Ten Steps to a Successful Proposal
1. Contact us
4. Write your Proposal to fit the funder's requirements
6. Complete a Proposal Routing Package (PRP)
7. Get your Proposal signed by your department head and dean
8. Submit your PRP to ORA for approval
9. Submit your proposal to the funding agency
10. Turn your funding notification into money you can spend!
Research Proposals
Our responsibility is to assist you through every phase of your research project. To that end, we've assembled these proposal resources to assist you and we also stand ready to help. Please contact us with your questions.
To get started on your proposal, first review the following tips and information:
- All proposals for external funding MUST be approved by WCU prior to submission to funding agency.
- All Proposal Routing Packages (PRPs) must be signed by the principal investigator, the department head, and the dean of the college before being submitted to ORA for internal routing for WCU approval.
- Research Administration must receive your proposal package five (5) business days before it is due to the sponsor. This gives us the opportunity to ensure your proposal meets all the university and sponsor requirements and has the best chance of getting funded. Plan ahead!
- Proposals received by Research Administration the day they are due to the sponsor run a high risk of not being submitted.
- Be aware of all deadlines and allow plenty of time for submission.
- Contact the Program Officer at the funding agency of interest to ask for advice.
- If proposal is declined, ask for the comments from the reviewers.
- Do not be discouraged if a proposal is rejected at first.
- Make sure all forms are filled out completely and accurately and all required attachments are included.
The Ten Steps to a Successful Proposal are on the right. Depending on your experience, jump into the process where you feel comfortable, but remember that at any point you can call us for assistance. Good luck!