The Grant Life Cycle provides a brief overview of the research proposal process at Cal State Fullerton, from idea generation to proposal management.
This is the starting point for understanding the policies and procedures of the Research Enterprise.
Step 1: Generate Ideas
Before you begin the proposal process, you need an idea. There are many aspects of a good idea that need to be considered. Here are some strategies for developing ideas that fit your career goals and a funding agency’s expectations.
Pre-Proposal Development
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Position Yourself for Success
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Set Your Goals
- Find Collaborators
Concept Development
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- Develop a Concept Paper
- Literature Review
- Get Feedback
- Refine your Idea
Step 2: Find Funding
Funding opportunities are available in a wide range of places, but you need to know where to look and how to determine which opportunities are right for your project. Here, you will find information on how to find funding opportunities for your specific project.
Step 3: Develop Proposals
Developing a proposal can be a lengthy and nuanced process. It involves following specific guidelines, putting together a research team, adhering to compliance requirements, justifying a budget, and more. The following links will provide you with information on the proposal preparation process.
Proposal Preparation and Submission
Step 4: Submit Proposals
All proposals must be submitted through the university, following specific policies and requirements. Proposals cannot be submitted to agencies directly. The information in this section outlines the policies and procedures for submitting proposals.
Proposal Preparation and Submission
Step 5: Award Review
Once your proposal is submitted, the Office of Grants and Contracts remains the main contact point for administrative issues and award negotiation. After your award is accepted, it is managed by the Office of Sponsored Programs. Here you will find the policies and procedures of the award acceptance process.
Award Review and Acceptance
Step 6: Manage Awards
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) manages all awards accepted by the university. Here you will find information on accessing your Sponsored Programs account, as well as the policies and forms regarding award management.
Managing Awards