Proposal Administration
Step 1: Find Funding
Pivot
Funding opportunities for all disciplines and project types
Pivot-RP is a software system that allows you to generate searches for external funding sources based on a variety of parameters. Once you claim your profile, you can create saved keyword searches that will email you weekly with updates opportunities.
Grant.gov
Applying for a funding opportunity
Grants.gov hosts funding opportunity announcements from all federal agencies.
You can customize opportunity subscriptions with saved searches by subscribing to grants.gov email notifications. Click on Manage Subscriptions for more detail.
Duke University Research Database
Searchable table of opportunities
The Duke University Research Funding online database offers a searchable table of opportunities that you can narrow using the filters in the left navigation. Other sources of funding include using a search engine or seeking opportunities through your discipline’s professional organizations.
Maestro
Take support to the next level.
Accessed through Single Sign On, Maestro is the Texas A&M University System’s grant management tool. It also offers faculty a funding search option. Select “Search” from the top menu options and the “Opportunity Search” from the left-hand navigation.
Funding Opportunity Search Assistance
If you are having trouble finding the right funding for your idea, would like to receive suggestions while you continue to develop your basic proposal, or believe a request for proposals (RFP) could spur your imagination complete the FOSA form. A member of the pre-award team from the Office of Grant Management will reach out to you within two weeks with upcoming funding opportunities on your research interests.
Step 2: Submit a Notice of Intent to Seek External Funding (NOISE Form)
Notice of Intent to Seek External Funding
When a funding opportunity has been identified, a NOISE form must be completed to notify the Office of Grant Management. This enables our proposal administrators to assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in completing the submission to standard. This also enables the proposal administrators to ensure routing and eventual management of funds.
Step 3: Prepare the proposal
Write the Grant
If you would like additional review for large sponsor grants, you may request external assistance using RIED funds by contacting RIED@tarleton.edu
Create the Budget
If you need assistance in developing the budget please reach out to RIED@tarleton.edu
A well-planned budget is a critical component of any grant proposal and can greatly increase your chances of securing funding. Here’s how to create one:
- Review the grant guidelines: Thoroughly review the grant guidelines to determine what expenses are eligible for funding.
- Create the Budget: The TAMU Budget template has built-in formulas to assist you in calculating your budget with categories for all potential expenses that you anticipate incurring during the grant period, such as personnel costs, travel, supplies, and equipment. It also accounts for fringe rates, indirect cost rates, and tuition reimbursement. We strongly recommend using this template to efficiently create an accurate budget.
- Estimate Expenses: Estimate the cost of each expense category based on the information you have available. For personnel costs, include the salaries (the template will calculate fringe). For travel, estimate the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals. For supplies and equipment, research the costs of the items you will need.
- Calculate Indirect Costs: If the grant guidelines allow for indirect costs, input the approved indirect cost rate. Indirect costs are expenses that are not directly tied to the project but are necessary to support it, such as rent, utilities, and administrative costs. If the grant guidelines do not specify indirect costs, then reference Tarleton’s Federally Negotiate Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) (Connor, link the document to this). for the current rate.
- Create a Budget Justification: The budget justification is a narrative that briefly explains why each expense is necessary for the project. Be sure to tie each expense to the goals and objectives of the project.
- Send to Pre-Award for Review: Once your budget and justifications are ready, send them to the pre-award team for review. They will check your calculations and ensure that everything matches between the budget and justification.
By following these steps, you can create a budget that is well-organized, accurate, and justifiable. Good luck with your grant proposal!
Identify Sponsor Requirements
Every sponsor is different, ensure all sponsor requirements are being met.
A proposal administrator from the Office of Grant Management will assist PI’s in identifying and completing any additional forms required by each sponsor. For many sponsors, our pre-award teams already has these required forms on file.
Federal Sponsor Requirements
The Office of Research Compliance assists the Office of Grant Management in identifying federal sponsor compliance items. These range from Title IX compliance to responsible conduct of research training. To ensure there is no perceived conflict of interest in obtaining funding, the Research Compliance Coordinator merely identifies the requirements and maintains a webpage for information. A proposal administrator will assist PIs in completion of these requirements. As additional compliance items are identified by sponsors, the Office of Research Compliance updates our Federal Sponsor Requirements page in an easy-to-understand format and language. The compliance language and links to forms for these requirements can be found on that page.
Step 4: Submitting the Proposal
We ensure that proposals are submitted on time and in compliance with sponsor guidelines and university policies. We also provide support in negotiating terms and conditions with the funding agency when applicable.
How to Evaluate your Proposal
Submitting a strong grant proposal requires more than just writing a compelling narrative. Reviewing and evaluating your grant proposal is a critical step before submission. With the following steps, you can ensure that your grant proposal is polished, persuasive, and ready for submission:
- Review the Grant Guidelines: Make sure you have thoroughly read the grant guidelines and have addressed all of the required elements. Ensure that your proposal meets the funder’s expectations and requirements.
- Get a Fresh Perspective: Ask someone who is not familiar with your proposal to review it. This person can provide valuable feedback on whether your proposal is clear, well-organized, and persuasive.
- Check for errors: Double-check your proposal for spelling and grammar errors, as well as inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Ensure that your proposal is formatted properly and that all required sections are included.
- Edit for Clarity and Readability: Ensure that your proposal is clear, concise, and easy to read. Use subheadings, bullet points, and other formatting tools to break up large blocks of text and make your proposal more readable.
- Send to Pre-Award Team: The pre-award team can help ensure that the proposal aligns with the funder’s guidelines and requirements and can help clarify any confusing or ambiguous guidelines.
Sponsor Specific Guides
Additional Resources
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