CANADIAN GRANT PROPOSAL TIPS

Starting a grant application When you have any large document to write, it can be easy to put it off, or to open a document and stare at a blank page for a long time. Here's how to start without hesitation, and it's simple. It's so simple that it seems a bit silly that I am writing this down... however, it works, and a lot of people don't do it, and hence they get stuck. Make the page not blank by starting off writing down your headings. Everything that you write down helps you to refine your ideas, and once you have started putting things down on the page, your brain works away at it. So stop sitting there thinking, and actually start a document with some words on the page. Here are some sensible headings for a grant document to start your thinking. 1. Statement of Need/Significance The most crucial piece of any grant proposal -- why should they be interested in giving you money? What are you doing that benefits society and other human beings? W...

Here is a link to the US Grant Training Centre. Happily for the rest of us, they have shared their wisdom, knowledge, and experience through blog posts we can all benefit from. https://granttrainingcenter.com/blog/ Though this website is American-based, it does have some excellent topics that are good food for thought for all grant writers or would-be grant writers. Here are some sample titles of posts that you will find there. Five Crucial Aspects of Grant Management Seven Characteristics of Successful Grant Writers The Final Step to Avoid Grant Rejection Grant Success: Stop Stating, Start Connecting Grant Success: Start Small, Think Big What are you doing to focus your thoughts on selling the value of your research to others? Remember, think: - concisely, what is it that you do? - how is this valuable to society? - how does it build on or compare with what others have done, and do?

Canada has four major research granting bodies. You will often hear people refer to them only by their acronyms, so here they are all spelled out, with their missions and with their official links so that you can click and learn more. CFI Canada Foundation for Innovation    The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) was built on the ideals of thinking big and investing in areas that matter to Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has ensured Canadian researchers have the tools — the cutting-edge labs, facilities and equipment — they need to push the frontiers of knowledge in all disciplines, and to contribute to the full spectrum of research — from discovery to technology development. This has allowed our brightest minds to contribute to better health outcomes, a cleaner, greener environment, evidence-based policy-making and the competitiveness of Canadian businesses. NSERC Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council NSERC aims to make Canada a ...

Are you a researcher who is thinking of applying for a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)  grant or one of Canada's other grants? SSHRC Canada is offering a free webinar * in English on May 23 * in French on May 24. The link to sign up is here: http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/news_room-salle_de_presse/latest_news-nouvelles_recentes/2018/webinar_connection_may-webinaire_connexion_mai-eng.aspx

Does it seem like you are mired in a grey world of endless stacks of paper, trying to describe your research and submit your grant application? Bring yourself back to the colour and life of the real world -- your research does involve real life people and good consequences for Canadian society. Read and watch the stories of other researchers who have been successful in getting their research funded. It can help you ramp up your own enthusiasm and give you new insights. Canadian Foundation for Innovation Stories https://innovation.ca/stories 25 Storytellers of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/news_room-salle_de_presse/latest_news-nouvelles_recentes/2018/top_25-25_finalistes-eng.aspx Discovery Research: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Discovery-Decouverte/index_eng.asp