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Ballard Center Grant Prospecting & Writing Guide
This guide provides an overview of how BYU faculty can identify funding opportunities and develop competitive grant proposals, particularly for interdisciplinary and social impact research.
Key Takeaways:
Finding Funding
- Start with your college's Research Development Office (RDO) representative.
- Explore three primary funding sources: internal BYU grants, government grants (NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.), and philanthropic funding.
- Use tools like Pivot, Grants.gov, and foundation databases to identify opportunities.
- Focus on finding grants that align with your research goals and expertise.
Determining Grant Fit
- Verify eligibility requirements, funding levels, timelines, and geographic restrictions.
- Ensure your project aligns with the funder's mission and priorities.
- Review previously funded projects to better understand what sponsors are looking for.
Writing a Strong Proposal
- Follow all application instructions and formatting requirements carefully.
- Clearly articulate: The problem being addressed, why it matters, how your project will solve it
- Demonstrate both intellectual merit and social impact.
- Use specific, measurable outcomes and a detailed methodology.
Budgeting & Compliance
- Create a realistic budget that justifies all project costs.
- Account for personnel, equipment, and implementation expenses.
- Ensure compliance with institutional and ethical requirements, including IRB approval when applicable.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Establish clear roles, communication processes, and shared goals early.
- Leverage diverse expertise to strengthen proposals and demonstrate broader impact.
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