Proposal Development

The ORS supports faculty and staff in securing and managing external funding for research and sponsored projects. From finding the right funding opportunity to assisting with the proposal development and submission. The ORS provides comprehensive assistance to ensure successful outcomes.

• Funding Identification: The ORS conducts customized funding searches and provides access to funding guidelines and application materials upon request.
• Access to SPIN and Grant Forward Databases: Faculty and staff can use InfoEd SPIN and Grant Forward both providing a powerful funding search engine. Each database offers thousands of funding opportunities from government, foundation, and commercial sources worldwide. Visit the Funding Opportunities section for more details.
• Proposal Development: ORS staff guide faculty through proposal preparation, ensuring compliance with both funding agency and SJU requirements. This includes reviewing proposals, editing drafts, providing standard university information, working with partnering institutions and assisting with application forms and budgets.
• Grant Administration: The ORS oversees all grant and contract activities, ensuring compliance and proper management of awarded funds.

InfoEd SPIN

Saint Joseph’s University provides access to InfoEd’s SPIN database, a robust tool for identifying funding opportunities. SPIN tracks approximately 40,000 programs from global government, foundation, and commercial sources. Its advanced search features and customizable filters help users pinpoint relevant funding, while automated alerts keep you informed of new opportunities. Access SPIN on the SJU network or visit the Funding Opportunities webpage for additional resources.

Grant Forward

GrantForward is a comprehensive grant opportunity database designed for researchers and academic institutions. It indexes thousands of funding sponsors and over 40,000 active opportunities, including federal, foundation, and international grants. Users can search using advanced filters, build researcher profiles, and receive personalized funding recommendations. The platform also supports collaboration through saved searches, alerts, and sharing tools. Institutions benefit from administrative features like usage tracking and curated funding lists. GrantForward is especially useful for identifying relevant grants and managing the grant search process efficiently.

The ORS oversees the submission of proposals for external funding, ensuring compliance with both university and agency policies. Faculty and staff interested in applying for funding should follow these steps:

1. Notify ORS: Complete the Intent to Submit Proposal Form as soon as you decide to apply. Attach the RFP, guidelines, or application packet.
2. Draft the Narrative: Write a draft proposal and seek feedback from peers to refine your ideas.
3. Develop the Budget: Schedule a meeting with the ORS grants manager to create a budget that aligns with project needs, university policies, and agency requirements. The ORS provides data on salaries, fringe benefits, and administrative costs.
4. Secure Matching Funds (if applicable): If cost-sharing or matching funds are required, complete the Approval for Matching Funds/Cost Sharing Form and obtain necessary approvals.
5. Complete the Internal Processing Form: Attach this form to the final proposal and secure required authorization signatures. Incomplete forms may delay submission.
6. Address Research Compliance: If your project involves human subjects or vertebrate animals, obtain approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Proposals may be submitted while protocols are pending, but final approval is required before accepting an award.
7. Submit to ORS: Provide the final proposal package to the ORS at least two business days before the agency deadline for review and approval. The ORS will complete any required agency forms, sign certifications, and, if requested, make copies and mail the proposal.

For additional guidance or to begin the process, contact the ORS at ors@sju.edu.