Grant Writing Assistance
Useful Tools to Assist in Preparation of Grant Applications
Current Program Announcement:
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): PA-05-030 (link)
The homepage of the Office of Extramural Research provides information about the myriad funding possibilities and mechanisms available at NIH. Instructions for completing applications as well as grant writing tips may also be found there. Potential applicants and anyone else interested in the NIH funding process should explore and become familiar with the contents of all links on this site. http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm The OER Site Map, which can be accessed directly, gives a complete picture, as well as easy access, to everything available. For example, there is also a portal to http://www.grants.gov that is one of the 24 President’s Management E-Government initiatives and serves as a storefront for interactions between applicants and all Federal agencies that manage grants.
The homepages of the various NIH Institutes and Centers are also sources of ideas and opportunities as well as tools to assist you in special preparations. They can be accessed at http://www.nih.gov/icd For example, there are guidelines for demonstration and research grants on the website of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Roadmap Initiatives are also relevant to CFS researchers and opportunities should be checked regularly at http://nihroadmap.nih.gov
Helpful Hints from the CFSWG
- Good news is that the number of submissions has increased considerably, particularly in the current fiscal year and the success rate is approximately 20%.
- Send innovative submissions to new PA-05-030 but also be sure that all possible funding mechanisms are explored where relevant, i.e. the Roadmap, Training Grants, Various Center Grants, Small Business, etc. So many specialties abound among CFS researchers that you really can't afford not to look at every possible funding opportunity...keep an eye out for new announcements.
- Don't continue to beat dead horses or submit variations on a theme. To be noticed and scored higher your submissions should be innovative.
- Don't give up the ship if the score is low...study the pink sheets, work with the PO, and resubmit.
- Talk with TNIHCFSWG reps (listed on membership list on website as well as on PA) to explore their IC's areas of interest. For example, NIMH and others have issued PA's that cover much of the neuroimmune hypotheses discussed in Neuroimmune Mechanisms and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Will Understanding Central Mechanisms Enhance the Search for the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of CFS? (NIH Publication No. 04-5497)
- Publish in peer reviewed journals
