Clear writing helps your reader rise above the fog and understand your message.

Topic Overview

This week we will introduce the different types of grants and the parts of grants. Understanding the "anatomy" of a grant, and how that relates to the "function" of a grant will help set you up for success during the rest of the semester, so let's get to it!

You will also introduce yourself to the rest of the class on FlipGrid, a free internet tool (many of you may have already used it, but I have included a link to the HELP page on the assignment). I've already added my intro to the page, I can't wait to meet all of you!

Some general information:

The overview page of each module has a list of the activities and assignments that are due during the week. You can use the "Next" buttons at the bottom of the page to move through the material in the suggested order. Your assignment due dates are Friday or Sunday nights at 11:59 pm (just before midnight), and I will keep to these days of the week so that it is easier for you to know when assignments are due each week. I will also open up the next week's module on Saturdays, in case you want to start working on the material before Monday.

By the end of this week you will:

Be familiar with the Syllabus and organization of this class
Know what a Request for Proposals (RFP) is
Know how a grant proposal is organized
Get to know your classmates

Green face with hands and the words "Don't Panic" from the Hitchhiker's Guide

To Do This Week:

I know these lists look long and intimidating, but I am putting all the information that you need for the entire week in one list -- some of these items are short, others are a little longer, but I know that you can get these all accomplished. Just relax and "Don't Panic"!

Read: the Welcome Module, Course Resources Module and Week 1 Module on Canvas
Watch the Video Lectures:
1. First lecture: Overview of Research Grants (28 min): This is a guest lecture I gave last semester to the other section of the grant writing class (about research grants); there will be lectures about educational grants and non-profit grants later in the semester.
2. Second lecture: Anatomy of a grant proposal (10:24 min): Yes, I am a biologist and I love to talk about structure and function - and it applies to grant proposals, too!
3. Third lecture: Does my grant topic have a research component? (6:16 min): You can write your proposal about almost any topic, but there should be a research component, since that is the focus of this section of the grant writing class. You can also talk to me if you are not sure what your research component would be.
Week 1 Assignments:
1. Take Syllabus and RFP Quiz
2. Introduce yourself to the class in the Ice Breaker Activity on FlipGrid
3. Assignment 1: List of potential grant proposal topics
  1. Give feedback to your peers on Canvas (See instructions in assignment 1 description)
4. Don't forget the "Getting to Know You Survey" from the Getting Started module!

This Week's Resources:

This week, you should investigate the materials posted on Canvas in the Course Resources and RFP, Start Here, and Week 1 modules. You will refer back to the Course Resources and RFP module throughout the semester.

Here are the PowerPoint Slides for the Anatomy of a Grant Proposal lecture.