Discussion 1: Project Ideas

A grant can be a powerful tool for achieving what might otherwise be impossible, or at least very difficult, to accomplish. What are some project ideas you have in mind for addressing a specific problem or need? If you were to apply for a grant, what would you pursue? What might your organization pursue?

With project ideas in mind, read the literature and familiarize yourself with evidence-based practices associated with the problems you are seeking to address. Determine what is currently being done to solve or mitigate these problems. This step is extremely important in determining how or if to proceed with your own project idea.

For this Discussion, critically think through your project ideas and concepts, as well as the literature, and select one to further develop for your grant proposal. Use the Process Development Template, located in this week’s Learning Resources, to organize your ideas regarding the purpose of the project and the research you have conducted.

Part A:

Describe your previous grant-writing experiences and explain what are, in your opinion, the most challenging aspects of grant writing. If you have not had previous grant-writing experience, what are some challenges you might anticipate and why? Describe the work you are currently involved in for which you might pursue funding.

Part B:

Post your project idea, explaining the needs it will meet. Explain why this project might be attractive to potential funders, and distinguish it from others that have addressed the same problem.

Gitlin, L. N., & Lyons, K. J. (2014). Successful grant writing: Strategies for health and human service professionals (4th ed.). New York, NY: Springer.

· Chapter 1, “Why Write a Grant?” pp. 1–15

· Chapter 2, “Becoming Familiar With Funding Sources,” pp. 27–49

· Chapter 3, “Developing Your Ideas for Funding,” pp. 51–62

· Chapter 4, “Infrastructure to Support Grantsmanship,” pp. 63–75

Community Tool Box. (n.d.). Writing a grant application for funding. Retrieved December 17, 2017, from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/writing-grant-application

Flavin, R. (2014). Tips for writing a winning grant proposal. Tech Directions, 74(1), 18–19.

Jaykus, L. A. (2017). Keys to successful grant writing. Journal of Food Science, 82(7), 1511–1512.

Keys to Successful Grant Writing by Jaykus, L., in Journal of Food Science, Vol. 82/Issue 7. Copyright 2017 by John Wiley & Sons – Journals. Reprinted by permission of John Wiley & Sons – Journals via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Monsanto Fund. (n.d.). Best practices in grant writing. Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5717a5b162cd94792b6e1be3/t/57715f49440243cc24451285/1467047753984/Grant-Writing-Tips.pdf

Violante, S. (2017). Exploring the grant writing process. Registered Dental Hygienist, 37(9), 36–38, 88.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Visodos, R.J., & Evans, S. (2016). Need funding? Get started! Tips for successful grant writing. Techniques, 15–18.