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Proposal Development and Submission

ORSP is authorized to submit proposals to external sponsors on behalf of the university. Proposals to federal and state agencies, industry and business entities, foundations and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and other external organizations are submitted through ORSP for required institutional approval.  If you are considering a a certain grant or program, please complete a Quick Proposal to inform ORSP.

New! Faculty Grant Writing Groups

Committing time to grant writing can be a challenge for faculty.  The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs exists to serve UNC faculty members.  One of ORSP's roles is to facilitate the creation and management of Faculty Grant Writing Groups where faculty can dedicate time to work on grant and other research-related writing.

Proposal Submission Process at UNC

While planning and writing a proposal for submission to an external sponsor is not necessarily a linear process, the following resources explain the main considerations that are involved, and provide important information and tools for proposal development and submission.

GUIDANCE ON SPONSORED PROJECTS
For principal investigators, administrative assistants, business managers, financial analysts and college and unit leaders. Guidance and instructions for pre- and post-award activities.

GRANT VS. GIFT

Below are some general guidelines that should help you decide the appropriate contact office for assistance for your award or gift, especially for funding from corporations and foundations. 

Guidelines             Checklist

LIMITED SUBMISSION PROPOSALS

For Limited Submission proposals, organizations are restricted to submitting only one proposal so an internal competition must take place.

PROPOSAL WRITING RESOURCES
Institutional information, IDC and fringe rates, data management plans, boilerplate, writing tips, and more.

FAQ
Frequently asked questions.

GUIDELINES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Information to assist graduate students who are planning to submit a proposal for funding from an external agency or organization.

‡The only exceptions to this are requests for support from individuals, requests for gifts and proposals that require the applicant to have 501(c)(3) IRS status; and those should be submitted through the UNC Foundation.

For assistance, contact 

Pamela Keener
(970) 351-4388
pamela.keener@unco.edu 

  • Proposal assistance and submission

Nancy Schindele
(970) 351-1638
nancy.schindele@unco.edu

  • Award assistance