Competition for funding is strong. A high quality proposal will maximise the chance of success, so you should consider the following:

  • Funder guidelines - Each funder will have specific criteria for their funding schemes including eligibility to apply. Ensure you are familiar with the application requirements of each specific  scheme. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to rejection at the first stage of funder review.
  • Assessment criteria - Check the funder’s assessment criteria carefully to ensure these can be met before investing significant time in developing the proposal. Funding decisions will be based on assessment against the criteria.
  • Timescale - Sufficient time should be allowed to develop a research proposal and re-work it if required. Also allow enough time to secure the necessary internal approvals before final submission to the funder.
  • Expertise - Draw from expertise within the College such as academic and departmental colleagues, research strategy managers, Research Services or Research Contracts teams.