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.