What is Proposal Development?
Proposal development focuses on shaping strong, competitive ideas before formal proposal preparation begins. This work is distinct from standard pre-award services, which focus on budget development, compliance, and submission requirements.
How ORSP Supports Proposal Development
ORSP supports faculty in developing proposals that are well-positioned for funding and aligned with sponsor priorities. This includes:
- Refining project ideas and research questions
- Identifying appropriate funding opportunities
- Building collaborations across investigators or institutions
- Providing feedback on proposal concepts and drafts
- Supporting the development of large or complex proposals, including center-level initiatives
- Offering workshops and structured proposal development support
These activities help lay the groundwork for a competitive proposal and strengthen the overall research profile of the university.
Programs and Support Opportunities
Research Development Faculty Fellow
The Research Development Faculty Fellow works with the Associate Vice President for ORSP and other personnel to promote and advance research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA). This role provides proposal development support to faculty, including grant writing assistance, critical review and editing, mentoring, and facilitation of interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives.
Dr. Shubha Kashinath is currently serving as Research Development Faculty Fellow.
Research and Scholarship Grant Program (RSG)
The Research Scholarship and Creative Activity Grant Program (RSCA), also known as the Research and Scholarship Grant Program (RSG), provides seed funding to support new or expanded research, scholarship, and creative activities by faculty.
Projects are expected to result in tangible outcomes such as publications, external grant proposals, performances, or juried works. Calls for proposals are typically offered twice per year, before the Fall and Spring semesters.
Grant Proposal Development (GPD) Program
The Grant Proposal Development (GPD) program supports faculty in developing and submitting competitive external grant proposals. Participants receive support for idea development, proposal writing, editorial review, and mentorship.
This program is open to full-time faculty across disciplines and is offered as funding is available.
Proposal Support Services
ORSP can provide access to internal and external proposal support for faculty who need assistance with planning, consultation, proposal review, and revision. Hanover Research is currently ORSP’s external partner for proposal support.