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Grantseeker & Proposal Development Resources

Grantseeker & Proposal Development Resources

OFFICE OF RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

The Office of Research Development (ORD) is a unit of University Research Services & Administration (URSA) under the Office of the Vice President for Research & Economic Development. ORD provides support and resources to faculty in an effort to enhance the research enterprise at Georgia State University.
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QUICK LINKS

PIVOT-RP Funding Search Sample Funded Proposals Limited Submissions Boilerplate

GRANTSEEKER & PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

GSU Resources

GSU Information & Boilerplate

  • Georgia State Fact Page(Information required for most grant proposal submissions such as DUNS number, authorized institutional official, etc.)
  • Georgia State Boilerplates (Descriptive content about various aspects of the university and its resources that you can use in your proposals and manuscripts.)

Sample Funded Proposals

Georgia State faculty may access (in "read only" format) funded proposals to a variety of funding agencies that have been graciously shared by their Georgia State colleagues. Log in using your campus ID and password to complete the quick request form for access.

Training

Make sure you're up to date on required training!

  • Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR): Post-docs, graduate students and undergraduate students involved in empirical research are required to undertake Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) education and training as part of their requirements for graduation or employment. Web-based training through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) is available as part of this educational requirement.
  • Not sure what training you need? Check out the Research Training Checklist.

Institutional Data

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) provides general information and specific data about Georgia State, including enrollment, retention and graduation data, faculty composition data, and other useful information and data. The Georgia State Fact Book provides much of this information in one easy to access online manual. Data reports are also available in iPORT. Data and information can be used freely without permission in grant proposals, presentations and for other purposes by Georgia State employees and students. Click here to access these resources.

Education Plans

The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, & Online Education (CETLOE) at Georgia State is available to provide Georgia State faculty with guidance on educational planning that may be required for some grant proposals, as long as the focus in on the education and training of Georgia State undergraduate or graduate students (not for K-12 or non-Georgia State students). Information, including descriptions of CETLOE resources, can be found on the CETLOE website under “Research Support”. Also, CETLOE staff may be included in a proposal budget to provide assistance in the implementation of the educational plan if the grant is awarded.

Contact the Director of CETLOE to discuss how CETLOE might be able to assist with undergraduate and graduate education and training that you wish to include in your grant proposal.

Other Resources

Workshops & Informational Sessions

The University Research Services & Administration hosts a variety of grant-writing workshops and informational sessions throughout the academic year for anyone who wants to learn about or refresh their approach to grant-writing or wants to learn more about applying to specific sponsors. These workshop topics cover the basics of grant-writing skills and grant-writing for specific sponsors and even for specific funding opportunities. Find out about and register for upcoming workshops on the URSA Online Training Calendar

Generative AI

Guidance on Generative AI and Data Integrity, Privacy, and Security

The growing availability of tools that use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is providing many new opportunities for instruction, learning, research, and productivity. Increasingly generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, DALL-E and many others are being used to produce textual, visual and audio content, organize information, and analyze data. Many of these emerging AI tools have stand-alone interfaces for entering information, but others integrate into tools that are already in use, such as virtual assistants that help answer inquiries or note-taking assistants that record online meetings using extensions to meeting platforms.

As these new capabilities become available, just like with any technology tool, it is critical to understand how to preserve data integrity and prevent potential misuse of information when deciding how and when to use AI. This guidance is being provided to the university community as a resource for examining important aspects of data protection and regulatory responsibilities before engaging with a new AI or other tool in the course of work at the university. It will be updated as the AI landscape continues to evolve and new information becomes available.

2024 Webinar: AI Chatbots Basics for Faculty

This workshop is an introduction to  AI Chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard and Bing. We will look at their capabilities and shortcomings, how they can be used and detected in the classroom, and resources to learn more and experiment.

NIH Resources

NIH Templates & Samples

Other NIH Resources

Webinars

NSF Resources

NSF Templates

Other NSF Resources

Webinars

Letters of Support

General Recommendations for Letters of Support:

What is a Letter of Support?

A letter of support is a document used to validate the credibility of your research through a third-party testimonial. The letter implies that other organizations or funders think your proposal has merit. It signifies that your project has the potential of delivering the proposed results. In addition, it provides a compelling and persuasive reason for a funder to support your grant proposal.

All grant applications have different requirements. So, before you begin requesting or writing a letter of support, review the funding agency’s guidelines first and foremost.

Purpose of a Letter of Support

  • Establish a level of credibility.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the research project.
  • Show that the planned collaboration is genuine.
  • Address the applicant’s qualifications and abilities to complete the proposed research.

Difference Between a “Letter of Support” and a “Letter of Recommendation”

Letter of Support Letter of Recommendation
Demonstrates institutional commitment, collaboration or role in the project. Requested during fellowship applications, mentored Career Development Awards, and other programs.
Written by collaborators, key personnel, institutions, and other significant contributors to the research project. Written by individuals who are not directly involved in the application. However, they must be familiar with the applicant’s qualifications.
Letters of support are submitted as part of the grant application. Letters of recommendation are submitted separately from the corresponding application.

What makes a great Letter of Support?

  • To-the-point, personalized, and full of genuine enthusiasm for the collaboration between the involved parties and the potential research findings
  • Convinces the funder that the proposal is worth taking a chance on
  • Clearly outlines the roles of the PI and the collaborator(s)
  • Addresses any specific guidelines (e.g., particular assurances) required by the funding agency.

Who should write a Letter of Support?

This letter can be written by a variety of people but tend to fall into two categories:

  • Partners providing monetary or in-kind support.
  • Influential people or organizations that believe the research project is worthwhile.
    • Community Leaders: Letters sourced from community leaders help in establishing the proposers’ credibility.
    • Collaborative Partners: Letters sourced from collaborative partners help in demonstrating that the proposed project will be beneficial to the service community.
    • Contributing Supporters: Letters written by contributing supporters demonstrate tangible resources being dedicated to the project.
    • Impacted Constituents: Letters written by impacted constituents help the funder in determining the benefits or repercussions of actions.
  •  Examples:
    • A partner organization
    • A major funder
    • Another foundation
    • A congressional representative
    • An outside business
    • A key stakeholder
    • A community leader

We recommend that you offer to draft a Letter of Support for your consultant(s)/collaborator(s) to edit as they wish as this will help ensure that all deadlines and requirements are met.

Perks of drafting the letter of support:

  • Ensure that the letter of support will contain all the information you need.
  • Make sure that you get the letter back in a timely fashion (assuming you give them enough lead time! We suggest 2-3 weeks.)
  • Great way to work through any unrealistic expectations and negotiate exactly what services or expertise will be provided.

Parts of the Letter

The letter of support consists of three main sections: an opening statement or introduction that identifies the project, one or two main body sections of the letter to indicate the relationship of the writer to the project seeking funding and a closing statement to summarize with key points.

Header

  • Include the writer’s name, institution, and the date of writing the letter on organizational or institutional letterhead.
  • Include the recipient’s name and contact information in the following line.

Salutation and Addressee

  • Determine the appropriate addressee for the letter, typically the project’s principal investigator or the granting agency. If the letter details how the institution will provide support for the project, the addressee should be the granting agency, preferably a specific program officer affiliated with that funding opportunity. Otherwise, if the letter is from a collaborator committing their own support for the project, you may still chose to address the letter to the program officer, but you could also address it to the PI.
  • How does the recipient of the letter prefer to be addressed? Include this at the start (e.g. “Dear Dr. Strange,” or “Dear Mrs. Robinson,”). Avoid using “To whom it may concern.”

Introduction (First Paragraph: 1-3 sentences)

  • Opening statement- Introduce yourself (i.e., Who are you and why should the reader care?) and state the intent of your letter clearly and succinctly. Highlight what you know about the project and the value you see in it.
  • Emphasize why the letter is being written, e.g. to support the proposal and research/academic goals or to commit resources or cost share/matching funds.
  • State the details of the proposal being submitted and reference the funding solicitation including the principal investigator's name, title of the proposal, type of proposal (i.e. research, training, workshop), and where the letter is going (i.e. the funding agency or lead institution).
  • Examples:
    • "I am pleased to support your research proposal titled xxx."
    • "Your proposal to do xxx has my enthusiastic support."

Main Body (1-3 paragraphs, or more as necessary)       

  • Key points of support: Justify why funding is needed for the research project and how it will benefit you and others. Emphasize your belief in the research and its results. Discuss expected outcomes and be clear on the kind of support that you will be providing to the project. Try to anticipate and address questions that the funding agency may have for you.
  • State as specifically as possible the role of the consultant(s)/collaborator(s) in the project
  • State why this collaborator/consultant is the appropriate person/organization/lab to perform the work.
    • What is their relevant experience/expertise? Have they previously worked on a similar project? Do they have a successful track record?
    • Do they have specialized equipment or reagents? Other resources?
  • If you have worked with this collaborator before, be sure to say so! It demonstrates that a productive relationship has already been established.
  • Be sure to include all information required by the funding agency; for example, for NIH, the rate or charge and level of effort for consultant services.

Conclusion (1-3 sentences)

  • Reiterate the value of the writer’s support while providing any final details.
  • Summarize your key points. Convince the reader of your enthusiasm for the project. If you’re addressing the letter to the applicant (instead of the funding agency), you may want to add a note here wishing them well in the application process.
  • End with a cordial closing statement and sign off (e.g., “Sincerely,”), and be sure to actually sign the letter. Include your full name and title below the signature space. Provide further personal contact details if you can’t be reached at the number/email on your organization's standard letterhead. The level of formality should be determined by the level of the personal relationship between the PI and the collaborator/consultant. If you know each other very well, it can be less formal.

Examples of cordial closing statements:

  • "I look forward to collaborating with you on this work."
  • "Best of luck with your grant application."

Final Tips

  • Start with key talking points: Draft your first version of the letter in bullet points. With an outline of important information that you want to include. Then, sweep through and write the “real first draft” without having to worry about missing something.
  • Check (and double-check) grant requirements: Many funding agencies provide a list of rules for applications (like this helpful outline from the Canadian Institute of Health Research). So, whatever you’re applying for, be sure to review the preferences that have been highlighted by the funding provider.
  • The letter should be no longer than two pages in length, preferably a single page. It can be tempting to include everything you think is even slightly relevant. But that will only drown out the most important parts. For reviewers reading through mountains of application material, shorter is definitely sweeter.
  • Proofread before sending it out to the collaborator and potential funder.
  • Don’t send too many letters of support! More letters are not necessarily better because it puts strain on the reviewers and it can diminish the pool of reviewers due to potential conflict of interest.
  • For collaborator letters: Clearly describe what type of support your collaborators will provide (e.g., reagents, animals, human samples, technology).

Example "Letter of Support"

Janice Clark
XYZ Company
1456 Trafalgar Square
Hampstead, London, UK.

Dear Dr. Clark,

I am pleased to be writing a letter in support of the proposal (name of the project) being submitted to the (name of the program) Program by our (name of department) at (name of institution). We strongly support this grant application and the focus on (mention the purpose of the study).

As an organization whose mission is to (state the mission of your organization in alignment to the purpose of the research), we know your true passion is fostering the brilliant minds of tomorrow. We admire your initiatives to fund projects that have greatly benefited the research community.

We acknowledge the specific roles and responsibilities fulfilled by us in this partnership. (mention your roles and provisions to the funding point-wise).

Sincerely,
Clara Montero
Senior Director
PQR Ltd.
Southampton, UK

Other samples:

Biosketches & CVs

Biographical Sketch (biosketch)

A biographical sketch or biosketch is a document highlighting the qualifications of key personnel for a specific role in a proposed grant project. Both the NIH and the NSF require a biosketch for senior or key personnel applying for and renewing grants with each agency.

3 Most Common Issues with Biographical Sketches - added 4/24/23

Starting October 2023, NSF will require all biographical sketches to be generated using SciENcv. Please see NSF's New Policy stating this new requirement.

Access SciENcv

Important: You should consult with your research administrator(s) if you have questions about how this will affect your grant submission and deadlines.

What is SciENcv?

Source: NIH National Library of Medicine

SciENcv Background

Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) is a new electronic system that helps researchers assemble the professional information needed for participation in federally funded research. SciENcv gathers and compiles information on expertise, employment, education and professional accomplishments. Researchers can use SciENcv to create and maintain biosketches that are submitted with grant applications and annual reports. SciENcv allows researchers to describe and highlight their scientific contributions in their own words.

What SciENcv does:

  • Eliminates the need to repeatedly enter biosketch information
  • Reduces the administrative burden associated with federal grant submission and reporting requirements
  • Provides access to a researcher-claimed data repository with information on expertise, employment, education, and professional accomplishments
  • Allow researchers to describe their scientific contributions in their own language

Who Developed SciENcv

The SciENcv utility is a cooperative project requested by the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), which is an association of academic research institutions and federal agencies. In collaboration with the FDP, SciENcv is being built by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Institutes of Health under the aegis of an interagency workgroup composed of members from the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation (NSF), The Smithsonian, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The interagency workgroup operates under the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Research Business Models and Science of Science Policy Committees.

Principles of SciENcv

  • Any researcher may register
  • Leverages data from existing systems
  • Data are owned by the researcher
  • Researcher controls what data are public
  • Researcher edits and maintains information
  • Researcher provides own data to describe research outcomes
  • Researcher has ultimate control over data in biosketch

NIH provides a great walkthrough to help you create your SciENcv.

Some other resources that might be helpful:

ORCID iD

An easy way to populate your SciENcv biosketch is through an ORCID iD. If you do not yet have an ORCID iD, go to the Citation Index and select “Get Started.” An ORCID/record is a free account that creates a persistent identifier that will follow you throughout your career and allows you to gather all of your scholarly work in a single location. You can use it to add publications to your biosketch that are not located in PubMed.

If you are a current faculty member needing an ORCID iD, please register for an ORCID iD using your gsu.edu email address. The Georgia State University Library subject librarians are also available to assist faculty with making their ORCID records more complete and with integrating their ORCID account with SciENcv. Please contact them to make an appointment.

Early Career & Young Investigator Resources

Resources

NIH has several useful resources for faculty interested in applying for an NIH K Award grant and other NIH career development grants.

Webinars

Mid-Career Resources

Are you a mid-career faculty looking for research funding or potentially transitioning your research in a new direction? Here are some resources to check out.

Interested in the NSF Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) Grant?

The NSF Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) supports opportunities for scientists and engineers at the associate professor rank (or equivalent) to substantively enhance and advance their research program through synergistic partnerships.

  • Current solicitation
  • Next deadline window: February 1 – March 1, 2024
  • FAQs
  • Budget: 6.5 months of salary support for PI over 3 years; $100,000 in direct costs in support of the research and training plan; optional 1 summer month per partner included in the proposal
  • To inquire whether your MCA project fits the goals of the TIP Directorate, please email a brief description.

Resources

Webinars

GSU ORD Recorded Webinars:

Hanover Research Recorded Webinars:

Contact Us

For general questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact:

VACANT

Associate Vice President for Research

Kelly McSwain

Assistant Director for Research Development
404-413-1475
[email protected]

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