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Unless a form is provided, the initial page of the proposal, written on ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Research and Service Foundation letterhead and addressed to a specific person, a) indicates why you have written, b) briefly describes the project, c) states the amount requested, d) states how funds will be used, e) contains contact information, and f) is signed by ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ / ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥RSF’s authorized representative.

An abstract is a short summary, often 200-500 words, typically written after the project narrative has been completed. Funding agencies usually give specific instructions regarding the abstract’s content, length, and order. If no instructions are given, the abstract should identify the applicant institution, establish credibility, state the main objectives and the activities to be conducted, and amount requested. A well-written abstract is critical because some reviewers may read only this part of the proposal.

The narrative describes the proposed project in as much detail as is permitted by the guidelines. Most sponsors prescribe the format and limit the length of the narrative. Clarity and focus are essential in a good narrative. Members of the Office of Research staff are available to review agency guidelines with faculty, provide editorial support, and ensure compliance with the sponsor’s requirements.

Represents a reasonable estimate of projected costs of the proposed project. Standard line items include salary, fringe benefits, travel, consultants, subcontracts, materials, equipment, and indirect costs. A justification or budget narrative explains how the overall cost for each element listed in the budget was formed. The project must be realistic for the amount requested and must be within the funding agency’s range. The Office of Research staff will assist researchers in preparing their budgets and justifications.

A current curriculum vita (CV) is typically required for the Principal Investigator and all co-investigators. Some organizations (e.g., the National Science Foundation) specify the maximum lengths of CVs and what information must be included. Researchers must follow the required format if one is specified. Exhaustive curricula vitae are rarely expected. In most cases 2-3 pages of the information most relevant to the proposed investigation will be appropriate. The Office of Research has templates available upon request.

Appendices are included only if allowed or required. Appendices are generally used to expand on information in the narrative, not to add information essential to the project. The proposal’s table of contents should contain a list of the appendices included.

Most application packages consist of more than the project narrative and budget. Documents such as financial statements, letters of support, and various appendices require time to assemble. The Office of Research can help you gather the required documents, but your timeline must be known in advance of the submission date.

• Tax Exemption Letter â€“ Many proposals require a copy of a letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ Research and Service Foundation is not subject to federal taxation.
• Annual Financial Report / Audit â€“ The Office of Research will provide the financial information required by sponsoring agencies.
• General Letters of Support â€“ Sponsors may require letters of support for projects involving multiple organizations. Program announcements sometimes specify the necessary content of such letters. When not specified these letters should explain the relationship of the sponsor to the primary investigator or the university, why the project is being supported, and specifically what will be done to assist and support the program. Letters of support are usually addressed to the projector’s director, not the sponsor or reviewers. Letters of support are evidence, not testimonials. Letters of support from the Office of Academic Affairs must be coordinated through the Office of Research.
• Letters of Support from the ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ President â€“ Letters from the President in support of proposals are arranged by the Office of Research. Requests for these letters must include evidence that the project has the approval of the faculty member’s Dean, a draft of the proposed letter of support, and the proposal guidelines. The Office of Research must receive the these documents at least 15 calendar days prior to the submission deadline in order to refine the draft and receive the President’s signature. Exceptions to this procedure are rare.

The draft letter must include the following information:

• The specific information required by the proposal guidelines
• How the project advances the mission of the University
• How the project relates to similar work being done at the University

Letters that do not follow these guidelines will be returned to Principal Investigator(s) for completion. The Office of Research does not write the letters but will edit them to meet the requirements of the President’s office.