hether you’ve written lots of funded proposals, or don’t have a clue, I’ve helped lots of folks just like you to improve their proposals and their success in getting grants. I specialize in the narrative portions of grant proposals, helping you to strengthening presentation, structure, and clarity. Whether your proposal is for $500 or $2,000,000, I provide a thorough-going “outside eye” perspective that balances with your own in-depth knowledge of your field. We’ll work as a team to make your proposal as competitive as possible!
Below is a partial list of services I provide, as examples of what others have found particularly helpful:
Brainstorming ideas. It’s never too early to make an initial contact with me about a proposal.
Interpreting Proposal Guidelines (aka "Request for Proposals" or the “RFP”).
Writing to the RFP – not only obeying the “rules,” but also making sure the proposal addresses what is really being asked for by the RFP.
Helping you talk to Program Officers – a vital key to success.
Strategizing proposal content and avoiding common mistakes.
Editing – removing redundancy and unnecessary verbiage; fitting text into page limitations without sacrificing content; improving grammar, style, and organization; and much more.
Assistance in writing key parts of proposals, such as the Project Summary, or parts people frequently don’t use to their maximum benefit (e.g., “Underrepresented Groups” –type of sections).
Support, coaching and guidance, based on 25 years of experience with a wide range of funding agencies.
Crafting strong letters of support/commitment.
Interpreting Reviewers’ Comments on unfunded proposals.
My services are available, free of charge, to all ISU faculty, staff, and students seeking grants from sources other than ISU. Give yourself plenty of time – if you’ve never written a proposal before, four months before the deadline is a good time to start!