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The College of Education and Human Sciences

Research Office - Proposal Writing Guides


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Several proposal writing guides can be found on the Office of Research page (http://www.unl.edu/research). The university also has several grant writing specialists located in the VC for Research Office (http://www.unl.edu/research/sp1/propdev.shtml).

Sponsoring agencies generally have guidelines for proposal preparation. In an RFQ, RFP or other type of formal request, these guidelines may be very detailed with specific forms required to accompany proposal text. Specifications are included for page length, type size, title length, or any required supporting documents.

There are several general rules when there are no guidelines provided by the agency. A cover page should always accompany your proposal. A cover page should include the title, space for approval signatures for UNL, PI(s) name(s), submitting department, unit or campus, funding request, and performance period.

Page numbers are essential and a Table of Contents is helpful to the reviewers. Most proposals also require an abstract. The proposal text should contain clear statement of the project goals and objectives as well as description of proposed work. References should also be included.

The budget is often reviewed separately from the proposal. You should provide a budget justification which would explain the role of each person (including secretarial/administrative support) included in the project budget.

Links and Resources Related to the Grant Writing Process

Guide to Grammar and Style:
Advice on grammar and style from Jack Lynch, an English professor at Rutgers University, August 3, 2001.

Web Grammar:
You may wish to go right to Grammar Tips. Or perhaps you prefer the Writing section, which includes style guides (40 links) and many writing resources, September 21, 2001.