Proposal Development Tools

L&C Grant Application Reference (pdf) This reference sheet has been developed to provide information about Lewis & Clark that is commonly requested in grant applications. Please contact the sponsored research office with any questions.

Click here to download a copy of Tips on Proposal Writing.

Other Resources and Writing Tutorials:

American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS): Writing Proposals for ACLS Fellowship Competitions.

How to Get a Grant from the NEH

National Institutes of Health: Quick Guide for Grant Applications.


National Science Foundation: A Guide for Proposal Writing


National Science Foundation: Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide, April 2009

Some Things to Think About

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?
You should be able to summarize your proposal in a few sentences. Provide a short project summary even though it may not be required. Make it easy for reviewers to find the answers to questions they might have. Include a clear statement of need.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO IT?
Why is it important that this project be done? Convey your enthusiasm. There should be a better reason than “it hasn’t been done before”.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO IT?
When and where? Provide a timeline. Demonstrate that you have the equipment and resources to accomplish or implement your proposed project within the grant period. Specifically describe your objectives and how you will attain them.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
In addition to a basic budget (or required budget forms) provide a “Budget Justification” sheet – detailed information on each budget item. Explain how you arrived at your figures.

WHY ARE YOU THE ONE TO DO IT?
What special credentials or experience do you have? Identify the resources you will bring to your project. Identify the people who will participate in the project and describe their qualifications. Describe the College and its resources, including matching contributions.

WHAT GOOD WILL COME FROM IT?
What problems are being addressed? Why are these problems significant, and to whom? Typically you will need to describe the contribution to the discipline and to society in general. You may also need to address the benefit your project will have for your career, the community, the College, and/or its students.

HOW WILL YOU EVALUATE ITS SUCCESS?
Consider measures of assessment. At a minimum you should indicate how and where you plan to disseminate the results of your project.