Grant Writing and Project Management Training Module


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Course Description

The course will introduce students to the overall process of grant-writing, as well as web-based resources that will assist in fully developing a proposal. Participants will examine how to identify opportunities for developing a competitive proposal and the components of a typical proposal. Participants will learn about different types of grants; prepare/assemble components of a typical proposal; discuss the submission process; and examine post-award responsibilities.

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify funding sources available for rehabilitation research through NIDRR, RSA, NIH as well as state and local resources.

  • Discuss the implications for seeking funding for specific research/demonstration projects.

  • Understand differences between the electronic versus paper submission processes.

  • Complete the steps necessary to meet IRB guidelines and requirements for submission.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of how to manage a successfully funded project.

  • Complete the steps necessary to meet IRB guidelines and requirements for submission.

Course Organization and Overview

The course will be completed through a progressive module/session format, which consists of six modules. These distance learning modules examine: research, funding opportunities, the process of developing a competitive proposal, proposal submission procedures and explore post award responsibilities. Each module is designed as a stand alone session, which can be inserted into existing courses of Project Empowerment collaborators.

In this course students will develop their proposal ideas and begin the process of peer review. By the end of the course students will have a clear picture of the grant writing process and direction for the proposal developed throughout this course.

Module 1: Research

Module 2: Funding Opportunities

Content Outline:

  • What are Grants?
    • What is a discretionary grant?
    • What is a cooperative agreement?
    • What is a contract?
    • What are sponsored agreements?
    • What is a foundation grant?
  • Sources for Available Grants:
    • Grants.gov
    • NIH
    • DOD
    • ED
    • CNI
    • FoundationCenter.org
  • Department's/Agencies priorities related to rehabilitation services and outcomes?
    • NIDRR
    • RSA
    • DOL
  • Funding Opportunity Resources:
    • Virginia Commonwealth University
    • Virginia Union University
    • Virginia State University
    • Norfolk State University

Module 3: Proposal Preparation

Content Outline:

  • Identify What You Want to Investigate
    • Identify Funding Source/Priority
      • What is an application package?
      • How do I get an application package?
      • Whom do I contact if I have questions concerning the application?
  • Assemble a Research Team
    • Key Members
    • Roles and Responsibilities
    • Development/Submission Timeline
  • Write/Assemble the Components of a Typical Proposal
    • Abstract
    • Budget and Budget Justification
      • What do I need to know about indirect costs and the indirect cost rate when preparing my application?
    • Importance of Problem
    • Design of Research (or Development) Activities:
    • Plan of Evaluation:
    • Project Staff:
    • Adequacy and Accessibility of Resources:
    • Vitae/Biosketch:
    • Letters of Institutional and Collaboration Support
  • Reviewer Proof the Proposal

Module 4: Proposal Submission

Content Outline:

  • Office of Sponsored Programs Polices and Procedures
    • Virginia Commonwealth University
    • Virginia Union University
    • Virginia State University
    • Norfolk State University
  • University Requirements
    • Compliance
    • Use of Human Subjects
    • Use of Animals in Research
    • What are certifications and assurances?
    • Routing of Proposals
  • Submission
    • Who is authorized to submit?
    • What if there are technical problems with e-Application on the deadline date?
    • What if there are technical problems with Grants.gov on the application deadline date?
    • What if I find an error or realize I have omitted something in my application after the deadline?
  • What happens if I miss the application deadline?

Module 5: Peer Review

Content Outline:

  • How are proposals reviewed?
  • What criteria do reviewers use?
  • Does a high score insure funding?
  • How long does it take for the funding source to make a decision on my application?
  • What do I do if the proposal is not funded?

Module 6: Post Award Responsibilities

Content Outline:

  • Office of Sponsored Programs Polices and Procedures [Award acceptance, Post Award Changes, Reporting Requirements, etc]
    • Virginia Commonwealth University
    • Virginia Union University
    • Virginia State University
    • Norfolk State University
  • What are my Responsibilities as a Grantee?
    • Project Start-up
    • What do I need to know about protection of human participants in research?
      • CITI Training (www.citiprogram.org)
    • What responsibilities do I have as Principal Investigator?
    • What must I do if I need to change some part of my project from the original application?
    • What can I do to help my request for a change get processed quickly?
    • How do I make sure that I am complying with the regulations that apply to my award?
    • What do I need to do to prepare for a site visit?