Readers are led step-by-step through the application. We present our systematic approach for creating a compelling proposal Introduction/Overview that includes clear delineation of the need; well-defined long- and short-term objectives; strategic presentation of background literature and supporting preliminary data; and well-argued statements of significance and novelty. In addition to sample sections scattered throughout the workbook, this edition contains complete examples of an Overview subsection, Rationale and Significance section, and a Project Summary from a successful AFRI proposal.
This edition also includes discussion of Integrated/Extension proposals, involvement of stakeholders and producers, and proposals that do not involve traditional hypothesis testing work. Practical tools like a writing schedule template, bulleted outline exercise, sample sentence stems, and extensive USDA and other online resources are provided. Finally, we address how to seek and use pre-submission review, along with electronic submission of the application through Grants.gov as last steps in the proposal development process.
