Science and Social Science Advice
1. Background: Develop ideas and contacts:
Become familiar with the current literature. Make contacts; get to know the major players and those with interests closest to yours. Attend topical conferences in your area. Establish collaboration(s) with "experts"
2. Funding preliminaries:
Identify potential funding sources. Talk with the Program Officer ... and listen! Does your project match the guidelines? Are there budget limits? What is typical award? Optimum timing to submit? Be clear on guidelines for proposal
3. Writing:
Start early! Expect to spend 2-3 months writing and honing. Develop a draft budget early (this may influence everything else). Discuss budget with Grants Office staff. Seek commitment of institutional support (matching funds, released time). Establish the context: What is the big picture? Provide an overview of what you seek to accomplish. Why is it important? Specifics: Project details. Show your familiarity with prior work. Establish your track record/expertise -- why you? Argue feasibility of project; note resources available. Budget: Be realistic (no shoestrings or Cadillacs). Institutional support. Consider infrastructure impact. Influences on students (direct and indirect): Role students will play (don't simply ask for stipends). Attachments (where allowed/encouraged): Letter from a collaborator. Recent preprint or photo if allowed.
4. Pre-submission:
Check guidelines and criteria for reviewers. Match subheadings to these -don't let a busy reviewer miss the point. Have others review and critique -both specialists and non-specialists
5. After submission:
Wait. Patience is a virtue. Expect success; be prepared for failure. Listen to comments from program officer. Ask for comments from reviewers ... and pay attention (whether funded or not). If denied: remember that majority of others were too-- keep working on project anyway. REWRITE and RESUBMIT – your chances will improve. If granted: Celebrate (briefly) but get cracking! Report results promptly (don't forego the good to achieve the perfect). Think about the next grant; the next project. Serve on review panels yourself.