12 Essential Tips for Writing a Winning Grant Application

Building strong grant writing skills is key to securing funding. Here are updated tips to help you master the application process and make your grant stand out.

Start Early

Planning and preparation are crucial. Give yourself ample time to complete the necessary steps, including gathering required documents like letters of support from university administrators or mentors.

Choose the Right Funder and Scheme

Engage with potential funders to understand their interests and requirements. Carefully read guidance and eligibility criteria to ensure your application aligns with the chosen scheme.

Seek Early Advice from Various Sources

Build a collaborative network and seek inspiration to refine your project idea. Consult with your grants office, mentors, and colleagues who have experience on funding panels. Observing senior colleagues can provide valuable insights into the grant application process.

Select the Right Partners

The success of your project depends on having the right team. Ensure you have representatives from the appropriate research communities and provide evidence of their ability to deliver results.

Understand Your Audience

Your proposal will be reviewed by experts and board members with diverse specializations. Present a clear rationale for your project, define specific aims, and keep the content concise to facilitate understanding.

Emphasize the Impact of Your Research

Highlight the long-term benefits of your work and how it can potentially impact human health. Even if the direct economic or societal impact is not apparent, explain how your research could lead to broader improvements.

Include Relevant Preliminary Data

Preliminary data can validate your approach and demonstrate the potential for success. If you lack preliminary data, use relevant published work to support your proposal.

Craft a Compelling Narrative

Clearly articulate the significance of your idea and its potential to address a serious challenge. Develop a cohesive story that connects each aspect of your proposal to your main objectives.

Justify Your Methods

Justify your choice of sample size and methods, using power calculations where appropriate. Address potential weaknesses in your approach and explain why the project is still worth pursuing.

Mitigate Risks

Identify potential risks and outline strategies to minimize them. Demonstrating that you have contingency plans in place can reassure reviewers of your project’s feasibility.

Seek Internal Review

If available, use your organization’s internal funding panels for a mock review. Alternatively, seek feedback from mentors or senior colleagues who were not involved in drafting the application.

Perform Final Checks

Proofread your application carefully, check for errors, and adhere to specified formats. Presentation and attention to detail can significantly influence reviewers’ perceptions of your work.

Before submitting, review common reasons applications are returned and ensure yours meets all requirements.

Find out more

• Read the MRC guidance for applicants.
• Watch what’s needed for a successful New Investigator Research Grant application (YouTube).
• Find out how to contact the relevant Programme Manager.
• Watch how to win funds and influence panels (YouTube).
• Read funding decisions: insider insights.
• Read 10 expert tips to help you respond to peer review comments.