What are the qualifications of the Principal Investigator or Project Director (PI/PD) and the institution?

• Do you meet the qualifications to apply for the program as outlined by the sponsor?  Many sponsors have numerous programs that are applicable to project directors at a specific point of their careers.
• If defined by the sponsor, does The Research Foundation meet the requirements to qualify?
• If the sponsor specifies only a limited number of proposals will be accepted from a single institution, have you been approved to apply?  (Contact the Office of Research Development & Assessment at 2-9033 for more information about Institutional Nominations)

When is the application due?

• Does the sponsor state a receipt date, postmark date, target date or electronic submission date?

  Receipt Dates: The last day the sponsor will accept proposals.

  Target Dates: Unless otherwise stated in announcements or solicitations, proposals postmarked after these “cutoff” dates will be reviewed, although they may miss a particular panel meeting or review cycle.  It is recommended that project directors contact their Program Official concerning specific target dates.

  Postmark Dates: A postmark is a stamped calendar date set by the sponsor for proposals.  It is important to have your proposal stamped on or before the required postmark date.  To obtain a postmark, project directors need to bring their proposal package(s) to a local United States Post Office.  A postmark is NOT the same as a deadline; the actual postmark is the requirement of the sponsor.

  Electronic Submission Dates:  Proposal must be submitted electronically by the date and time indicated in the proposal announcement.  Attention should be paid to the time zone indicated.

  Other Types of Submission Dates: Most programs that do not have a specific deadline or target date will accept proposals at any time of the year.  If unsure, contact the sponsor for clarification.

Are there sponsor specific application forms and submission requirements?

• Are there specific agency forms that are required by the sponsor?
• Is the submission required to be submitted via grants.gov?

• Are you using the most recent issue of application forms?
• What is the sponsor policy regarding use of facsimiles--do they require original forms only?
• How is the proposal assembled for mailing or electronic submission?
• Does the PI need to be registered to use the sponsor’s electronic proposal submission site?

Are there any special budgetary considerations?

• What kinds of costs are permitted?  What may be permitted by one sponsor may not necessarily be allowed by another.
• How do they want the budget prepared? 
• Are matching funds required?  Did you get approval?

Is there a specific application format?

• Does the sponsor explain how to present the text of the proposal?
• What are the specific areas and concerns cited by the sponsor that should be included in the text?
• Is there a limit in the type size?  Page limits?
• Are there specific instructions regarding margins, copying and binding?

What kinds of institutional endorsement besides that of The Research Foundation are required?

• Additional signatures from the PI/PD, chair, dean, or compliance?