Crafting an Argument in Your Grant Proposal

Making a case in your grant proposal sounds easier than it is. And that's because the research you want to do is not based on one simple argument. Your next project stems from a whole complex background of knowledge and research and there are likely many arguments you could make for your research and all are sound!

So, how do you decide? First thing's first, get to know the agency you're applying to. What are their goals and how does your research help them achieve those goals? Secondly, take a look at who the reviewers are. Are they other researchers, community members, or other types of stakeholders? In understanding the agency and the type of person reading your proposal, you will be able to choose and craft the best argument for your proposal.

Once you know what argument you're focusing on and who you're writing for, you're ready to structure your argument, and here's a recommendation for structure:

Problem with hook:
First, give them a sense of how terrible the problem is that you're addressing. Use statistics to show how dire the situation is.

Cutting edge research:
Give them some context. What research has been done to address this problem so far?

Gap:
Describe what holes remain in the research that keep us from solving the urgent problem you've described.

Critical need:
Explain why the gap you've identified is so important for you to address. Why is it so important?

Project description:
Explain your project and how it is going to address the gap and meet the critical need you've identified.

Vision:
End by reminding reviewers what is possible and/or the great impact your research in this project and future projects will have on the field and in addressing major challenges.

This formula for building your argument not only includes the most crucial points that drive it home, but also follow a logical progression that is easy for reviewers to follow and digest. In writing your grant proposal, you want to guide your reviewer through your argument. Don't leave them stranded or headed down the wrong path. Lead them to your end destination of being confident that your project should be funded!

Resources:
Grant Proposals (or Give me the money!) - UNC Chapel Hill