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Identifying, receiving, and stewarding external grants is a team effort. Below is a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, with key areas of collaboration between faculty and Corporate & Foundation Relations. Faculty may need support in one or more areas throughout the grant life cycle.

Before searching for funding, you must have a general grasp of the program or project you want to implement. This may be done in collaboration with colleagues inside or outside the university. Establishing a clear project goal, general outcomes, and an approximate timeline helps you prepare for next steps.

How CFR can help: Staff can meet with you to discuss concepts, help make campus connections to potential partners, and determine the best next steps for your project.

Using your concept, search for opportunities that support similar projects. 兔子先生 has a subscription to , a grant opportunity database which compiles information on funding from government entities, corporations, foundations, and more.

In addition, keep an eye on your professional affiliation and networking groups that send out opportunities that are of interest in your specific field.

How CFR can help: Staff can set up custom search parameters in SPIN and look for funding opportunities on your behalf. We can also review any opportunities with you to identify potential issues and evaluate the alignment of your concept and the opportunity.

More resources for finding funding

Once you've identified a promising funding opportunity, it's crucial to notify CFR staff as early as possible. Every funding opportunity will utilize a different proposal structure, including unique budget templates and various attachments. It is important to carefully read the funding opportunity and guidelines to understand all requirements and follow the rules of submission to have a competitive proposal.

How CFR can help: Staff can act as a project manager for proposal development, including providing templates, assigning tasks and coordinating responsibilities, creating a timeline for on-time submission, providing university-specific language and documents, and editing proposal language.

More information about preparing a proposal

The final stage of the application process focuses on ensuring compliance and successful submission. All grant proposals submitted by the university on behalf of faculty must be reviewed by Corporate & Foundation Relations, and depending on the scope of the project may also include reviews by different departments including academic affairs, finance, technology, counsel, and others. 

How CFR can help: Staff will identify the appropriate level of review and route the completed proposal through the required process for an on time submission. Staff will acquire any necessary signatures and coordinate proposal submission by the Authorized Organizational Representative.

Inform CFR as soon as you receive an update from the sponsor regarding the status of your application (award or decline), and forward all communications from the funder. If awarded, the scope of work, final budget, and grant contract must be reviewed and approved by the university before the grant can be accepted. 

How CFR can help: Staff will route award documentation for institutional approval. Staff can also set up an award launch meeting with faculty, finance, and other partners to understand and plan for the project scope, communicate reporting requirements and deadlines, and address potential contractual obligations.

Faculty are responsible for implementing the project as written in the grant agreement. This includes performing all activities and monitoring your budget to ensure you complete the project and spend down all funds during the grant term. As you move through the grant, any changes or potential issues should be identified early and shared with CFR and Finance. 

How CFR can help: For private grants, staff can support your reporting process by sending reminders of reports due, checking in on progress, and communicating with the funder. Finance staff will provide financial reports and work with you to ensure your budget is accurately reflected in PeopleSoft. Staff can facilitate the request for a no-cost extension, if needed.

More information about managing your award

More Resources for Finding Funding
More Information About Preparing a Proposal
More Information about Managing your Award