1. INCREASING THE PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS WITH COMPETITIVE GRANT PROPOSALS

2. Sources of Funding Federal agencies – 23 provide grants and contracts – NSF, ED, HUD, DOJ, NEA, NEH, DOD, USDA, EPA, VA, DOT, DOE, DOC, CNCS, NASA, State, DOL, Treasury, Archives, DHHS, Interior, SSA, IMLS Private Foundations - hundreds with educational focus; dozens, locally State, City, County and Local governments Corporations – both for-profit and non-profit TO DO Research, basic and applied Training and Fellowships Instruction and curricular development Clinical trials, testing enterprises Public Service/Engagement – not for credit education, not research, but possibly involving evaluation

3. Contact with funding agency/foundation Information to obtain from Annual Report, website, and program staff Program Priorities Procedures for review Evaluation criteria Deadlines and Target Dates Funding record- types of projects funded Success ratio Proposal guidelines

4. NSF/IES “Common Guidelines for Education R&D” (8/2013) An amazing document that defines six types of research and provides examples of actual funded projects 1. Foundational Research – theoretically driven basic science 2. Early stage or exploratory research – correlational studies 3. Design and development research – tests solutions to achieve an outcome or goal 4. Efficacy research -- tests a strategy or intervention under “ideal” conditions 5. Effectiveness research – tests a strategy under normal circumstances 6. Scale-up research – examines effectiveness in multiple contexts

5. Generic grant and contract submission processes NLU-Institutional Rep Officially submits proposal responsible for fiscal, human subjects, other compliance issues Dean/Unit Head Responsible for program delivery Faculty Member Responsible for idea and execution Agency/Foundation Log-in Pre-screen Program Officer Responsible for review process and decision/recommendation

6. Generic grant and contract award processes NLU-Institutional Rep Officially accepts award, responsible for fiscal, human subjects, other compliance issues Dean/Unit Head Responsible for program delivery Faculty Member Responsible for idea and execution Agency/Foundation Possible Review by Board Grant/Contract Fiscal Officer Signs-off on award, terms and conditions, funding level Internal review by supervisor/director Program Officer Responsible for review process and decision/recommendation

7. Elements of a Successful Proposal Innovative Idea Fills in critical gap in knowledge Grounded in literature Working toward a long-term goal Evidence of feasibility/pilot data Well designed experiment or program delivery Well-written, logical, succinct Focused and budgeted appropriately The right partners to execute project Evaluation or analysis strategy in place

8. General Outline for Proposals Cover Page Abstract Project Description Table of Contents Introduction Statement of Problem Objectives Procedures/ Methods Significance/outcomes Dissemination Facilities/Equipment Personnel Budget Appendices

9. Letter of Intent/Inquiry (LOI) NB. Review the requirements of the agency/foundation and use the format required, mail or web Program or Program Officer Name Describe the problem and proposed actions and solution – your unique, innovative, timely, and significant approach Connect your proposal to the funders announced program, call for LOI, or previously funded projects Describe your expertise, partnerships, and institutional commitment of resources/facilities to project Describe the projected outcomes, impacts or benefits of project Timeline and budget (include if required, but then the budget must be approved by NLU administration)