Application Guidelines: What to look for
What are the qualifications of the Principal Investigator or Project Director (PI/PD) and the institution?
- Do you meet the qualifications to apply for the program as outlined by the sponsor? Many sponsors have numerous programs that are applicable to project directors at a specific point of their careers.
- If defined by the sponsor, does The Research Foundation meet the requirements to qualify?
- If the sponsor specifies only a limited number of proposals will be accepted from a single institution, have you been approved to apply? (Contact the Office of Research Development & Assessment at 2-9033 for more information about Institutional Nominations)
When is the application due?
- Does the sponsor state a receipt date, postmark date, target date or electronic submission
date?
Receipt Dates: The last day the sponsor will accept proposals.
Target Dates: Unless otherwise stated in announcements or solicitations, proposals postmarked after these “cutoff” dates will be reviewed, although they may miss a particular panel meeting or review cycle. It is recommended that project directors contact their Program Official concerning specific target dates.
Postmark Dates: A postmark is a stamped calendar date set by the sponsor for proposals. It is important to have your proposal stamped on or before the required postmark date. To obtain a postmark, project directors need to bring their proposal package(s) to a local United States Post Office. A postmark is NOT the same as a deadline; the actual postmark is the requirement of the sponsor.
Electronic Submission Dates: Proposal must be submitted electronically by the date and time indicated in the proposal announcement. Attention should be paid to the time zone indicated.
Other Types of Submission Dates: Most programs that do not have a specific deadline or target date will accept proposals at any time of the year. If unsure, contact the sponsor for clarification.
Are there sponsor specific application forms and submission requirements?
- Are there specific agency forms that are required by the sponsor?
- Is the submission required to be submitted via grants.gov?
- Are you using the most recent issue of application forms?
- What is the sponsor policy regarding use of facsimiles--do they require original forms only?
- How is the proposal assembled for mailing or electronic submission?
- Does the PI need to be registered to use the sponsor’s electronic proposal submission site?
Are there any special budgetary considerations?
- What kinds of costs are permitted? What may be permitted by one sponsor may not necessarily be allowed by another.
- How do they want the budget prepared?
- Are matching funds required? Did you get approval?
Is there a specific application format?
- Does the sponsor explain how to present the text of the proposal?
- What are the specific areas and concerns cited by the sponsor that should be included in the text?
- Is there a limit in the type size? Page limits?
- Are there specific instructions regarding margins, copying and binding?
What kinds of institutional endorsement besides that of The Research Foundation are required?
- Additional signatures from the PI/PD, chair, dean, or compliance?