Week #2 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

Since last Thursday I have addressed the elements of change behind the need for this project is the increase in research expectations placed on faculty by the University, This is a result of Clemson’s push for Top 20 Status, a decrease in funding by the state, and necessary resources are lacking in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. I came to this conclusion by looking at the project from a cause and effect point of view and accessing what caused the problem. I drafted the current situation for my proposal that I feel illustrates if we are unable to move forward on this opportunity the problem will only get worse for our college. I chose to mix the narrative and effects approach in this sections because of the diversity of the secondary readers of the document. I am relatively secure with my current situation; however, I feel I should use more theory from the MAPC reading list in my final draft. I plan on looking at Aristotle, Burke, Kuhn, Foucault, and Bitzer over the weekend to possibly add to my bibliography.

I have also drafted the project structure; however I feel I need look though a critical lense at this portion of my proposal and break my steps down more thoroughly with the why and how questions. I have sent out a few emails to seasoned grant writers in our college for feedback on my project plan. I have mapped out the project plan and drafted a time line to submit to my POC

Future Work

I want to revisit my current situation and use more theory from the MAPC reading list. In addition I will flesh out the writing in this section. I will also revise the project structure to include my research methodology. I plan on drafting a bio that on second thought I will include with the proposal. Although my POC is fully aware of my qualifications, I feel that adding a qualifications section to the proposal will ensure that he understands my commitment to the project. Next, I will complete the draft of the proposal for submission on Monday. After this is complete, I will focus on a visual product to submit with my proposal.