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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2013; 26(04): 228-231
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1356722
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Grant Writing 101

Jason T. Wiseman
1   Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
,
Karim Alavi
2   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
,
Robert J. Milner
3   Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 November 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Writing a grant is a hefty undertaking. Start by surrounding yourself with a successful mentor and accompanying team with a good track record. Get organized, select clear goals and objectives to your project. Once the foundation for the grant is set, begin by generating a robust hypothesis. Once your hypothesis is clearly defined, you should contact the project officer of the specific grant for which you are applying; they can help identify if the proposal meets an area of need. The basic components of a grant include the following: the face page, which highlights the key contributors; followed by table of contents; abstract; biographical sketches, which are minicurriculum vitae; budget; research plan, which is composed mostly of background, significance, and specific aims; and lastly, references cited. Be sure to follow specific formatting. Use resources including the internet to find an appropriate grant. Finally, given the confines of a busy surgical practice and the significant amount of work necessary to complete a grant, it is essential that the work begins early and well in advance of the proposed deadline.

Keywords

grant hypothesis - mentorship - face page - biographical sketches - budget - research plan - specific aims - letters of support