Please click to expand the sections below in order to learn more about the Research Development Services (RDS) available.
Consultation to determine fit with funding opportunity
What we provide: A phone call or video chat to discuss how your proposed research meets the described funding opportunity and the funder’s overall priorities, as well as margin comments on your document to enhance competitiveness. We may also suggest that you contact a funding agency program officer or other experts and can provide suggestions on what to say during this discussion.
What you provide: The funding opportunity you are interested in applying to (website link or PDF document) and a one-page concept paper or specific aims document describing your research and how you will respond to the funding opportunity.
Timeline: This consultation requires a minimum of one week. We recommend that this step is completed several months before the proposal due date.
Brief review of an early draft
What we provide: High-level comments on narrative structure and content. Changes will be tracked and notes made in the margin of your document. Comments may relate to alignment with funder objectives, the logical flow of the narrative, completeness, and general grantsmanship suggestions.
What you provide: A completed draft of the project narrative or description and the funding opportunity you are interested in applying to (website link or PDF document). For any resubmissions/revisions, please also provide the previous submission and any reviews or comments from the funder.
Timeline: This brief review requires a minimum of two weeks. We recommend that the review is completed one to two months before the proposal due date to allow time for modifications.
In-depth review of a completed draft
What we provide: High-level comments on narrative structure and content. Changes will be tracked and notes made in the margin of your document. Comments may relate to alignment with funder objectives, the logical flow of the narrative, completeness, and general grantsmanship suggestions. Review of written supporting documents if provided by the PI. Line edits for improved wording, grammatical structure, etc. are available upon request, scheduling permitting.
What you provide: A completed draft of the project narrative or description, the project abstract or summary, and other supporting documentation you would like to have reviewed. Please also provide the funding opportunity you are interested in applying to (website link or PDF document). For any resubmissions/revisions, please also provide the previous submission and any reviews or comments from the funder.
Timeline: High-level comments on narrative structure and content should take place 1-2 months before the proposal is due. Follow-up review with line edits should take place within three weeks of proposal submission.
Mid-scale proposal development support ($1M-$5M)
What we can provide:
- Planning support – review of funding opportunity (proposal requirements), analysis of funding agency expectations, establishing proposal development timeline
- Writing and editing – document review, writing support as needed (generally non-scientific sections)
- Document management – coordinate with PI, research team, and budget and administrative support staff
What you provide: The funding opportunity you are interested in applying to (website link or PDF document), your anticipated team of PIs/personnel, and a one- to two-page concept paper describing your research and how you will respond to the funding opportunity.
Timeline: This service should be requested at least 3-6 months prior to the proposal due date.
Large and complex proposal development support ($5M+)
What we can provide:
- Planning support – review of funding opportunity (proposal requirements), analysis of funding agency expectations, establishing proposal development timeline
- Organizational – coordination among research team, external partners, administrative staff, etc.; tracking progress towards proposal completion; keeping process on track.
- Writing and editing – document review, writing support as needed (generally non-scientific sections)
- Document management – coordinate with PI, research team, and budget and administrative support staff
What you provide: The funding opportunity you are interested in applying to (website link or PDF document), your anticipated team of PIs/personnel, and a one- to two-page concept paper describing your research and how you will respond to the funding opportunity.
Timeline: This service should be requested at least 6 months prior to the proposal due date.
Now available! – Proposal Proofreading
What we provide: A full read-through of the proposal by a member of our proofreading pool to identify and correct typos, formatting errors, or minor grammatical issues. Track changes will be used to allow the investigator an opportunity to review all changes made prior to the proposal moving forward.
What you provide: A final version of all proposal documents the investigator would like reviewed. Documents provided should be as close to a final polished form as possible; the proofreading service is intended to give proposal documents a final review, not more substantive revision and editing.
Timeline: Proposal proofreading requires a minimum of 3-5 business days. We recommend that this step is requested no later than 10 business days before the proposal due date to the sponsor (5 business days prior to the SPS Pre-award internal deadline).