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A grant application is a formal request for funding submitted to a funding body. It outlines a proposed research project, its significance, methodology, budget, and expected impact.

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

Recommended resources:

Literature Searching Guide

Monash Health Research Support Services

A well-prepared budget is essential for demonstrating the feasibility of your project and ensuring proper resource allocation. 

Understand the funder requirements

  • Check the funding guidelines
    • Identify allowable expenses, budget limits, and required formats.
  • Use the funder’s template
  • Know what’s not covered
    • Some funders restrict certain costs (e.g., salaries for existing staff, infrastructure, or indirect costs).

How to prepare a budget

  • Identify key budget categories
    • e.g. personnel, equipment, consumables, travel, participation costs, open access publishing fees.
  • Justify each expense
    • Provide clear explanations and realistic estimates
  •  Ensure the budget aligns with project goals
  • Avoid requesting ineligible expenses.
  • Seek employer approval, if necessay
Example
NIH. (2024). Sample grant applications.

Recommended resources:

Monash Health Research Support Services

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