What are the things I need to check for to ensure that my application has no flaws?
I have drafted a grant application for the first time. What are the things I need to check for to ensure that my application has no flaws?
Congratulations on drafting you first grant application.
Some of the things that you could check for in you grant application to ensure that it has no flaws are-
- Your research question is robust and backed with sufficient preliminary data and literature.
- Your proposed research question/ hypothesis is verifiable.
- The aims and scope of your research project matches the aims and scope of the funding agency that you are applying to.
- There is novelty associate with your proposed work.
- You have sufficiently highlighted the significance of your research work and also demonstrated how it could contribute to existing knowledge in your field of research.
- Your proposed timeline and budget are realistic, and will not be subject to unnecessary scrutiny.
- Your proposal is drafted in accordance to the guidelines specified by the funding agency.
- You have made arrangements/ know how to make arrangement for any special requirements that would be required to carry out the project (e.g. specialized instruments)
- You possess the knowledge/ expertise or you have collaborators that possess the knowledge/ expertise to carry out the work mentioned in the proposal.
Additionally try to get your application reviewed by a senior colleague or a mentor for constructive criticism/ feedback on your application. This will help you fix any flaws in your application document and enhance its quality before it reaches the funding agency. Also do a thorough proofreading yourself as well as from other to ensure that your document has no spelling or grammatical mistakes and typographical errors.
In case your colleagues or mentors are pressed for time themselves and find it difficult to help you, you can always seek professional help from Enago’s Grant Writing Service. Enago’s team of expert consultants, writers and editors can help you boost your chances of securing funding by helping your write a persuasive, impactful and error free research grant proposal.
