TIPS ON GRANT WRITING

The NIH provides a variety of tips on the home pages of its various institutes as well as on http://grants.nih.gov/grants/grant_tips.htm. It has also provided a model SBIR Phase I grant application: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/sbir/modelsbi.htm.

A set of DoD SBIR samples are also available at: www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/contracts/contract.htm.

Writing successful grants is not something that can be done in 24-hours by cutting and pasting from the business plan. Key questions that must be addressed include:

  • What is the product/service being developed? Note that a "platform technology" is NOT a product.
  • Are your technology and product innovative?
  • Who are the customers and what is the product's commercial potential?
  • What innovations are required for success?
  • What is the commercialization timetable? Be sure that the timing of the award fits with your business plan.
  • Are there significant competitors and why is your company best suited for executing the project?
  • Are your key personnel qualified and facilities/resources adequate?

Once you have identified the specific product for which you are seeking funding, it is important to check the interest areas listed in the free solicitation documents on the websites of potential target agencies. If you find what appears to be a match, e-mail and/or telephone the listed contact to discuss your plan and see how it might fit with the goals of the funding agency.

You need to sell the importance of your work, but be realistic with the research plan. Clearly state what you expect to accomplish, when it will be finished, and the metrics by which your success or failure may be gauged objectively. Define the contributions of the key personnel involved with the project. Be sure that your timeline and financial budget are reasonable; the grant application must demonstrate your ability to manage the project. It is also important to follow exactly the format specified by the soliciting agency, e.g. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm.

Good grant applications usually include a contingency plan at each stage of experimentation, in case things don't work exactly as you anticipate. The application must convince the reviewers that you are well-informed and that you will be able to deal with any unexpected results effectively. Make sure to get an objective review of your application before submitting it.