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Ballard Center Publishes Social Impact Grant Prospecting & Writing Guide for BYU Faculty
In 2026, students from the BYU Grantwell Program worked in conjunction with the Ballard Center Faculty Fellows Program to create a grant prospecting and writing guide for BYU faculty. This guide provides an overview of how 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.
Download the full guide through the link below.
Resources published and shared by the Ballard Center are not necessarily endorsed by BYU or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.