AuthorAID Workshop on Proposal Writing

1. AuthorAID Workshopon Proposal Writing Ethiopia May 2012

2. Introduction and Overview Barbara Gastel, MD, MPH AuthorAID Knowledge Community Editor Professor, Texas A&M University bgastel@cvm.tamu.edu

3. Overview • Introductory items • The grant application process: an overview • Writing a proposal: general advice • Small-group session: your proposed project

4. Thanks and a Welcome • Thanks to supporters, organizers, hosts, and others • Introduction of co-facilitators • Introductions of attendees: name, affiliation, field of work • Overview of workshop plans

5. Intended characteristics of workshop • Practical • Interactive • Enjoyable • Productive

6. AuthorAID (www.authoraid.info) • Project to help developing-country researchers write about and publish their work • Major components • Networking • Mentoring • Workshops • Online resources • Small grants

7. The Grant Application Process:An Overview

8. Seeking a Possible Match:Two Approaches • Identifying something you wish to do and then seeking a suitable funding source • Looking for a request for proposals in your field and then developing a proposal that meets the criteria • (Note: Sometimes a request for proposals has another name, such as call for proposals or program announcement.)

9. Preparing to Write the Proposal • Reading instructions carefully • Consulting a program officer, if appropriate • Researching the literature • Doing preliminary studies, if applicable • Contacting potential collaborators, if any • Determining expected costs • Other

10. Writing and Submitting the Proposal • If requested, submitting a letter of intent or pre-proposal • Drafting the proposal • Revising (and re-revising) the proposal • Obtaining feedback on one or more drafts • Double-checking that all instructions have been followed • Submitting the proposal as instructed

11. Awaiting the Decision • Typically, committees evaluate proposals. • These committees generally contain experts in the field of work. Sometimes they include others too. • Often, these committees both • Determine which proposals are acceptable • Determine which proposals are best (because not enough money is available to fund all acceptable proposals)

12. Following Up • If your proposal is funded, doing and reporting on the work • If you are invited to revise and resubmit the proposal, proceeding accordingly • Otherwise, deciding how to proceed (Note: Even if your proposal is not funded, you may receive feedback that can help in preparing future proposals.)

13. Writing a Proposal:General Advice (Note: These points will be discussed more extensively at various times in the workshop.)

14. Key Advice on Preparing Proposals • Seek a funding source well matched with your goals • Start preparing your proposal early • Gather plenty of information • Follow the instructions carefully • Prepare a detailed, realistic budget • Write readably • Revise, revise, revise

15. Small-Group Session:Your Proposed Project

16. Your Proposed Project • Tell your small group what project you’ll propose in your proposal. Answer questions (for example, requests for clarification). • Explain to your small group why this project is important. Answer any questions. • Be ready to tell the full group, in one minute or less, what you propose to do and why it is important.

17. Example I am seeking funding to give graduate students a workshop on careers in editing. There is a shortage of good editors. Yet many students are not aware of career possibilities in this field. Therefore I believe that such a workshop would be worthwhile.

18. Thank you!