Completing and Submitting the Proposal Session 5 of the Grant Writing Workshop Series

1. Completing and Submitting the ProposalSession 5 of the Grant Writing Workshop Series Nancy L. Cruikshank Director, Grants & Sponsored Research Slippery Rock University

2. Wrapping up your proposal • Re-read sponsor’s guidelines to be sure the proposal narrative includes all requested information and is in the order requested • Gathersupporting materials such as pamphlets/ brochures/newsletters describing your program • Have someone unfamiliar with your project read the proposal

3. Prepare “extra” material required • Biographical sketch (usually 2-3 page brief CV) • References

4. Electronic submissions • SRU is registered with Grants.gov and NSF Fastlane– applicants do not need to register • Foundations and associations may allow applicants to register and input proposals – coordinate with Grants Office • Applicants cannot hit the “submit” until the proposal has been administratively approved

5. Administrative approval REMEMBER – the internal administrative approval process takes time

6. Administrative approval • Complete the Transmittal Form for External Grant Applications • Obtain your department chair’s and dean’s signature on the Transmittal Form • Submit the final proposal along with the completed Transmittal Form to the Grants Office at least five (5) working days prior to the deadline • WHY?

7. Administrative approval Proposals must be reviewed and approved by: • Grants Office • Finance Office • Executive Director, SRU Foundation (if appropriate) • Provost • President

8. Administrative approval • External proposals cannot be submitted until all approvals have been obtained • Signatories may be out of the office and unavailable to review & sign • Signatories may want additional information or revisions to proposal prior to signing

9. Submitting the proposal • Once all approvals have been obtained, check proposal to be sure all required attachments are included • Make requested number of copies and prepare package for mailing if sponsor requires paper applications • Hit the “submit” button for sponsors requiring electronic submission

10. Now what? • Verify receipt of submission • Play the waiting game • Depending on the sponsor, review of proposals can take up to 9 months to receive funding decision

11. Proposal funded!! • Great news! The Grants Office will coordinate the award notification process and work with Finance to establish a funds reservation number for the expenditures related to the award • The Grants Office will continue to work with the project director throughout the grant period on administrative aspects such as submitting progress reports, requesting budget revisions and extensions, and assist with the close-out of the award

12. Not funded  • Obtain reviewers’ comments from sponsor • Revise proposal based on the comments • Re-submit for the next deadline

13. In summary… • Read sponsor’s guidelines carefully to be sure all required information is included • Obtain administrative approval prior to submission • Work closely with the Grants Office to obtain the approvals and coordinate the submission of the proposal