How do you write a grant application that persuades funders to invest in your research?

1 Understand the funder and the funding scheme

Before you start writing your grant application, you need to do some homework on the funder and the funding scheme that you are applying for. You need to find out what their goals, priorities, criteria, and expectations are, and how your research aligns with them. You also need to check the eligibility, budget, timeline, and format requirements, and follow them strictly. You can look at the funder's website, guidelines, past and current projects, and feedback from successful and unsuccessful applicants to get a sense of what they are looking for.

2 Craft a compelling title and summary

The title and summary of your grant application are the first things that the funder will read, and they can make or break your chances of getting their attention and interest. You need to craft a title and summary that are clear, concise, and catchy, and that communicate the main idea, significance, and impact of your research. You need to avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that may confuse or alienate the funder, and use keywords that relate to their goals and priorities. You also need to tailor your title and summary to the specific funder and funding scheme that you are applying for, and show how your research fills a gap or addresses a problem that they care about.

3 Demonstrate the need and the novelty of your research

One of the main questions that the funder will ask is why your research is needed and what makes it different from existing or ongoing research in your field. You need to demonstrate the need and the novelty of your research by providing a clear and convincing rationale, background, and context for your research question, hypothesis, or aim. You need to show how your research addresses a significant and relevant problem or challenge, how it builds on or challenges existing knowledge or practice, and how it contributes to advancing your discipline or field. You also need to provide evidence and citations to support your claims and arguments, and to show that you are familiar with the literature and the state of the art in your area.

4 Describe your methodology and plan

Another key question that the funder will ask is how you will conduct your research and what steps you will take to achieve your objectives and outcomes. You need to describe your methodology and plan in detail, and explain how they are appropriate, feasible, and ethical for your research. You need to specify the methods, techniques, tools, data, and sources that you will use, how you will collect, analyze, and interpret them, and how you will deal with any potential challenges, risks, or limitations. You also need to provide a clear and realistic timeline, budget, and deliverables for your research, and show how they are aligned with the funder's requirements and expectations.

5 Highlight your expertise and collaboration

Another important question that the funder will ask is who you are and why you are qualified and capable of carrying out your research. You need to highlight your expertise and collaboration by providing a brief and relevant overview of your academic background, qualifications, skills, achievements, and publications. You also need to mention any collaborators or partners that you will work with, such as other researchers, institutions, organizations, or stakeholders, and explain their roles, contributions, and benefits for your research. You need to show that you have the necessary expertise and collaboration to conduct your research successfully and professionally, and to add value and credibility to your application.

6 Emphasize your impact and dissemination

The final question that the funder will ask is what impact your research will have and how you will disseminate your findings and outcomes. You need to emphasize your impact and dissemination by explaining how your research will make a difference and create positive change in your discipline, field, society, or beyond. You also need to describe how you will communicate, share, and engage with your target audience, such as other researchers, practitioners, policymakers, media, or public, and what channels, platforms, or formats you will use. You need to show that you have a clear and effective strategy for maximizing the impact and dissemination of your research, and for ensuring its sustainability and relevance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?