The most important advice is the most straightforward:
- Write in a simple and straightforward manner. ·
- Start with a clear statement of your research and project objective.
- Connect all of the dots, especially when discussing significance. (As a rule, reviewers will not do this for you.)
- Write as if you are teaching a general nursing audience instead of communicating with a specialist in your field.
- Organize your ideas and plan your writing. Professionalism starts with communication.
- Make sure your document is free of formatting, grammatical, and spelling errors. Read the review criteria (if provided) before you start writing and after you finish your first draft.
For comprehensive guidance, please review the following:
- NIH/NIAID Guidance: Prepare Your Application
- AHRQ Tips for Grant Applications
- NIH Grant Writing Tips Sheets
For component-specific guidance, see the following:
- NIH guidance on budget justifications
- Sample HRSA logic model (very basic)
- W.K. Kellogg Foundation Evaluation Handbook. Provides comprehensive guidance that is widely applicable.
- W.K. Kellogg Logic Model Development Guide – Includes a wide variety of models.
- W. K. Kellogg Template for a Strategic Communication Plan
- Create a Resource Sharing Plan (from NIH/NIAID)
- NIH Clarification: Overall Impact vs Significance
- NIH Cover Letter Instructions
- [VIDEO]: A Walkthrough of the NIH Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information Form