Research and Grant Proposals

Why is a strong application important?

• A well-structured application improves the likelihood of receiving funding.
• Clearly presenting objectives, methods, and impact convinces funders of the project's feasibility.
• Meeting all application requirements avoids disqualification due to administrative errors.

Key components of an application

1. Project summary
   1. A concise overview of the research question, objectives, and expected outcomes.
2. Background and significance
   1. Explanation of the problem being addressed and how the research contributes to existing knowledge.
   2. Conduct a literature search to find supporting evidence for your application
   3. You may need assistance from a librarian
3. Methodology
   1. Detailed description of the research design, data collection, and analysis methods.
   2. Include a data management plan.
4. Budget and justification
   1. Breakdown of requested funds, including salaries, equipment, travel, and other research costs.
5. Timeline and milestones
6. Institutional approvals
   1. Include relevant ethics approvals and endorsements
   2. Enagage with Monash Health Research Support Services
7. Knowledge translation plan
   1. Strategies for disseminating findings to academic, policy, and community stakeholders.

How to write a strong application

• Seek feedback from colleagues, especially those with experience
  • Ask for feedback early to allow time for revisions
  • Consider using mock review panels to simulate funders’ assessment
• Follow all application requirements strictly
• Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon
• Justify all costs
• Address every section in the funder’s guidelines
• Clearly articulate the significance of your research
• Ensure the proposed timeline and methodology are realistic
• Provide an excellent summary -  funders often rely on the abstract for initial assessments
• Use visuals to your advantage (e.g. labelled diagrams and tables, bullet points and numbered lists.)
• Technical issues can arise, so submit well before the deadline

Example
NIH. (2024). Sample applications and summary statements.
 

Recommended resources:

Literature Searching Guide

Monash Health Research Support Services

• Ardehali, H. (2014). How to write a successful grant application and research paper. Circulation research, 114(8), 1231–1234. 
• Boyle, E. (2020). Writing a good research grant proposal. Paediatrics and Child Health, 30(2), 52-56.
• NIH. (2024). All about grants podcasts.
• Proctor, E.K., et al. (2012). Writing implementation research grant proposals: ten key ingredients. Implementation science, 7, 96. 
• Wiseman, J.T., et al. (2013). Grant writing 101. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 26(4), 228–231.