The preparation of a competitive proposal is a time-consuming process. Before embarking on this endeavor, principal investigators or project directors should review agency program descriptions and talk with program officers to ensure 1) compatibility of the proposed research or project with funding agency priorities and 2) availability of funds.

When the funding agency permits, principal investigators and project directors should take advantage of opportunities to submit concept papers, preproposals, or other project descriptions for presubmission review and comment. Proposal preparation "tip sheets" and "how-to" books, e-mail address and telephone numbers for program officers are all available from the Grants and Contracts Office. In addition, Davidson College is fortunate to have many faculty members who have been successful grant writers, who have served on review panels and who are willing to read and comment on proposal drafts written by others. Contact the Grants and Contracts Office for more information.