Grant Proposal Planning Process

The Resource Development Office is committed to using a systematic process to plan and submit grant applications. Staff meet with faculty and administrators to discuss opportunities as they become available as well as conduct occasional division-wide planning meetings as outlined below.

Resource Development Process

Step 1: Meetings with Deans/Department Heads

  • Resource Development staff meet with Deans or Department heads, and faculty and staff from their areas, to elicit background on priority activities or plans underway in each area;
  • These meetings provide the Resource Development staff with a better understanding of priorities and interests, and allow the Deans/Department Heads to ensure that their areas are considered for grant funding.

Step 2: Department Outline/Priority List

  • Based on these meetings Resource Development staff draft an outline for each area, confirmed/approved by the respective Dean/Department Head;
  • Deans/Department Heads are expected to work with their executive staff to reach decisions on the priorities for their areas;
  • Resource Development staff use these outlines to gather sufficient information to identify appropriate funding sources and develop fundraising strategies that can support these initiatives.

Step 3: Matching Funding Opportunities to Defined Priorities

  • As RFPs/RFRs become available, the Resource Development staff will notify the Deans/Department Heads about funding opportunities relevant to their expressed interests. When the Resource Development staff determine it is appropriate, or when requested, the RDO will convene meetings of interested parties to discuss issues around applications for competitive grants and begin development of a proposal.

Step 4: Project Approval

  • As a project begins development, the Dean/Department Head responsible notifies the executive staff of the area via email or memo of the intent to secure funding as well as any need for institutional resources. The executive staff of the area involved must approve the request through email or memo response.
  • Either the executive staff of the area involved or the Dean of Resource Development will notify Cabinet about the project in development and the Cabinet and/or the President must agree that a proposal/request can move forward.

Please note: Any new position that will be requested in a grant must be approved through the Human Resources Office before being included in a grant submission.

Last Modified: 8/4/23