Grant Preparation

Preparing a Research Grant Application?  You may find these links helpful.

Looking to learn how to navigate Grants.gov to file electronically?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Funding & Grants section provides information on:

• Overview of the Application Process
• Application Submission Dates
• Essentials of the Research Plan
• Common Problems Identified During Peer Review
• Protection of Human Subjects in Research
• AHRQ Informed Consent and Authorization Toolkit for Minimal Risk Research
• Health Services Research and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule
• An Organizational Guide to Building Health Services Research Capacity

Working on a Grant Proposal?  You may find these tips helpful.

Include a DUNS Number. A DUNS Number must be included in order for an application to be reviewed.  DUNS numbers can be obtained by accessing www.dunandbradstreet.com or by calling 1-866-705-5711. Include theDUNS number next to the OMB Approval Number, which is located in the upper right corner of the application face page.

Keep the audience in mind. Reviewers will use only the information contained in the application to assess the application. Therefore, the applicant should be sure the application and responses to the program requirements and expectations are complete and clearly written. Do not assume that reviewers are familiar with the applicant organization. Keep the review criteria in mind when writing the application.

Start preparing the application early. If applying electronically through Grants.gov ensure adequate time is allotted to register and download applicable software and forms. Grants.gov offered a “Webcast” (registration required) entitled “Get Started with Grants.gov” that provides startup requirements and tips.

Follow the instructions and application guidance carefully. The instructions call for a particular organization of the materials, and reviewers are accustomed to finding information in specific places. Present information according to the prescribed format.

Be brief, concise, and clear. Make each point understandable. Provide accurate and honest information, including candid accounts of problems and realistic plans to address them. If any required information or data is omitted, explain why. Make sure the information provided in each table, chart, attachment, etc., is consistent with the proposal narrative and information in other tables.

Be organized and logical. Many applications fail because the reviewers cannot follow the thought process of the applicant or because parts of the application do not fit together.

Be careful in the use of appendices. Do not use the appendices for information that is required in the body of the application. Be sure to cross-reference all tables and attachments located in the appendices to the appropriate text in the application.

Carefully proofread the application. Misspellings and grammatical errors will impede reviewers in understanding the application. Be sure pages are numbered (including appendices) and page limits are followed. Limit the use of abbreviations and acronyms, and define each one at its first use and periodically throughout application.