Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs

Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions during the grant application process. If you have any questions that are not answered below, we encourage you to contact the OGSP.

What is research?  

• Research is defined by Grants.gov as, "A systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied." The term also includes, "Activities involving the training of individuals in research techniques where such activities utilize the same facilities as other research and development activities and where such activities are not included in the instruction function."

What is a grant?

• A grant is a sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose (e.g. research, program). Click on this link for definitions of gifts (Development Office) versus grants (OGSP). 

What is a sponsored program?  

• A sponsored program is an activity or project that is externally supported and that requires expenditure of funds. The funding agency should receive a written report about the allocated funds. Otherwise, FSU is obligated to return any financial support if the project objectives are not fulfilled.

What resources are available to me?  

• The Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs homepage serves as a good starting point for prospective grant applicants. It includes links to other sections of the website that help with the grant writing process, current budget figures you will need, and definitions.

What should I do if I've readied my program or project for external support?  

• Once your program or project is ready for support, contact the OGSP, and we can search for potential funders, whether they be government and/or private sources. If you have some funders in mind, we can help you reach out to them and begin drafting the grant application. We encourage all faculty to be in contact with the program officer from their prospective funders prior to submitting an application.

Why do the relevant signatories need to sign the Grant Data Sheet?  

• Whether or not you submit your application through the OGSP, it must be reviewed by the department chair and other appropriate academic and administrative personnel prior to submission. The signatures show that the proposal has been reviewed and that it is consistent with the department and organizational mission.

Do I need to check with anyone before submitting my application to the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs? 

• Yes. Your department chair, director, or administrative supervisor must be aware of your plans to pursue external funding and approve of the activities that the funding will support.