Writing Tools

Grant Writing Fundamentals Workshop

Write a clearer, more persuasive grant applicationwith 12 weeks of online self-guided training
Demystify the grant writing process and learn how to write a competitive research proposal.

This online self-guided workshop is intended for scholars who are planning to submit applications to NIH agencies. The lessons and community support is valuable no matter which granting agency you’re applying to.

All are welcome to join and get a head start on your next application. Your future self will give you a high five.

This workshop is offered once per year in October. Workshop begins October 21. Register

The Grant Writing Fundamentals Workshop includes

  • Six core video lessons covering planning, strategy, and writing techniques
  • Twice-monthly Q&As to answer specific questions about writing your grant
  • Bonus lessons and activities

 

mentor notes

Encourage your mentees to complete the Grant Writing Fundamentals Workshop.

Over 2,500 researchers have taken this workshop, and 98% would recommend it to a colleague.

 

SESSION CONTENT
Creating Your Grant Writing Strategy

Session 1

  • The type of prep work you should do to make your grant more competitive
  • How to use the call for applications to your advantage when writing your grant1
Planning Your Grant Writing Schedule

Session 2

  • How to break down your grant writing into chunks to combat overwhelm
  • How to plan your writing time to align with your energy/cognitive capacity
  • Why scheduling is just as important as planning
Making Your Grant More Appealing

Session 3

  • Three key grant writing principles that will improve every grant you write for the rest of your career
  • What you’re really trying to accomplish when you write a grant
  • How to make your proposal more appealing to reviewers
Making Your Grant More Memorable

Session 4

  • How (and why) to strategically frame your research
  • The Problem, Gap, Hook, Solution framework
  • Where to apply PGHS in your proposal
Under the Hood of a Grant Application

Session 5

  • The key components of most health research grant applications
  • Your implicit and explicit arguments in each section
  • A framework for identifying and addressing weaknesses in your proposal
Getting Good Feedback

Session 6

  • The types of feedback you should get on your application
  • How to ask for feedback that will be useful to you
  • How to use (or not use) the feedback you get
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 Fundamentals Workshop events [ view all events ]
January 13, 2025 | 9:00 am (In-Person) Dr. Todd Edwards | 2525 West End, 6 Floor boardroom
Grant Pacing Workshop
Grants & Funding
Pre/Post Doc
January 16, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Panel | PRB 206
Newman Seminar
Grants & Funding
Early career faculty
January 30, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Bill Cooper | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Pre/Post Doc
RCR
February 6, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Panel | PRB 206
Newman Seminar
Faculty Life
Early career faculty
February 12, 2025 | 8:00 am (In-Person) Student Life Center
Forum
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
Mid career faculty
Senior faculty
February 20, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. James West | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Writing & Publishing
Pre/Post Doc
RCR
March 27, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) TBA | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Newman Seminar
Faculty Life
Mentoring
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Management & Leadership
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
RCR
April 3, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Russ Bebee | PRB 206
Edge Seminar
Doing Research
Pre/Post Doc
Early career faculty
April 10, 2025 | 12:00 pm (In-Person) Dr. Julie Bastarache | 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
Learn how to write a clearer, more persuasive grant.
Testimonials
The overall approach and the information was presented in such a great and clear way.

~ Workshop Participant

It really helped solidify the skills needed to write a research grant proposal.

~ Workshop Participant

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

~ Workshop Participant

WORKING WITH MEDICAL EDITORS
for refining grants & manuscripts
Success

Associate Professor

Department
Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology
Award Type
  • R01

Research Assistant Professor

Department
Orthopaedic Surgery & Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Award Type
  • DOD

Assistant Professor

Department
Pediatrics Allergy/Immunology/Pulmonary Medicine
Award Type
  • K23

Associate Professor

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



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