Winning grant proposals: The four commandments

1. Get with the program
A grant proposal must support the mission of the granting organization and be suited for the specific program to which you are applying.

2. Communicate
Reviewers have limited time and energy to devote to your proposal. Clear, concise language is key to a good proposal.

3. Show the Big Idea
A strong research proposal takes an innovative idea and shapes it into a coherent plan that includes sufficient data and references. Reviewers need detail on the thought process behind the experimental plan.

4. Give Us the Details
Reviewers look for a logical, well-designed work plan that includes sufficient detail to describe 1) how, when, and by whom the work will be done, 2) how the data will be analyzed, and 3) that the necessary skills and resources are available to complete the proposed research.