Idea to application: you are in charge

The grant writing process can be daunting to a novice investigator. This article focuses on three inter-related activities that lead to a completed grant application. The first activity involves developing the research team. Selection of colleagues who will strengthen and support the research ideas is an early first step to developing a competitive grant application. It is important to communicate clearly the roles and responsibilities of each team member. The second activity is development of the scientific plan-the research proposal-from specific aims to plans for data analysis. Strategies used to review the literature, synthesize existing knowledge, develop the argument for the research proposal, and select the most appropriate method are discussed. The third activity involves developing a business plan-the budget-that demonstrates clearly the investigator's ability to complete the proposed research. These three activities are set within a timeline to guide investigators in successful completion of a grant application.