Developing a Research Grant Proposal
DEVELOPING A RESEARCH QUESTION
I want to study:
Because I want to find out:
So that I can understand:
This is important because:
DEVELOPING AN ABSTRACT
General topic and the background; previous scholarship:
My research question:
The methodology I will use:
Why this matters:
TIPS FOR WRITING A NARRATIVE
- Pitch your proposal based on the guidelines: don’t get off-topic
- Don’t bury the lead: get right to the point (abstract helps here)
- Avoid repetition – don’t repeat the abstract
- Demonstrate clear thinking and writing: logical progression of ideas
- Simplify technical language
- Passive vs. active voice: one or the other!
- Demonstrate interest and passion in the topic
- Have an informative title – helps the reviewers
STRUCTURING THE NARRATIVE
Existing Scholarship (include only of it is NOT in the abstract):
“Building on previous scholarship that…”
Methodology:
“In order to study XX, I will begin by …”
- Be specific about the order of your work, timetable (what you’ll do when)
Analysis/interpretation:
“Once I have collected these data/After studying these texts, I will …
Qualifications:
“As a XX major, I am qualified to undertake this project because…”
Significance:
“This research will lead to my thesis/will inform policymakers about …”