Proposal Development

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Proposal Writing Institute

The Proposal Writing Institute (PWI) is the annual, intensive training workshop offered each Spring by the Proposal Development division that is designed to assist researchers in learning the tools and techniques to develop high-quality proposals. The PWI features a small-group setting, allowing for individualized attention, and participants actively work on a proposal during the workshop sessions that they will ultimately submit to an external funding agency at the conclusion of the Institute.

Institute Overview

A comprehensive approach to the proposal development process is achieved during the Institute through presentations, discussions, and small-group activities. Some of the Institute topics include finding funding; developing a proposal outline from the RFA/RFP guidelines; creating timelines for proposal development; analyzing aims/objectives; building budgets based on project tasks; observing mock review panel(s); and understanding the proposal submission process.

Participants

Any USU faculty member who is eager to learn how to write better proposals for external funding of their research is invited to apply. Applicants can be new or established faculty who are inexperienced in developing proposals for external funding consideration.

Stipend

A stipend of $5,000 will be provided to each participant for their involvement in the Institute. Full attendance of all Institute sessions is required to receive the first half of the stipend ($2,500), which will be paid at the end of the last regular Institute session. The remaining $2,500 will be paid to participants when a copy of the final proposal, a peer review of the proposal, and proof of submission is provided to the OPD. 

Application

Acceptance to participate in the Institute is a competitive process requiring the submission of an application and support of the faculty member’s department head/dean/center director. Approximately 12 participants are accepted for each annual Institute. The Dean's Offices collect applications from faculty and rank their top three applicants, which are then forwarded to the Proposal Development division for final selection. The top candidate from each college is automatically admitted to the Institute, with the unoccupied Institute spots filled based upon the strength of the remaining applications.

 

PWI APPLICATION TIMETABLE
Applications available	December
Completed applications to Dean's Offices	Varies by college
College finalists forwarded to Proposal Development division for final selection	Mid-February
Applicant notifications sent	Early March
PWI sessions	May/June
PWI follow-up session	December