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Grant FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about proposal development, budgeting, and submission.
Access helpful tools, timelines, and contact information to guide your next proposal.

Assistance & Development

The VPR Office collaborates with offices across campus to provide U of U faculty a wide variety of grant proposal submission services, including tutorials; training and professional development; administrative support; writing and workshopping consultations; and grant-writing and editing services.

Below is a Proposal Development Assistance Guide with all currently available resources and services to address the most common proposal development needs. If your question isn't listed here, contact us at vprgrants@utah.edu!

  • I need to know how to submit extramural funding proposals at the University of Utah for the first time.

    New investigator onboarding: An onboarding training course is available (and required!) for all new investigators at the University of Utah. This self-guided course will guide new PI’s through the process of finding funding, preparing proposal documents, and submitting proposals.

    ENROLL NOW

    I need to know how to submit extramural funding proposals at the University of Utah for the first time.

    Research Education courses and grant-writing workshops: The Office Research Education (ReD) provides online courses and live workshops to help researchers write proposals aimed at specific federal agencies. Foundations courses provide a basic introduction to each agency and guided workshops provide professional and peer-to-peer feedback on proposal outlines.

    ReD Grant Writing Proposal

  • I need help understanding and preparing required proposal documents

    Administrative support for proposal submissions (pre-award support): Centralized pre-award support services are available to departments that manage proposal submissions with the VPR or SVPHS pre-award offices. Some of the services offered by the Pre-Award Office include researching a particular funding opportunity, starting and managing the application, providing instructions and checklists of requirements for the opportunity, reviewing all submission documents, assisting with budget preparation, and liaising with the Office of Sponsored Projects to submit the application.

    I need suggestions from a professional grant writer about how to make my proposal more competitive.

    Grant Proposal Development: Assistance from a professional grant writer is available to advise you on developing a more competitive proposal. These services include assistance with proposal outlines, substantive and developmental editing of proposal text, and proposal review. During periods of high demand, proposals that fall into one or more of the following categories will be prioritized:

    • Proposals from pre-tenure faculty
    • Drafts prepared at least four weeks in advance of the proposal deadline
    • Interdisciplinary proposals that align with current institutional priorities

    Grant development requests can only be considered if placed at least three weeks in advance of the proposal deadline. For more information, contact Jesse Morris.

    I have a few questions about preparing or submitting a proposal to NIH or NSF

    Drop-in Grant Writing Consultations: One hour drop-in sessions are available several times a year to answer a range of questions about proposals to NIH or NSF. Led by experienced grant writers, specialists in NIH and NSF programs will be available to help get you started on finding funding, provide grant writing tips, or answer specific questions about the grant writing or proposal submission process. For more information, visit the NSF Grant Writing Consultation or NIH Grant Writing Consultation pages.

    I'd like some help with writing and clearly communicating my ideas in the proposal text.

    The VPR Office and the Writing Center offer editorial support for faculty, which includes grant proposal documents and manuscripts for journal submissions. Please contact Pippi Pecchia-Bekkum to discuss your needs at least three weeks prior to your submission deadline.

    I need grant-related graphic design assistance.

    University Print and Mail Design Services offers high-quality graphic design support. This resource offers great teaching and research materials. Rates are very reasonable for on-campus groups, and are determined by the complexity of the design and number of iterations. Please contact Santiago Garcia for availability and/or more information.

  • I need help understanding and preparing required proposal documents

    The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) supports faculty through effective management of extramural sponsored proposals and awards funded by federal and state agencies, foundations, and other public and private sources. OSP is primarily responsible for interpreting and ensuring compliance with University policy, proposal and award terms and conditions, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations. OSP reviews and submits proposals on behalf of the University. They also draft, negotiate, and sign sponsored agreements and subawards. The OSP website provides many resources for grant writers including a grants toolbox, a handbook for research and sponsored activity, and a quick reference page for commonly needed information. You can also find the Sponsored Project Officer for your academic unit at the Staff Directory.

    I need help with intellectual property rights, patents, or commercialization related to my proposal.

    The Technology Licensing Office (TLO) at the University of Utah helps transform pioneering research into real-world impact. As the university’s technology transfer office, TLO supports faculty in identifying the commercial potential of their discoveries through market research and invention disclosure. The team manages invention disclosures, patent filings, licensing and provides support for startup formation, early-stage funding, and agreements such as material/data transfer and nondisclosure. Visit the Technology Licensing Office website to explore the Faculty Guide to Commercialization, available programs, and resources for researchers, startups, and industry partners.