The Twelve Secrets of Research Grant Funding
Under no circumstances reveal to anybody I told you this ...
You do not get funding for the grant proposal you never submit. You have to be in it to win it, basically. Obvious really, but frequently ignored.
Research strategically, fund tactically. Orient your research to the big problems and build your portfolio. Think of funding as a means to the larger end. Be opportunistic about funding schemes and be subtle about presenting your research in such a way as it meets the immediate requirements of particular schemes while serving the strategic aim.
You can never beat 50:50. Think of it like this ... typical grant proposal 1:5 chance of success. One proposal is non-compliant, one proposal is obviously bad, the reviewers can usually pick the top two of three. Now, toss a coin.
Read and obey the rules. Yes, really. Fill in the form properly, format as required, include all the information requested, stick to the word limits and the agreed costing schedule.
You checked the deadline, so plan for it. Leave yourself enough time to get the approvals, signatures, letters etc. Obviously costings and institutional commitments are going to take time and work to secure. If you leave it until the last moment to ask for a letter of support you will either not get it, or get something unspecific and non-committal. If you do not respect the schedule of others do not expect them to go the extra mile for your proposal.
Keep an eye on the main chance. Look beyond the 'usual suspects' for funding. There are more choices than are often considered: lesser known schemes, foundations and charities, overseas funders, direct industry support, philanthropy, and so on. Talk to the funding agencies, find out which schemes are over and under-subscribed and where they feel the quality of proposals is low.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Be prepared to share the resources if it significantly enhances the chance the proposal will be successful. In particular be ready to split with strong potential competitors.
No grant ever got rejected because of an extra few thousand on the travel and equipment budget. That money usually makes all the difference to the effectiveness of the research environment and the reach of the dissemination.
Get as many people to read the proposal as possible. The more different eyes on the proposal the better. Ensure you have a broad set of readers too, because the reviewer pool and panel will likely be broad.
Know the politics. There is no use pitching for a grant when the money is intended to support a different agenda than the one you are advancing. Know the story, know the competition and know the panel.
Be excited. Excitement is contagious, it communicates in the proposal. Nobody reads the whole thing so make sure you grab the reviewers from the outset.
Remember, above all, if you are successful you will have to do the work.