Developing Research for Funding Bids
Grant capture is a growing necessity in the current economic climate, and research-active staff are increasingly expected to engage in income generation to fund their projects, individually or collectively. This workshop is designed to help participants to develop their research proposals in preparation for funding bids. Participants are invited to come to the workshop with a project in progress, which may be still at the incubation stage or a more substantially developed research plan.
The focus from the outset is on funding bodies’ criteria, and learning how to define, specify and articulate a research project in response to these. The workshop is structured through a series of interactive exercises representing each stage of the research cycle. Participants will work on defining and articulating the research imperative, identifying research questions, aims and objectives, scoping out methods and processes, projecting a timeline with milestones and deliverables, specifying outputs and dissemination plans, and focusing on clear outcomes, beneficiaries and impact. The workshop provides a clear step-by-step framework for the whole process, and participants emerge with a substantive checklist and action plan ready to implement and take their project forward.
The workshop can be customised to focus on particular funding bodies as required.
Post-workshop consultations on draft bids are also available. Feedback from successful applicants who received 1:1 advice before submission:
‘I received notification last night that my application has been successful - and that is down to your support and extremely helpful feedback.’
‘Success! Thanks for your significant contribution. Your suggestions yielded much that helped the application.’
‘Really great and a brilliant initiative. Some really good points in regard to how this research is accountable to the general tax-paying public. Other comments were very important too since I was forced to be more concrete and specific.’
‘Thank you so much for your support. It was a success and I'm so grateful for the support you gave me during this process. Your feedback provided me with better structure, allowed me to develop my thoughts, and express my methodology more clearly. I'm truly looking forwards to starting the project.’
Reviews for this workshop:
Lund University, Sweden
‘I absolutely loved it – Josie is dynamite and nearly everything she said – regardless of the topic – was extremely valuable advice. I am so grateful for this workshop and for getting the opportunity to hear a professional speak and also guide us through the application process.’
‘This should be a mandatory course for all researchers.’
‘Spot on! The structure, style, content as well as the outcome was super.’
‘The tutor was great and inspirational. She is excellent.’
‘I participated for inspiration and I did get a new sense of energy, so for this full marks. Absolutely recommended. An eye-opener and practical help to structure your applications.’
‘Exactly what I needed. I have a much clearer sense of what is expected of me, and how to go about the next stages. Excellent delivery and engaging throughout, with plenty of time for reflection. Recommended without hesitation!’
‘Very helpful. The guidelines will help me structure the writing process much more effectively. A thoroughly designed, very hands-on and substantial workshop.’
‘I feel able to write a more effective application, especially after the quickfire writing exercise. I would recommend this workshop – it helps you to see your application and your research subject from the outside. I like the friendly atmosphere and safe space.’
Manchester School of Art
‘Excellent workshop. I was surprised at how much I got done. Demystifies the funding language and process to enable a clearer sense of purpose.’
‘Very informative, clear, well-paced. I came with an initial idea and have really fleshed it out through the activities.’
‘Dedicated time to think through a project in a structured way.’
‘Excellent crash course in focusing a ‘pregnant idea’ and shaping the project forward.’
