Grant Submission Process
Contact Sue Sheridan AS SOON AS YOU BEGIN THINKING ABOUT SEEKING A GRANT. With the supports offered, the Center can assist in every aspect of grant proposal development, including conceptualization of the project, identifying an appropriate funding source, assisting with the methodology (i.e., project design and methods), editing the narrative, developing a budget, formatting, assistance with references, developing/updating biosketches or brief vitae, and organizing and submitting the grant application.
The outline below is designed to provide a general understanding of the process for grant proposal development and submission. However, these components do not necessarily occur sequentially. The Proposal Checklist is designed to assist faculty in working with the Center on grant proposal development.
Conceptualize the Project
- As early as possible, with or without a funding mechanism identified, the Faculty Affiliate(s) (FAs), with support from Research Faculty as needed, conceptualize a fundable research, training, or service project idea.
- Faculty Affiliate(s) complete and develop a Proposal Planning Form and Concept Paper and submit their concept paper to Sue Sheridan at ssheridan2@unl.edu .
Identify Funding Mechanisms
- As soon as possible (at least 3 months prior to the due date), Research Faculty assist Faculty Affiliate(s) in identifying an appropriate funding mechanism whose mission/goal is a good fit with the fundable project idea.
- Soon after a funding mechanism is identified and as soon as the concept is well developed, the Faculty Affiliate contacts the funding agency's Program Officer to discuss the intended project and clarify any information that is unclear.
- Places to search for appropriate funding mechanisms
Develop the Time Line
- As soon as the funding mechanism is identified and the Faculty Affiliate(s) commit to develop and submit the grant through the Center, Research Faculty in the Center who coordinate the grant development work, together with the FAs, develop a reasonable time frame for the various components required for submission and discuss roles and responsibilities.
Develop the Grant Application
- FAs, with suggestions from the Center Research Faculty, as appropriate, compile a research team of key personnel, ensuring that the team demonstrates a collective strength necessary to execute the grant project with success.
- Center Research Faculty serve as liaison with personnel from the Statistics and Research Methodology Unit to coordinate a meeting with a Center methodologist to develop a research design to adequately address the FAs' research questions.
- FAs and the Research Faculty consult with a Grants Specialist to develop a budget for the grant.
- FAs, with suggestions from Center Research Faculty, discuss and generate a list of potential individuals to ask for letters of support. Center faculty can help identify individuals who would constitute good support. Various sample letters of support are available through the Center.
- FAs begin writing sections of the narrative. Samples and templates are available for various sections, including Center and Institutional Capacity, Budget Justification, and Work Plans.
- FAs exchange section drafts with Center Research Faculty for feedback/edits as needed.
- Center administrative support members work with Faculty Affiliates to compile biosketches for key personnel in accordance with the grant specifications.
- At least 3 days prior to submission date, FAs, with support from Center faculty and administrative support, format the application.
- Center administrative support personnel are available to proofread the application narrative (given sufficient time).
Submit the Grant
- At least 4 days prior to the submission date, the Center grants specialist in conjunction with College grants specialists (for CEHS) and Sponsored Programs prepares the UNL Routing Form
- At least 1 day prior to the submission date, Center administrative support, in conjunction with Center Research Faculty and/or FAs, print out and make copies OR prepares electronic submission.
- Prior to or on the due date, Sponsored Programs submits the grant application via Fed Ex or electronic submission.
CYFS Grant Proposal Planning Forms
Proposal Checklist
Proposal Checklist (pdf)
Proposal Planning Form and Concept Paper
Proposal Planning Form and Concept Paper (pdf)
Information on Federal Funding Agencies
Federal Health and Human Services (HHS), including NIH, CDC, SAMSHA
Federal Department of Education (ED)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
