Grant Process
The Grant Process – From Start to Finish.
The Office of Sponsored Programs & Research is here to help you navigate the grant process step by step. From a project’s initiation to its closeout, the Office of Sponsored Programs & Research works alongside you to help you attain your goals. To see a list of available grants and foundations, visit our external funding page.
See below for our step-by-step guidelines for each phase of the grant proposal process.
Step 1: Contact the Office of Sponsored Programs & Research
Once you have an approved project in mind, contact us at grants@liberty.edu. We will work with you to help develop and perfect your idea. We will also help you find funding opportunities, work on your proposal, and submit your proposal to the sponsor.
Develop Your Project Idea
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
Identify Funding Opportunities
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. Federal and foundation grants include a wide range of funding opportunities. These are offered through government aid as well as corporate and private funding.
Step 2: Prepare & Submit Your Grant Proposal
Next, you’ll prepare a proposal package for submission.
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:
All externally funded projects must be routed through the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research 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 and Research at least 10 business days prior to the agency deadline for internal reviews and approvals.
Step 3: Manage & Close Out Your Project
Congratulations, your proposal has been submitted! Now, all that’s left is to negotiate terms and conditions and finalize any remaining funding reports. We’ll work with you to make sure your funding goes through and your project is closed out according to policy.
Negotiate Terms & Conditions
The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research 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.
- Indirect costs are calculated based on the salaries and wages requested for the project
Once the project is finished, there are usually specific funding agency reports to complete and submit. Our office will contact you approximately 90 days before closeout to remind you of any final reports or requirements. Contact postaward@liberty.edu with any questions or for closeout instructions.