development as soon as you begin considering submitting a grant application can help provide the guidance and information necessary for a smooth submission process.