Writing Tools

Grant Writing 101

Write a clearer, more persuasive grant applicationwith 6 weeks of online self-guided training
This course is ideal to learn or refine core grantsmanship skills for biomedical research grant applications and is useful to those who are looking to diversify their funding portfolio.

The Grant Writing 101 Workshop includes

  • 6 video lessons teaching you key grant writing strategies and frameworks for biomedical research grant applications
  • Access to a grant-writing expert via the course platform to answer your questions about the curriculum
  • Weekly emails to help you follow along with the material and keep you accountable

By the end, you’ll be able to confidently submit a clear, compelling, and persuasive proposal.

Sarah Dobson teaches you the principles and frameworks behind highly competitive grant applications. As a research grant consultant and academic editor, she consistently receives strong ratings for this course that has grown out of more than 18 years of experience working with clinical and translational scientists on grants and academic publications. More than 8,000 researchers have taken this course, and 98% would recommend it to a colleague.

mentor notes

Encourage your mentees to complete Research Grant Writing 101.

Over 8,000 researchers have taken this workshop, and 98% would recommend it to a colleague.

 

SESSION CONTENT
Anatomy of a Grant Application

Lesson 1

  • The core components of most biomedical research grant applications, so that you can understand the purpose of each section and structure your proposal effectively
  • How to think strategically about your goals for each component of the application, so that every part of your proposal works together to strengthen your case for funding
Validate Your Research Idea

Lesson 2

  • Strategies to ensure that you’re submitting a competitive application, so that you don’t waste time pursuing ideas that aren’t likely to be funded
  • How to use the guidelines and instructions to write a more compelling grant, so that you can align your proposal with exactly what reviewers are looking for
  • Why scheduling is just as important as planning
Get Useful Feedback

Lesson 3

  • When to ask for feedback on your application, so that you get input at the optimal times in your writing process
  • How to make the request so you actually get useful feedback, so that colleagues provide specific, actionable suggestions rather than vague comments
  • How to use (or not use) the feedback you get, so that you can strengthen your proposal without compromising your research vision
Plan Your Workflow

Lesson 4

  • How to break down your grant writing into manageable chunks, so that you can avoid overwhelm and make steady progress
  • Why scheduling is just as important as planning, so that you can ensure your grant is completed with time for review before the deadline
Craft Your Argument

Session 5

  • How to make your proposal more appealing to reviewers, so that they become advocates for your project during the review process
  • How (and why) to strategically frame your research, so that reviewers immediately grasp the significance and potential impact of your work
Refine Your Application

Session 6

  • A framework for identifying and addressing weaknesses in your proposal, so that you can anticipate and respond to potential criticisms before submission
  • Tips to make your grant easier and more exciting for your reviewer to read, so that your application stands out positively in a stack of proposals
Meet Your Instructor

Sarah Dobson, MSc

Sarah Dobson, Research Grant Consultant, is an editor, grant writer, and writing coach based in Vancouver, BC.

Sarah has an MSc in community health from the Université de Montréal. She has worked in research management and grant facilitation in academic institutions across Canada for more than a decade.

As a grant consultant and academic editor, she consistently receives strong ratings for this workshop that has grown out of more than 18 years of experience working with clinical and translational scientists on grants and academic publications.

Over 2,500 researchers have taken this workshop, and 98% would recommend it to a colleague. Participants have praised the “fresh perspective” and specific tools, templates, and guidelines that are easy to apply to grant writing. As one writer said, “I know my content, but I struggled with communicating it. This workshop really helped me to see through my reviewer’s eyes.”

Many have been so encouraged by the online community that they finished drafts of their grants more than a month before the deadline, allowing time for internal feedback.

upcoming Grant Writing 101 events [ view all events ]
April 24, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Panel | PRB 206
Newman Seminar
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
May 1, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Stacey Satchell | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Newman Seminar
Faculty Life
Life Hacks
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
May 13, 2025 | 9:00 am (In-Person) Dr. Reyna Gordon | 2525 West End, Ste 1010
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
May 15, 2025 | 9:00 am (In-Person) Dr. Julie Bastarache | 2525 West End, 6 Floor Boardroom
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
May 21, 2025 | 2:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Reyna Gordon | 2525 West End, Ste 1010
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
June 12, 2025 | 9:15 am (In-Person) Dr. Julie Bastarache | 2525 West End, Ste. 1040
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
Learn how to write a clearer, more persuasive grant.
Testimonials
[This course] improved my scientific writing and gave me tools to succeed. It was laid out in a way that was simple and easy to understand.

~ Workshop Participant

My collaborators complimented me on areas of my grant that the course specifically recommended clarifying tips for.

~ Workshop Participant

[This course] gave me the tools to be confident during writing my grant. It was a comprehensive workshop with flexibility, reminders, and motivation.

~ Workshop Participant

WORKING WITH MEDICAL EDITORS
for refining grants & manuscripts
Success

Research Assistant Professor

Department
Radiology and Radiological Science
Award Type
  • R03

Associate Professor

Department
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Award Type
  • R01

Assistant Professor

Department
Dermatology; Biomedical Engineering
Award Type
  • I01
  • IK2

Assistant Professor

Department
Medicine/Genetic Medicine
Award Type
  • New Investigator Award



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