Be sure to obtain approval before you submit a proposal to a granting agency.
Ask key questions to test your idea:
- Does this project further the mission of Goshen College and your department?
- Do your colleagues understand and support this effort? Who would be a part of the project team?
- Is it doable at Goshen? Who are campus stakeholders who will participate in preparing the application and, if successful, in implementing the grant?
- How does your background, experience and publications to present an established track record of achievement to a funder?
- In discussion with your department chair and dean (or supervisor and vice president), will you have enough time to conduct the project?
- If you are responding to an RFP (request for proposal) or program announcement, do you have adequate time to prepare the proposal before the application deadline?
Consult the Grant office first
The faculty member should be the main writer for any proposal, but the grants coordinator can offer assistance. See a list of specific kinds of assistance on the grants and proposals home page. All proposals submitted to federal agencies must be submitted by the grants office after formal approval.