Revised Executive Summary
This project proposes to develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of the funding agency. Successful grantsmanship is critical to the economy of the academic research institution. This project will not contain instructions on how to do research. This guide will focus on how to seek out funding opportunities and write a winning proposal. A new grant writer needs to be able to identify the needs of the targeted funding agency or approach an agency with an unsolicited request. This project will look at successful versus unsuccessful proposal submissions, and attempt to understand how the project fits into the philosophy and mission of the agency or organization targeted. This manual is designed as a new reference document that will be housed in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies. It will also be available on the AAH Research web site, and will be incorporated into the training cycle conducted by the research office.
Purpose Statement
This project proposes to develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of the funding agency.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Chapter 4 Describing the Current Situation
Chapter 4 Describing the Current Situation
1. Describing the current situation is where the writer establishes his/her ethos. The writer has to establish that the problem being addressed is the effect of change. Anytime a paradigm shift occurs, problems will arise and will have to be addressed. Research at Clemson University has become a necessity instead of an option. With state funding dropping from 90% in 1990 to around 15% in 2008, our institution must find other ways of funding, and that funding is research. The state budget will continue to be cut and those cuts will be passed down to the departments.
AAH is not known as a research college; however there are research dollars out there for our college. Since research has not been a priority, tools to assist those individuals interesting in research are available, but they are not widely know. Personnel have been added over the last few years and workshops and assistance are being developed to facilitate the research. Over the last 7 years research has steadily increased in our college as you can see by the table below. With this increase comes the reality that steps need to be taken to do everything we possibly can to help our college excel in this area.
A well researched, well written current situation is a must for any proposal as it establishes the ethos of the writer. The review may choose to not read the remainder of the proposal if he/she does not feel the writer is credible. It is crucial our college have the tools necessary for our faculty and students to succeed in this area.
2. Problem-Cause Map
The guidelines are very important for the writer to carefully dissect in order to draft the current situation section.
1. Problems are the effect of causes – Less state funding has promoted the need to secure other funding opportunities. This has prompted the need for more resources needed to assist our college excel in their research efforts.
2. Ignored problems tend to grow worse - More resources are needed for our faculty, staff and students to craft quality proposals. More and more graduate students are being encouraged to seek out their own funding for projects.
3. Blame change, not people – Increased demand for research – Top 20 status, reduced state budget, reduced departmental operating budgets, push to attract top notch graduate and PhD students, tenure.
3. Researching the current situation can take a causal approach, effects approach or a narrative approach. These terms are relatively explanatory. Deciding which approach to use is based on the research being conducted and the kind of situation you are trying to describe and the readers to whom you are describing it to (65). I am considering the narrative approach versus the effects approach in my proposal. My concern is some of my secondary readers are aware of the causes of the problem, but I am worried they might not recognize the importance of doing something to remedy that problem. At the same time those same readers may not be aware of all of the economic factors that have contributed to the push for more research dollars. At this juncture I believe I need to spend more time with the problem-causes map to determine which approach to take.
1. Describing the current situation is where the writer establishes his/her ethos. The writer has to establish that the problem being addressed is the effect of change. Anytime a paradigm shift occurs, problems will arise and will have to be addressed. Research at Clemson University has become a necessity instead of an option. With state funding dropping from 90% in 1990 to around 15% in 2008, our institution must find other ways of funding, and that funding is research. The state budget will continue to be cut and those cuts will be passed down to the departments.
AAH is not known as a research college; however there are research dollars out there for our college. Since research has not been a priority, tools to assist those individuals interesting in research are available, but they are not widely know. Personnel have been added over the last few years and workshops and assistance are being developed to facilitate the research. Over the last 7 years research has steadily increased in our college as you can see by the table below. With this increase comes the reality that steps need to be taken to do everything we possibly can to help our college excel in this area.
A well researched, well written current situation is a must for any proposal as it establishes the ethos of the writer. The review may choose to not read the remainder of the proposal if he/she does not feel the writer is credible. It is crucial our college have the tools necessary for our faculty and students to succeed in this area.2. Problem-Cause Map
The guidelines are very important for the writer to carefully dissect in order to draft the current situation section.
1. Problems are the effect of causes – Less state funding has promoted the need to secure other funding opportunities. This has prompted the need for more resources needed to assist our college excel in their research efforts.
2. Ignored problems tend to grow worse - More resources are needed for our faculty, staff and students to craft quality proposals. More and more graduate students are being encouraged to seek out their own funding for projects.
3. Blame change, not people – Increased demand for research – Top 20 status, reduced state budget, reduced departmental operating budgets, push to attract top notch graduate and PhD students, tenure.
3. Researching the current situation can take a causal approach, effects approach or a narrative approach. These terms are relatively explanatory. Deciding which approach to use is based on the research being conducted and the kind of situation you are trying to describe and the readers to whom you are describing it to (65). I am considering the narrative approach versus the effects approach in my proposal. My concern is some of my secondary readers are aware of the causes of the problem, but I am worried they might not recognize the importance of doing something to remedy that problem. At the same time those same readers may not be aware of all of the economic factors that have contributed to the push for more research dollars. At this juncture I believe I need to spend more time with the problem-causes map to determine which approach to take.
Week #1 Update
To: Dr. Holmevik
From: Diana Thrasher
Introduction
This project proposes to develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of a funding agency. This project will not contain instructions on how to do research. This guide will focus on how to seek out funding opportunities and write a winning proposal. A new grant writer needs to be able to identify the needs of the targeted funding agency or approach an agency with an unsolicited request. This project will look at successful versus unsuccessful proposal submissions, and attempt to understand how the project fits into the philosophy and mission of the agency or organization targeted. This manual is designed as a new reference document that will be housed in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. It will also be available on the AAH Research web site, and will be incorporated into the training cycle conducted by the research office.
Work Completed
At this point I have spoken with various faculty, students, and staff in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities regarding the content of the proposed project. Based on those conversations I have answered the four stasis question:
1. Is there a problem with proposal submission in AAH? Yes
2. What exactly is the problem? There are not adequate resources to assist our graduate students and new faculty in proposal preparation and submission.
3. How serious is the problem? With the growing expectation of the university on research is it a rapidly growing problem
4. What kind of proposal would solve the problem? A planning proposal
I have taken those questions and answers to the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and revised my executive summary based on the expectations relayed during that meeting. I have gathered several books from the Cooper Library related to the subject. I have also contacted other Grants Coordinators on campus and requested their input.
Next Steps
I feel at this point I need to address the elements of change that are behind the need for this project. I want to look at the project again from a cause and effect point of view and access what caused the problem. I want to be able to show that if we are unable to move forward on this opportunity the problem will only get worse for our college. I also want to compare the documentation reviewed to date with my strategic plan to make sure I am still on course. I feel it is critical the reader understand how the change in the research culture has presented this opportunity and if not addressed it will only get worse. I will start reviewing the research on the topic I have collected to make sure I have an adequate footing and will compare this to the reader’s expectation.
Conclusion
Currently I feel I am where I need to be with this proposal. If I stay focused on my next steps I believe over the weekend I can acquire more documents for my research and begin to focus on drafting the literature review that will establish my ethos on the project
From: Diana Thrasher
Introduction
This project proposes to develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of a funding agency. This project will not contain instructions on how to do research. This guide will focus on how to seek out funding opportunities and write a winning proposal. A new grant writer needs to be able to identify the needs of the targeted funding agency or approach an agency with an unsolicited request. This project will look at successful versus unsuccessful proposal submissions, and attempt to understand how the project fits into the philosophy and mission of the agency or organization targeted. This manual is designed as a new reference document that will be housed in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. It will also be available on the AAH Research web site, and will be incorporated into the training cycle conducted by the research office.
Work Completed
At this point I have spoken with various faculty, students, and staff in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities regarding the content of the proposed project. Based on those conversations I have answered the four stasis question:
1. Is there a problem with proposal submission in AAH? Yes
2. What exactly is the problem? There are not adequate resources to assist our graduate students and new faculty in proposal preparation and submission.
3. How serious is the problem? With the growing expectation of the university on research is it a rapidly growing problem
4. What kind of proposal would solve the problem? A planning proposal
I have taken those questions and answers to the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and revised my executive summary based on the expectations relayed during that meeting. I have gathered several books from the Cooper Library related to the subject. I have also contacted other Grants Coordinators on campus and requested their input.
Next Steps
I feel at this point I need to address the elements of change that are behind the need for this project. I want to look at the project again from a cause and effect point of view and access what caused the problem. I want to be able to show that if we are unable to move forward on this opportunity the problem will only get worse for our college. I also want to compare the documentation reviewed to date with my strategic plan to make sure I am still on course. I feel it is critical the reader understand how the change in the research culture has presented this opportunity and if not addressed it will only get worse. I will start reviewing the research on the topic I have collected to make sure I have an adequate footing and will compare this to the reader’s expectation.
Conclusion
Currently I feel I am where I need to be with this proposal. If I stay focused on my next steps I believe over the weekend I can acquire more documents for my research and begin to focus on drafting the literature review that will establish my ethos on the project
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Proposal Opportunity Worksheet
Project Title: A Guide for Producing Winning Proposals
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Client: Dr. James B. London
Title: Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities.
Deadline for Proposal Submission: July 1, 2008
Address for Proposal Submission: 118 Lee Hall, Clemson, SC 29634
Summary of Proposal Opportunity: To develop a “manual” for graduate students and new faculty in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities on developing and writing winning proposals.
Comments and Recommendations: This project proposes to develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of the funding agency. This project will look at successful versus unsuccessful proposal submissions, and attempt to understand how the project fits into the philosophy and mission of the agency or organization targeted. This manual is designed as a new reference document for use in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. The document will also be housed on the AAH Research web site and will be part of the AAH Research training cycle.
Accept or Reject: Accept
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Client: Dr. James B. London
Title: Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities.
Deadline for Proposal Submission: July 1, 2008
Address for Proposal Submission: 118 Lee Hall, Clemson, SC 29634
Summary of Proposal Opportunity: To develop a “manual” for graduate students and new faculty in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities on developing and writing winning proposals.
Comments and Recommendations: This project proposes to develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of the funding agency. This project will look at successful versus unsuccessful proposal submissions, and attempt to understand how the project fits into the philosophy and mission of the agency or organization targeted. This manual is designed as a new reference document for use in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. The document will also be housed on the AAH Research web site and will be part of the AAH Research training cycle.
Accept or Reject: Accept
Chapter 3 blog
The Team Approach
Writing as a team can be challenging and rewarding. Having the expertise of multiple individuals in various disciplines is an advantage. Many funders are encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and it is becoming more and more common in proposal writing.
We all bring different expectations and goals to the table. It is important to consider those when forming a team approach. In this environment one must not only consider the funders motives, values, attitudes and emotions, but the other team members as well.
The Rhetorical Situation
As in chapter one, rhetorical situation is front and center. It is imperative the proposal writer take the time at the beginning of the process to research the funding agency and the individuals (if possible) that will be reviewing the proposal. A proposal that will be reviewed by 3 or 4 panel members will be written in a different format that one reviewed by a 50 member board. Taking time to investigate these areas is evident in a well written proposal.
"WORKING METHODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE RHETORICAL SITUATION THE WRITER CAN DISCOVER A GREAT AMOUNT ABOUT HIS/HER PURPOSE, THE READER AND THE CONTEXTUAL FACTORS THAT WILL INFLUENCE HIS/HER READERS." (page 48) This is valuable information that I feel is important to remember. Even when the writer starts writing it is important stay in check through out the process.
The time invested in defining the rhetorical situation will pay off at the end with a much more informed proposal(subject, purpose, readers and context).
The Reader
It is not uncommon to write a proposal to one reader when there are multiple individuals that will be reviewing your work. Factoring in the primary, secondary, tertiary, and gatekeepers is necessary to produce a rhetorically sound document.
As you look at each reader you should ask yourself what are their motives, values, attitudes and emotions regarding the subject. How will my proposal impact them? I like the idea of charting things out in order to get a better understanding of who my audience is.
Writing as a team can be challenging and rewarding. Having the expertise of multiple individuals in various disciplines is an advantage. Many funders are encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and it is becoming more and more common in proposal writing.
We all bring different expectations and goals to the table. It is important to consider those when forming a team approach. In this environment one must not only consider the funders motives, values, attitudes and emotions, but the other team members as well.
The Rhetorical Situation
As in chapter one, rhetorical situation is front and center. It is imperative the proposal writer take the time at the beginning of the process to research the funding agency and the individuals (if possible) that will be reviewing the proposal. A proposal that will be reviewed by 3 or 4 panel members will be written in a different format that one reviewed by a 50 member board. Taking time to investigate these areas is evident in a well written proposal.
"WORKING METHODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE RHETORICAL SITUATION THE WRITER CAN DISCOVER A GREAT AMOUNT ABOUT HIS/HER PURPOSE, THE READER AND THE CONTEXTUAL FACTORS THAT WILL INFLUENCE HIS/HER READERS." (page 48) This is valuable information that I feel is important to remember. Even when the writer starts writing it is important stay in check through out the process.
The time invested in defining the rhetorical situation will pay off at the end with a much more informed proposal(subject, purpose, readers and context).
The Reader
It is not uncommon to write a proposal to one reader when there are multiple individuals that will be reviewing your work. Factoring in the primary, secondary, tertiary, and gatekeepers is necessary to produce a rhetorically sound document.
As you look at each reader you should ask yourself what are their motives, values, attitudes and emotions regarding the subject. How will my proposal impact them? I like the idea of charting things out in order to get a better understanding of who my audience is.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Proposal Abstract
The objective of this project is to learn what can be gained from the experience of successful grant writers. Successful grantsmanship is critical to the economy of the academic research institution. The results of the research will help the new grant writer in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities to be able to identify the needs of the targeted funding agency or approach an agency with an unsolicited request. This project will develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of the funding agency. This proposal will look at successful versus unsuccessful proposal submissions, and attempt to understand how the project fits into the philosophy and mission of the agency or organization targeted. The importance of convincing the funding agency that a project is compelling and is a valuable project worth funding by the agency will be substantiated.
Chapter 2 topics for discussion
In chapter 2, Johnson-Sheehan talks about analyzing problems and opportunities with the researcher asking who, what, when where, why, and how. If the researcher feels they have a good grasp on these questions they should make contact with the funding agency in order to get further clarification. The contact will not give out the “magic” answer, but they will give the researcher feedback. For example, at NEH and NEA the program officer is evaluated yearly on the number of contacts and follow-ups that were made with researchers. If the researcher submits a draft proposal to NEH and NEA within 6 weeks of the deadline, these two agencies will give feedback on the proposal. The feedback will not be from the panel that will be reviewing the final proposals, but it will be from a representative of that agency.
Another critical key element of the proposal that should be addressed is the budget. If the researcher does not allot enough money do complete the project, the research efforts will be hampered. This area is often times not thought out in the proposal stage, and the research can be slowed, or terminated if the money is not in the budget to complete what has been proposed.
Other ways to search for funding opportunities are below.
http://www.grants.gov/
http://www.neh.gov/
http://www.nea.gov/
http://www.infoed.org/genius_live/login.asp InfoEd is a search engine that you design yourself. I believe Katie is going to talk to us about it more in class. Karen Pless (kpless@clemson.edu) in the Office of Sponsored Programs will assist in getting accounts set up for anyone interested.
http://www.clemson.edu/caah/research/index.html AAH has a research web site that has a tremendous amount of information for anyone interested in seeking external (or internal) funding.
Another critical key element of the proposal that should be addressed is the budget. If the researcher does not allot enough money do complete the project, the research efforts will be hampered. This area is often times not thought out in the proposal stage, and the research can be slowed, or terminated if the money is not in the budget to complete what has been proposed.
Other ways to search for funding opportunities are below.
http://www.grants.gov/
http://www.neh.gov/
http://www.nea.gov/
http://www.infoed.org/genius_live/login.asp InfoEd is a search engine that you design yourself. I believe Katie is going to talk to us about it more in class. Karen Pless (kpless@clemson.edu) in the Office of Sponsored Programs will assist in getting accounts set up for anyone interested.
http://www.clemson.edu/caah/research/index.html AAH has a research web site that has a tremendous amount of information for anyone interested in seeking external (or internal) funding.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Proposal idea for 839
This class actually comes at a good time. I have been asked by the Associate Dean of Research in Architecture, Arts and Humanities to develop manual that is a set of guidelines for the new grant writer the College that will assist in the steps of writing a proposal. This will include advice on taking an idea and conforming that idea to the larger overall goal of the funding agency. I am hopeful I will be able to secure a committee in the MAPC program that will enable me to move forward on my final project.
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