Indirect cost rates, fringe benefit rates, etc. Timeline for preparing proposals Important resources for the writing process (If you use the following link, you will exit the District web site)

Developed by the Office of Grants & Contracts at California State University, Fullerton
"Grantsmanship at CSUF"

This manual provides information and guidelines about proposing and winning grants and contracts. The intent is to dispel the imaginary obstacles to success and help you over the real ones. The style and organization of the manual are intended primarily for individuals with little or no experience in writing grant proposals, but the ideas, policy
reminders and forms are applicable to experienced proposal writers as well. Even though the manual frequently uses the term "faculty," the invitation to develop proposals for external funding extends to all members of the campus community.

This document describes the services and the procedures that have been developed on campus, guidelines to preparing the proposal text, and guidelines to preparing the proposal budget. The strategies and activities described in the chapters are not necessarily in chronological order. In fact, the process recycles on itself.

Chapter 1 presents strategies to help you decide if grantwriting is appropriate for you. (Successful grantwriting is not limited to a few senior faculty who receive giant awards.). Chapter 2 provides a summary of early preparatory steps in the grantwriting process. After following a few of the suggestions, you will want to move on to the subsequent chapters for specific information on preparing your proposal.

The remainder of the manual has been designed to meet the needs of faculty at various stages in the actual preparation and negotiation of a proposal. Chapter 3 discusses strategies to identify potential sponsors. Chapter 4 outlines the various campus approvals necessary for completing and submitting a proposal. Chapter 5 identifies the various government and university regulations that govern sponsored projects. The elements of proposal writing are defined in Chapter 6. A full explanation of budget development is in Chapter 7. The concluding chapters discuss what to do once an award or a rejection is received. The appendices include sample forms and other detailed information.

The information presented here is primarily about the "pre-award" process. For full information and guidelines on the "post-award" procedures--such as purchasing, hiring, and making financial reports--you will need to consult Instuctional Resources Office.