Proposal Development

Many sponsors have application packages or very formal instructions on what elements comprise proposals. It is critical to follow their instructions. At a minimum a proposal at Stanford requires three elements:

Cover or Title Page
Many Sponsors provide preprinted Cover Pages for you to fill out. The title page contains the following information:

Principal Investigator’s name, address, phone number
Title of proposal
Sponsor name and address
Period of performance with start and end dates
Amount requested
Submission date
Signature of Principal Investigator
Signature of Institutional Representative

Abstract
The abstract outlines the proposed research, including objectives, methodology, and significance of the research. It is usually limited to 200 - 400 words and should be written in lay terms.
Budget & Justification
The budget includes a reasonable estimate of the financial support required to conduct the project, including justification of budget expenses.
Statement of Work
The Statement of Work provides a full and detailed explanation of the proposed research, typically including a project timetable. It should include general background information regarding how the project relates to previous and current research.
Curriculum Vitae
Include for all key project personnel. Some sponsors impose page limits.
Bibliography
List all references cited in proposal.
Current and Pending Support
Sponsor may require a listing of the PI’s (and sometimes Key Personnel) current awards and pending proposals. The information contained in the current and pending support can be accessed from the Stanford SPIDERS Systems.

Typical budget categories include:
- Direct Costs
- Indirect Costs
- Cost Sharing

University Research

Research that is not externally funded is processed in a similar fashion to other sponsored projects with a few differences. See "University Research" for more detailed information and resources.

Additional information:

Additional information may consist of Federal Assurances and Certifications, Checklists, Appendices.