2.  How the knowledge created advances our theoretical understanding of the study topic, so that others interested in similar situations but in a different context will learn.  Be explicit how general theory explains a particular topic, and how knew knowledge about this specific topic will advance the theory.  Use clear, concise language. Reviewers might come from different fields or even different disciplines.

3. Preparatory work  UW groundwork: advisor, IRB (NSF UW Grad Funding Plan)NSF UW Grad Funding Plan  Deadlines: January 15 th annually  12 months, $20,000  Read the LSS goals and guidelinesLSS goals and guidelines  Read the Abstracts of recently funded researchAbstracts of recently funded research  Email the LSS Program DirectorsLSS Program Directors

4. 1. Intellectual Merit: How important is the proposed activity to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields? How well qualified is the proposer to conduct the project? To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources?

5. 2. Broader Impact How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does the proposed activity broaden the participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic, etc.)? To what extent will it enhance the infrastructure for research and education, such as networks and partnerships? Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to society?

6.  Statement of the research problem, specific aims, expectations, propositions or hypotheses: 2 pages.  Review of the literature and significance: 1 page.  Preliminary studies by the student, if any: 1 page.  Research Plan: 5 pages, Including: ◦ Research Design (implementing research questions) ◦ Case Selection ◦ Research Site or Data Source(s) (access? resource?) ◦ Operationalization of Key Concepts ◦ Data Analysis Plans  Research Schedule: 1 page.

7.  Review Process and Review Panels  Ratings and Resubmission Excellent: outstanding proposal in all respects Very Good: high quality proposal in nearly all respects; should be supported if possible Good: a quality proposal, worthy of support Fair: Proposal lacking in one or more critical aspects; key issues need to be addressed Poor: Proposal has serious deficiencies

8.  Grant Proposal Materials: You can locate this presentation, sample grant proposals and a long list of grants at the CLASS Center website under the Graduate Resources link.