Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs

The Office of Grants & Sponsored Programs provides guidance and information about the grant application submission process. We will help you complete the search for potential funders and the proposal development process. On average, budget at least 40-60 hours to complete a government grant, and 8-10 hours for a private foundation grant.

Here are the important steps:

1. Identify the project

• Specify the purpose, priorities, and goals of the project
• Develop a budget for the project
• Obtain approval from your department chairperson and Dean of your college
• Consider involving internal collaborators and external partners

2. Research funding sources

• Meet with the OGSP to discuss potential sources of funding and FSU's history with potential funders
• Discuss with colleagues their previous partnerships with specific funders and/or possible connections to a funder

3. Work with the OGSP to contact the sources of funding, if appropriate

• Discuss the proposal guidelines and requirements
• Discuss giving interests

4. Draft the grant application

• Develop a time frame for writing and submitting the application
• Edit and refine the narrative
• Complete a budget for the project. NOTE: The Business Office needs at least two weeks before the deadline to review and vet grant budgets
• Develop and identify attachments, such as financial forms
• Create job descriptions for any grant-funded positions for Human Resources Department approval at least one month prior to submission NOTE: If your proposal includes discretionary course  release time, you will need prior approval from the Provost. Discretionary Alternative Professional Responsibilities (APR) requests are not guaranteed.

5.  Proposal submission

• Give all grant documents to OGSP for proofreading and determining who will submit the application

Framingham State University Resources
OGSP can provide you with organizational information about FSU's history, mission and demographics, so start with us about your proposal's data needs. The following sources can be used to help make your grant development a success.

Office of Institutional Effectiveness - The Office of Institutional Effectiveness can provide data regarding Framingham State's activities, enrollment, and faculty.