Grant Process

When you have a project idea, the first step is to talk with your dean and/or chair to gain project approval. Then, work with your dean and/or chair to develop a preliminary budget. For budgeting information and more detailed instructions, please visit our OSP SharePoint page: 

Grant Submission Process

After approvals are obtained and your preliminary budget has been created, please follow the link below to access to the Liberty University Internal Approval Form (IAF).

Internal Approval Form

Whether you already have a funding opportunity or aren’t sure where to start looking, we can help. Contact us for assistance in your search for funding opportunities.

Liberty Funding

Liberty University provides several funding opportunities through the Center for Academic Development (CAD) and the Center for Research & Scholarships (CRS).

• Learn more about Liberty Funding

External Funding

Federal and foundation grants include a wide range of funding opportunities. These are offered through government aid as well as corporate and private funding.

• Learn more about External Funding
• Search for external funding using the GrantForward search engine.

Since each funding opportunity is unique, all terms and conditions must be read carefully. Deadlines, allowable charges, and budget restrictions can differ between funding opportunities. We’ll help you develop your proposal narrative, budget and justification, and other documents according to the terms and conditions of the funding opportunity.

Grant Writing Tips

When writing your grant, use plain language. Not everyone reading your grant will be familiar with the terms specific to your field. The same goes for acronyms. Make sure to use the full name with the acronym after it in parentheses on each page. Use confident language like “will” and “can” instead of “would” or “could.”

Below are more resources about writing your grant:

• Grant Writing Tips
• Letter of Intent (LOI) Writing Tips
• Common Myths about Grants
• Should I Write This Grant?
• Grant Writing Articles
• NIH Podcasts
• NCURA YouTube Tuesdays

All externally funded projects must be routed through the Office of Sponsored Programs for review and approval. We’ll help you with all hard copy and electronic grant submissions.

Because there are multiple steps and internal approvals required before you send your proposal to a sponsor, submit your final grant proposal documents to the Office of Sponsored Programs at least 10 business days prior to the agency deadline for internal reviews and approvals.

The Office of Sponsored Programs is responsible for negotiating the final terms and conditions of an award. We’ll notify you regarding any revisions required by the sponsor.

We monitor all project-related financial transactions including payroll, travel, and credit card charges.

Direct & Indirect Costs

Direct costs are directly attributed to a particular sponsored project, without exceptions or “unless” statements.

• Examples include project materials, equipment, subcontracts, participant costs, travel costs, wages of faculty/staff involved in your project

Indirect costs are for common or joint objectives and cannot be identified readily with a particular sponsored project.

• Examples include office supplies, photoduplication for departmental files, wages of support personnel/clerical staff/administrators

Once the project is finished, there are usually specific funding agency reports to complete and submit. Contact us at (434) 582-2902 or grants@liberty.edu for closeout instructions.