Resources for Research

The following resources may be especially valuable for those who are new to grant writing. Combined, these resources give a broad overview of grant writing basics. Though every grant is different, a review of the following resources should provide a basic understanding of the general form and structure of a proposal and answer many common questions.

Please contact the Division of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities (RSCA) should you have questions or need assistance with the conceptualization and development of a proposal or writing a proposal.

How to Write a Grant Proposal (Higher Education specific): This two-hour video takes you through the preparation for grant writing, the component pieces of a grant, important budget considerations and common mistakes.

Writing Proposals (more general): This two-hour video more broadly covers proposal writing.

What Are Direct vs. Indirect Costs in Research Funding? – Explaining Indirect Costs/F&A

OSP Introduction to F&A – A thorough discussion from the University of Idaho OSP Office about what F&A is and how it is determined.

• Direct vs. Indirect Costs
• Allowable Costs
• Disallowable Costs

It is not uncommon for funding agencies to require the inclusion of a logic model in a proposal. However, whether required or not, logic models can be extremely useful in the conceptualization and development of a proposal.

A logic model is a “flow-chart,” which provides a visual means of representing project resources needed to engage in project activities that produce measurable outputs or products which then also result in desired outcomes and impacts. In short, the logic model can be useful both in helping in the initial conceptualization and planning of a project and in communicating to readers of a proposal exactly what it will take to make a project successful and how those resources will be utilized to produce specific results.

Many guides and resources for logic models are freely available by conducting a quick internet search. However, one of the best and most comprehensive guides, which describe both simple and complex logic models, is the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide.

A Gantt chart is another commonly used tool in grant writing. Gantt charts, in their simplest forms, are graphic depictions of the various project activities along a timeline. Gantt charts are quite useful both in the development of a project plan and in communicating to others exactly how and when various activities associated with the project will be executed.

Many guides and resources regarding Gantt charts are freely available by conducting a quick internet search. Except for very complex projects, the easiest way to create a Gantt chart is to make your own using an Excel spreadsheet. However, below are links to two web-based Gantt chart programs that are free of charge.

• Gantter
• GanttProject

• Proposal Writer’s Guide – University of Michigan
• Art of Grantsmanship – Jacob Kraicer, M.D., Ph.D.
• Proposal Writing Self-Paced Short Course – from Foundation Center On-Line
• Proposal Writing Basics – (1-hour webinar)
• Budgeting Basics Self-Paced Short Course – from Foundation Center On-Line
• Proposal Budgeting Basics – (1-hour webinar)
• Sample Documents – Samples of various documents (e.g., Letters of Inquiry, Budgets, Full Proposals) from grantspace.org
• External Budget Template