Research Proposals

1. Research Proposals & Grants

2. Research Proposals • A proposal sets forth both the exact nature of the matter to be investigated & a detailed account of the methods to be used • Contains material supporting the importance of the topic & the appropriateness of the research methods to be used

3. Research Proposals Functions of a Proposal • Means of communication serves to communicate the investigator’s research plans to those who provide consultation, give consent, or disburse funds 2. Research Plan serves as a plan for action, step-by-step guide 3. Contract a completed, approved proposal can serve as a bond of agreement

4. Research Proposals Regulations Governing Proposals • All funding agencies have their own guidelines for submissions (for example: NIJ Guidelines • These should be followed exactly • Download and complete the proper forms • Heed deadlines

5. Research Proposals • Specific formats may vary • Nearly all proposals include: • Introduction/Background • Importance of the Study/Project • Review of Literature • Methodology • Definitions • Limitations/Applications

6. Introducing the Study • Start with a short, well devised statement • Establish the overall area of concern, peek interest, communicate essential information for understanding the rest of the proposal • Identify & define the central concept • Most common error: Failure to get to the point

7. Background • Any research problem should show its lineage from the background of existing knowledge, previous investigations, or contemporary practice (in applied cases) • What is already known or done? • How does this research relate to what is already known or done? • Why select this method?

8. State the Question/Goal • Set forth a clear and explicit statement of the question or goal to which your research is directed • Does not need all subtopics or even formal ‘hypotheses’ • Should be a specific & accurate synopsis of the primary target of study

9. Importance of the Study • Why is that question or goal an important one? • What’s contributed to the knowledge base? • Or, Why is it useful in a practical setting? • This should also tie in to the Background, Literature, and any Hypotheses or Research Questions

10. Review of Literature • See previous notes on Lit Reviews • The best research proposals achieve links using the organized framework of the lit review to connect existing knowledge on a topic, the importance of that topic to a specific research question, & how it should best be studied

11. Methodology/Procedures • All proposals should include a plan for the careful & systematic investigation of the topic • This section is usually the most critically scrutinized • Work through your methodology as a step-by-step plan • Be detailed

12. Methodology/Procedures • Include: sources of data, collection of data, and analysis of data • Target population/sampling methods • Instruments/techniques for measurement • Design for the collection of data • Procedures for collecting & recording data • Explanation of data analysis procedures • Plans for contingencies (like subject mortality)

13. Methodology/Procedures • Specific to this class, you should also be sure to note the computer programs you’ll use for these tasks

14. Additional Components • Definitions where appropriate: Define the variables, any jargon, etc. • Limitations/Applications: Indicate what your study can and cannot do or show (and for what groups) • Budget: Personnel, materials, etc. • Timeline: Projected start dates and completions dates for each element of the project

15. Example: NIJ Proposal

16. Finding Grants

17. UF - "FYI"

18. UF Division of Sponsored Research

19. Private Foundations

20. Subscription Services

21. Government Grants Finding & Applying

22. Government Grants

23. Agriculture Arts Business & Commerce Community Development Disaster Prevention & Relief Education Employment, Labor, & Training Energy Environmental Quality Food & Nutrition Health Housing Humanities Information & Statistics Law, Justice, & Legal Services Natural Resources Regional Development Science & Technology Social Services & Income Security Transportation Government Grant Categories

24. Government Grants

25. Applying for a Government Grant • Register • Download application package (& any special instructions • Complete all sections • Submit on-line or mail, as appropriate • Track Status • Complete any follow-up requests

26. Government Grants Computer Applications: • Most govt. grant applications accept only three types of files • PDF files • Word documents • Text documents • PureEdge Viewer • Adobe Acrobat

27. Submitting Proposals for Grants • Typically forms are in PDF format • Complete using Adobe • Write the major components in Word • All documents then submitted on-line

28. Successful Grant Proposals Best Chance of Success • Find a grant opportunity that matches well with your issue, needs, abilities • Follow all the guidelines • Keep your budget reasonable & appropriate to the tasks proposed • Account for all elements of the research plan (especially methods) in detail