Proposal Components

Example Proposal Components

Most funding agencies (“SPONSOR”) have prescribed formats and requirement for a complete proposal. The following are typical components of a proposal:

  • Cover/title page
  • Abstract
  • Table of contents
  • Project narrative
  • References/bibliography
  • Project budget and budget justification
  • Biographical sketch(es) of key personnel
  • Current and pending support information for key personnel
  • Letters of support/commitment 

Among other documents that a sponsor may require prior to submission are: letter of intent (LOI); memorandum of understanding (MOU); approved human subject, animal subject, biosafety or radiation protocols. Many sponsors will permit proposals to be submitted with pending compliance protocols, but will require approved protocols prior to issuing the award. 

If you are unsure about the sponsor’s guidelines on this issue, please contact your OGC coordinator to discuss.

Proposal Cover Page: General Information

The information below is generally required for proposal cover pages. Please contact your OGC Coordinator for updates on those items with marked expiration dates.

Information Required:

Response

Applicant/Recipient Legal Name*

(i.e. Submitting Organization)

CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation

Tax ID Number (TIN)

95-2081258

Federal Entity Identification Number (FEIN)

1-95-2081258-A2

DUNS number / UEI numbers

106670755 / VQ5WK498QDC6

CAGE (Community and Government Entity) Code

1MCB1

Performing Organization

California State University, Fullerton

Authorized Official

(proposal applications only)

Myrna Weber

Director, Office of Grants and Contracts

California State University, Fullerton

1121 North State College Blvd., 2nd Floor

Fullerton, CA  92831-3041

Fiscal/Administrative/Financial Contact

 

Sydney Dawes

Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation

1121 North State College Blvd., 2nd Floor

Fullerton, CA  92831-3041

Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) number

FWA00015384 (expires Aug. 4, 2026)

Animal Assurance number

D16-00447 (previously issued as A3753-01)

(expires Nov. 30, 2023)

Congressional District

CA-045

Assembly District

67

Senate District

29

US Dept of Education/Office of Postsecondary Education ID (OPEID)

00113700

FICE Code

001137

NAICS Code

61130

CCR Registration

Registered under the ASC/current

SAM Registration

Registered under the ASC/valid through April 9, 2024

Grants.gov

Registered/Current

ASC Bank Information (for wire transfers:

Citizen Business Bank

310 N. Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832

Account Type:  Checking

ABA #: 12223414-9

Account#: 250416057

Account Title: CSU Fullerton Auxiliary

Services Corporation

Contact: Omar Moreno

Phone:  714-773-0600

University (CSUF) state ID Number

33-0632102

*Please note:  Some funding agencies require the University’s name to appear as the “applicant.” When the solicitation or eligibility requirements specify this in the proposal guidelines, we note applicant as “California State University, Fullerton.” Please contact your OGC Coordinator for assistance in completing the proposal cover page and similar forms. 

Project Abstract

Each solicitation stipulates what is required in the project abstract. This is probably the most important part of the proposal, since it provides a first impression for the reviewer. Generally, this is a one-page document that summarizes the proposal. Even if it normally appears first in the proposal package, most grant seekers write it last. The abstract is a concise description of the project covering objectives, need, methodology, dissemination plans and expected outcomes. It may also provide a statement on the intellectual merits of the proposed project and the broader impacts of the proposed activity.

Project Narrative/Project Description

This section provides a clear description of the general plan of work/activities that will be undertaken. Generally, the PI includes information that answers the following:

  • Why is this project important?
  • What do I want to do?
  • Why do I want to do this proposed project?
  • How do I plan to do this project?
  • How do I evaluate my success?
  • What are the benefits to my research and that of others (impacts)?

Reference Cited/Bibliography

Each reference must include the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article and journal title, book title, volume number, page numbers and year of publication. If the document is available electronically, the website address also should be identified.

Project Budget/Budget Justification 

External funding agencies review hundreds of proposals annually and are proficient at comparing levels of funding requested to perform the research work proposed. The budget section of the proposal should reflect, as accurately as possible, the funding needed to carry out the proposed research/project. The PI should neither overestimate the funds required nor underestimate budgetary needs —either of which may lead to rejection. Additionally, the PI should not provide cost-sharing if it is not required by the funding agency, as it affects the university’s ability to negotiate for a higher indirect cost rate. See Develop Your Budget for more details.

Biographical Sketch(es) of Key Personnel

PI and other key personnel biographical sketches or curriculum vitae may be required by some funding agencies or program announcements. Depending on the sponsor, a biosketch may be a paragraph, or as comprehensive as the PI deems appropriate.

Current and Pending Support

A current and pending support page may be required by some funding agencies or program announcements. The format of information on a PI’s current grants, time commitments or scholarly activities, as well as proposed grant/contract projects varies.

NOTE: Prior to proposal submission, within a short period after notification of intent to submit, the OGC (or ORD) coordinator will prepare a checklist of the required components/documents for a proposal submission, identifying who is responsible for each identified document, and when the internal deadline is for turning in the document for OGC. The OGC coordinator will complete the final review of each document and compile all necessary documents for submission.