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Writing the Proposal

Successful funding applications present reviewers with a strong research plan in an engaging and logical manner. They take commitment and time to craft. Below are events, strategies, and resources to help you during the writing stage of your proposal. Start writing your proposal early to take advantage of these resources!

Tips

   ✔ Establish a timeline for completion of proposal segments

   ✔ Start a writing group for peer-reviewing, accountability, and encouragement (See Successful Writing Groups)

   ✔ Follow the solicitation instructions exactly & use sponsor templates

UC San Diego Postdoc Proposal Development Events

Postdoc Fellowship Forum

Monthly workshops with Professor Mark Lawson to answer all your questions and review your fellowship applications. This is a great way to meet fellow postdocs who are also developing proposals. Generally the 4th Tuesday of the month from 12-1:30pm.

Funding your Future Events

Funding workshops tailored to UC San Diego Postdocs. Check the website and your emails for upcoming events.

Funding Fest

Funding Fest is an annual series of funding workshops held in the spring/summer. Find the workshop right for you and your proposal!

Writing Resources

OPSA Grant Writing Resource Library

Stop by our office (SSC 4th floor) to check out grant writing books including:
  • How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing, Paul J. Silvia, PhD.
  • They Say, I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein
  • Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write an Effective NIH Grant Application, Otto O. Yang
  • Everything You Wanted to Know About the NCI Grant Process But Were Afraid to Ask, The National Cancer Institute
  • Writing Science: How to write papers that get cited and proposals that get funded, Joshua Schimel
  • The Complete Writing Guide to NIH Behavioral Science Grants, Lawrence M. Scheier, William L. Dewey
  • NIH 101, Grace C.Y. Peng, PhD
  • Writing the NIH Grant Proposal: A Step-by-Step Guide, William Gerin

UC San Diego Research Development

Explore the Research Development website for proposal writing resources, early career award guidance, and access to the Research Development & Grant Writing News articles.

UCSD Library Research Data Curation

Provides assistance with creating data management plans, training on data management best practices, guidance on depositing data into a repository, help creating a digital object identifier (DOI) for research outputs, and instruction on research computing skills.

New Faculty Guide to Competing for Research Funding

Strategies for identifying and competing for research grants. Geared towards new faculty, but includes tips applicable for postdoc grant writers. 

EMU Handbook for Proposal Writers

Helpful tips for grant development, maintained by Eastern Michigan University.

Agency-Specific Resources