WASP (Write a Scientific Paper): Writing a Research Grant - 2, Drafting the Proposal

When writing up a grant application, the proposal has to be targeted to the funding source identified and being approached. However, some general rules apply in all cases. Provision of preliminary data may be useful and collaboration with well-known/published colleagues and top centres may also help and may be a prerequisite for some kinds of application. The quality and originality of the science is the main selling point as well as convincing the review board that you/your consortium are the best placed group to do the job. A strong organisational structure showing how the fund will be managed, as well as realistic targeted deliverables and a research timeline will help convince funding bodies/assessment boards of the likelihood that the team can handle the project. Before submission of the grant proposal, a more experienced grant writer should review the proposal. Using a checklist to assess adherence to the funding body's guidelines and grant submission guidelines is essential prior to submission.