Seeking Financial Support? Strategies for Crafting a Persuasive Plan
The Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) is now accepting applications for Winter and Intersession research, with spring funding applications set to open soon. To secure funding for independent projects, internships, or summer study abroad programs, it's essential to craft a clear and effective research proposal that highlights the project's purpose, goals, budget, timeline, and impact.
Key Components of a Successful Proposal
Proposal Title and Contact Information
Begin with a clear, engaging title and provide your name and contact details to identify the principal applicant.
Project Summary
Summarise the significance, objectives, and anticipated outcomes of your project within about 250 words. Highlight why your project matters and what impact it will have.
Project Narrative
Develop a detailed description (up to four pages) explaining the merit and significance of your project. Include your planned activities, methods, and a timeline for completion. Emphasise originality, how it benefits your development, and any interdisciplinary elements if applicable.
Budget and Justification
Present a detailed budget outlining all expected costs such as travel, housing, program fees, and living expenses. Justify each cost clearly, showing why the expense is necessary to complete your project. An expenditure timeline for when funds will be used strengthens your proposal.
Evaluation Plan
Explain how you will track progress and measure success. Include data collection methods, responsible personnel, and how findings will inform improvements or future projects.
Supporting Documents
If required, include letters of support, biographical sketches demonstrating your qualifications, and any ethical or logistical approvals relevant to your project.
Tailoring Your Proposal
Tailor your proposal to reflect your project's unique aspects, such as the learning outcomes from an internship or cultural exposure in a study abroad program. Be concise, clear, and professional, targeting reviewers who may not be experts in your specific area but understand academic and experiential value. Use plain language to communicate relevance and feasibility, and ensure all required guidelines and formatting rules are followed strictly.
Focusing on What Matters
The research proposal should be clear and effective, focusing on why the project is significant, the applicant's passion and commitment, the need for funding, and the deliverables. After explaining the project, it's important to show that the applicant is passionate and committed to the project and capable of accomplishing research goals. The argument for why funding is needed should provide a detailed description of how funding would enhance the project.
Seeking Guidance
If uncertain about the proposal, seeking advice from an adviser can provide guidance on what aspects to focus on. The "Crafting Your Research Proposal" workshop offered tips on making a research statement clear and effective. Consulting the department for any special requirements regarding the length of the research proposal is also advisable.
Demonstrating Potential Benefits
Receiving funding is not about competition but about demonstrating the potential benefits of the research for the University. The most important question to consider for a research proposal is what makes the research significant. The proposal should include the logistics of the project, including daily tasks, steps for completion, and how funding would assist in the process.
The Office of Undergraduate Research can provide more information on thesis funding, and scheduling a one-on-one meeting at the Writing Center can offer further assistance with the research proposal. Good luck with securing funding for your research!
- Engage in undergraduate research by proposing your senior thesis and applying for research funding through the Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) for Winter and Intersession.
- Ensure your proposal for undergraduate research includes a detailed budget, justification, and timeline to demonstrate the need for funding, especially for projects such as an internship or study abroad program.
- Seek guidance from an adviser to help tailor your research proposal for maximum impact, or attend workshops like the "Crafting Your Research Proposal" to efficiently present your project and its significance.
- Personal growth and education-and-self-development can be achieved through independent work, such as a junior paper or a senior thesis, and with the support of research funding. Keep focus on the importance of your project and the potential benefits for both your personal-growth and the university.
