Pilot: Faculty Grant Writing Circle

The goal of this pilot program is to provide a peer community of accountability and support through the unique artistry of grant writing. The format is modeled after the Faculty Writing Groups hosted by the Center for Faculty Development, providing "structure and support to make steady progress toward your individual research and scholarship goals" - in this case, the preparation of a grant or fellowship proposal to be submitted to an external sponsor within the next 12 months. 

This pilot is limited to 4 participants within the disciplines of social sciences or humanities. Participants will be selected to ensure a broad range of disciplines, career stages, and grant writing experience.

Please note: This pilot program is limited to faculty within the College of Arts and Sciences. We hope to expand this program in the future.

Each participant will prepare two draft proposals for review and will review their peers' drafts on the following anticipated schedule:

Schedule (all sessions via Zoom) – 4 participants (“A, B, C, D”)

• Week 1: introductions, review of roles/responsibilities/schedule, overview of format and brief introduction to grant writing (90 min)
• Week 2: Review of draft 1 of participants A and B (60 min)
• Week 3: Review of draft 1 of participants C and D
• Week 4: Review of draft 2 of participants A and B
• Week 5: Review of draft 2 of participants C and D
• Week 6: Final reviews (15 min each) and wrap up

Potential Group Meeting Weeks: January 30, February 6, 13, and 27, March 6 and 13. Exact dates and times will be based on participant schedules.

• Participants will prepare a grant or fellowship proposal for an external funding opportunity to be submitted within 12 months. 
• Prior to the start of the writing circle, participants will work with OSP to identify and/or review an external funding opportunity.
• Participants are expected to prepare their proposal material drafts at least three working days ahead of the meeting in which their materials will be reviewed.
• The other members of the group read the draft submitted, prepare written constructive feedback for the writer, and answer the questions/provide the feedback that the writer has requested (suggested bulleted list at top of proposal, e.g., How clear is my idea to disciplinary outsiders? Where do I lose you? What terminology trips you up?). It is recommended that the review process take 20 minutes (and no more than 40 minutes) per draft per week.
• During the meeting, the writer listens, takes notes, and answers questions from readers.
• Each member typically receives feedback twice on successive drafts.

Expected Time Commitment

• Attend 1 hour meeting via Zoom per week
• Complete 40 to 80 minutes of reading/reviewing per week
• Writing time to develop 2 to 3 draft proposals/proposal components per circle cycle

On successful completion of this program, you will have:

• Received two iterations of peer reviewed proposal/components
• Accelerated a standard proposal development process
• Received enhanced support from OSP staff
• And access to professional development support

Upon actively engaging with and completing the six-week program, each participant will receive up to $500 in professional development funds in support of your scholarship to be used by June 30, 2023. 

Eligible costs include:

• Travel to professional conferences
• Professional dues under $500
• Subscriptions to software or databases to advance scholarship (under $500)
• Books, periodicals, or other supplies in support of your scholarship and professional development.