1. Grant Search & Submission
TIMELINE
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
May 2017

2. What does this timeline address?
This is a general timeline to assist postdoctoral researchers with searching for, preparing and submitting sponsored research grants.
What is Sponsored Research?
Grants and Awards that require financial compliance reporting are considered “sponsored research” and must be reviewed, verified, and approved by the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR). These funds are typically paid to the recipient through the University.
What if I am applying for a fellowship or a grant that does not require such reporting?
If the grant/award you are preparing does not require review by OSR, this timeline can assist you with general thinking about successful search and application timelines. These grant / award funds are typically paid directly to the recipient.

3. Searching for Funding Search Confer Verify
6 – 18 months PRIOR to when you need funding
Look at the COS Pivot Database (there are trainings available for this system)
Look at other available Funding resources (databases, google, funding notices, publications thanking funders)
Confer
Talk to other postdocs about funding opportunities they know about or have been successful winning
Talk to your mentor, other advisors, and area specific librarians
Verify
Is the opportunity a Limited Submission or does it require internal coordination?
Will your mentor, department, or the institution support your application?
What steps do you need to take to apply for this funding according to your lab, department, school, etc?

4. Preparing Your Application Package
With grant writing, multiple revisions are necessary.
Work with your area librarian or other campus resources to ensure you have all the information needed for your grant submission
Make sure you answer the “So What?” question – tell the funder UP FRONT why funding your research matters to them (according to their interests) and why it matters more broadly to your discipline, field, and society
3-6 months Prior to Submission Deadline: Begin your first draft of your project narrative and budget.
Complete draft of narrative and budget. Write a one page summary of the project to provide your letter writers and potential collaborators.
Begin working on IRB Identify key points of the grant and contact the program/project officer at agency to clarify any outstanding questions
1 Month Prior to OSR Submission

5. 5-30 days prior to Sponsor Deadline
Grant Submission
Secure: Partner letters, Cost share/ overhead commitments, answers to OSR questions, Signatures for the grant, and Submit IRB
5 business days prior to agency deadline: Complete application submitted to OSR. Work with your grants administrator if your department has one – if not contact OSR early to find out who in your department can assist you.
5-30 days prior to Sponsor Deadline

6. SUBMIT GRANT TO SPONSOR / AGENCY
Timeline Overview
Search 6-18 months
Confer – gather info
Verify Eligibility
Draft & Revise
3-6 Months
Secure Components
1 month
Submit to OSR
5 business days
SUBMIT GRANT TO SPONSOR / AGENCY
(if electronic system upload items 2-3 days before due)