Grant Writing

Start with a one-pager draft to make your project’s goals realistic and clear. Then, use feedback from this draft to write with clear and accessible language:

• Avoid jargon and acronyms. Spell out terms in full and use plain English wherever possible, as reviewers often come from diverse subfields.
• Use short, direct sentences. Aim for clarity, not complexity. Each word on the page should serve a purpose
• Define technical and key terms early. If technical language is necessary, introduce terms one at a time with a concise definition.
• Tell a coherent story. Your proposal should function as a narrative with a beginning (need), middle (approach), and end (outcomes).

Action-oriented language improves readability, gives clarity of purpose, and reduces ambiguity. Use verbs that convey action and contribution—demonstrate, create, build, test, analyze—so the narrative reads as purposeful and directed.

• Use active voice.
  • Instead of: “It is expected that data will be analyzed…”
  • Write: “We will analyze data using…”
• Frame objectives as things you will do.
  • Instead of: “We will investigate the role of…”
  • Write: “We will demonstrate how X affects Y by…”
• Emphasize contributions and outcomes.
  • “This project will advance understanding of…”
  • “This project will create new methods for…”

Reviewers are guided by specific criteria and language drawn directly from the program solicitation. The more closely your narrative aligns with these priorities, the easier it is for reviewers to see why your project deserves support.

• Study the solicitation carefully and identify the funder’s mission, goals, and review criteria.
• Mirror the funder’s language and explicitly link your project to their priorities, mission, and goals.
  • Example: “This project directly addresses the program’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and workforce development.”
• Reinforce alignment throughout your proposal—in your aims/objective, methods, and outcomes.

Start with a strong proposal outline and begin each section with a topic sentence that immediately frames the purpose. Place key points in the first and last sentences of paragraphs—reviewers often read these positions most closely. Incorporate figures, tables, and diagrams wherever they can convey complex information more effectively than text alone. Finally, headings help reviewers navigate your proposal quickly. Use clear, descriptive headings and subheadings that help reviewers quickly locate required elements, especially when they are skimming.

Compelling proposals ground their claims in evidence. Use preliminary data, pilot studies, prior publications, or relevant experience to demonstrate feasibility and expertise.

• Quantify activities and outcomes whenever possible, replacing general statements with specific, measurable commitments.
  • Instead of: “We will engage students.”
  • Write: “We will engage 10 undergraduate researchers each summer through a structured mentoring program.”
• Highlight anticipated outcomes clearly, noting how results will be shared, translated, or applied—for example, through open-source tools, publications, workshops, or new educational resources.
  • Example: “Results will be shared via open-source software, two journal articles, and a workshop.”

The work put into revision is when proposals become clear, persuasive, and reviewer friendly. Ask yourself if someone outside your field could understand the project after one quick read. Invite a family member or colleague outside your field to read your draft for clarity. As you revise, eliminate filler words, redundancies, and overly complex phrasing that may distract from your core message. Proofread carefully and polish your formatting—remember that reviewers appreciate brevity and white space.