Grant writing support

Preparing a strong grant application takes time, knowledge and resources. On this page, you will find some helpful tips and advice.  A list of resources has also been complied for your reference.

Tips and advice

  1. Start early!
  2. Identify a funding agency/opportunity of interest
  3. Review successful applications for that opportunity (or similar ones). Please contact the Office of Research and Innovation to obtain copies of previously successful applications.
  4. Attend funding opportunity information sessions (hosted by ÂÜÀòÉäÇø or the funding agency)
  5. Review and understand the funding description (are you applying to the right funding opportunity?)
  6. Review, understand and follow the funding opportunity guidelines
  7. Follow the formatting guidelines
  8. Write
    • Consider your target audience (the sponsor and the reviewer)
    • Respond to the request for proposals (be persuasive)
    • Avoid acronyms and use non-technical language (reviewers may not be experts in your field)
    • Presentation matters!
    • Prepare a clear and feasible budget that is well justified
  9. Review and edit, review and edit again, and again, and again...
  10. Seek peer review (through your colleagues or through the Office of Research and Innovation)
  11. Participate in a grant development workshop

Office of Research and Innovation Supports

  1. Research Guide
  2. Romeo
  3. Internal review by Research Project Officers: In addition to ensuring that the highest quality applications are submitted by ÂÜÀòÉäÇø researchers, the internal review is necessary to ensure that the legal obligations and requirements of ÂÜÀòÉäÇø, the funding agency, and other stakeholders are met. As an institution, we endeavour to conduct research activities in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and ethics. 
  4. Peer Review: If you wish to have your grant application peer reviewed(i.e. to receive an expert opinion on the content), the Office of Research and Innovation would be pleased to seek such expertise. Please allow 6 weeks for a peer review. Please also consult your unit for any process that is in place to enhance your success in the grant competition.

Resources

Ten Tips for Preparing Interdisciplinary Research Proposals

Planning for Knowledge Mobilization and Research Impact in Grant Applications (with permission to share from York University)

Kraicer, J. (May, 1997). The Art of Grantsmanship.

Johnson, A.M. (April, 2011). Charting a Course for a Successful Research Career: A Guide for Early Career Researchers 2nd Edition.

McInnes, R., Andrews, B. and Rachubinski, R. CIHR Guidebook for New Principal Investigators: Advice on Applying for a Grant, Writing papers, Setting Up a Research Team and Managing Your Time.

Consalvey, M.

Mosier, K. (Spring 2022).

Ruediger, S. (September, 2023).