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Plan ahead, assess funding opportunities, and take other early steps to prepare a solid grant application. Find guidance and advice on how to work with your organization, assess resources and teammates, identify a funding opportunity, check application policies, and lay out your timeline.
Plan Within Your Organization
A successful grant application is a team effort. As part of your early planning process, talk to staff in your organization’s Office of Sponsored Research or equivalent.
Consider Your Idea, Resources, and Collaborators
Start to formulate a research idea, check for available resources, and consider potential teammates. This initial assessment helps inform your decisions for subsequent steps. You will finalize these choices later in the planning and writing process.
Find Your Opportunity, Contacts, and Due Dates
Your application must respond to a specific funding opportunity. Learn how to find the right opportunity, identify a suitable NIH institute, center, or office (ICO), get advice from NIH contacts, and figure out your application deadline.
Follow NIH Application Policies and Requirements
Familiarize yourself with NIH policies and requirements that are relevant to your application’s area of science, award type, and other project characteristics.
Organize Your Time to Complete the Application
Consider creating two timelines: one for your planned project, another for the application writing and preparation process. Allow plenty of time to draft the application, reread, and revise. Finalize your application well before your organization’s internal deadline.