2.  Identify potential funding sources:  Visit our Funding Sources page to begin searching for funding opportunities, or contact the OARSP Research Information Coordinator (Heather Miller, 5-1604).

3.  Obtain sponsor guidelines:   Acquire guidelines and application forms from appropriate sources.  Go directly to sponsor web sites or contact Heather Miller.

4.  Discuss with department chair:  Review proposed project with chair or supervisor to inform him/her of time ad funding needs; with other services or departments as needed.  Obtain verbal support.

5.  Begin formulating proposal:  Sketch proposal draft according to sponsor or agency guidelines.  Make notations of project budgetary needs alongside written notes.  Contact OARSP at any time for questions/review.

6.  Contact the funding source:  Call, email, or visit the foundation or agency to ask questions and to discuss project.  Conversation with program officers of funding agencies are critical to the success of a proposal.

7.  Solidify collaborations:  For projects involving partnerships between departments or with those external to campus, ensure that all parties are in agreement regarding their commitments.  Sponsors may require letters of support.

8.  Draft narratives and budget:  Identify proposal elements and craft contents according to specifications in guidelines.  Work with OARSP contacts to ensure narrative and budget alignment.  Review submission specifications: Preliminary proposal required? Electronic submission called for?  Contact your Proposal Manager for guidance.

9.  Review, revise, rewrite:  Get feedback from colleagues, OARSP proposal manager , others to ensure clarity and completeness. Contact Interim Coordinator of Research Compliance (Melanie Morris, 5-5070) if projects involve human subjects, animal, or biosafety issues.

10.  Final check and signature routing:  Confirm unit/department/college commitments.  Obtain IRB approval (if required).  Collect all necessary supplementary materials (supporting letters, agreements, etc).  OARSP will route electronic clearance sheet for PI and Approver signatures.

11.  Submit final copy to OARSP for processing:  Allow sufficient lead time in advance of deadline.  For print submissions, OARSP will duplicate and mail.  For electronic submission, OARSP will convert to appropriate electronic format and submit.

12.  Receive word from sponsor:  If you are funded, celebrate, and let OARSP know.  Contracts and Grants will assist with all reporting and post-award grant activity.  If you are not funded, seek comments for next submission, and let OARSP know.