Grant Writing Support

Explore grant writing resources available to Boston University Medical Campus faculty to help develop competitive proposals and navigate the evolving research landscape.

Proposal Development Office

The Proposal Development Office (PDO) was established to provide technical and skilled administrative support to principal investigators developing grant and contract proposals for external funding.

Supporting Your Research from Concept to Submission

Grant Process
Grant Timeline Overview

Identify Funding Opportunity

PDO can help you with:

Funding fit & eligibility assessment.
Budget development.
Institutional approvals.
Identifying collaborators and subcontracts.
Representation during pre-award (OSP / Sponsor).
Navigation of grant application systems.

Budget Development

PDO will manage full budget development, including:

Personnel
Supplies
Animals
Travel
Other Direct Costs
Direct Costs
Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC)

Grant Components

Scientific Components

Abstract
Narrative
Research Strategy
Specific Aims
References
Introduction (re-submission)
Biosketch
Candidate Information
Goals (K&F grants)

Administrative Components

Budget, Justification, Facilities & Resources, Equipment, Authentication of Key Biological and/or Chemichal Resources, Cover Letter and/or PHS assignment Request Form.
Consortium Agreements, Vertebrate Animals and/or Human subjects, Resource/Data Sharing Plan, Letter of Support, Multiple PI Plan, Select Agent Research, Current/Pending Support (K Grants), Letters of Reference (F Grants).

Final Submission Timeline

Notify your Academic Department of intent to submit one month prior to the deadline.

OSP Deadlines (Business Days Before Sponsor Deadline)

10 days	PSF, budget, justification, biosketches (PI & collaborators)	9/23
5 days	All final administrative components	9/30
3 days	Final proposal due	10/2

Tips, Tricks & Helpful Links

1. It’s a Team Effort

PI: Scientific writing
PDO: Grant writing, budget development, administrative support
OSP: Final review and submission

2. Plan Ahead

Subcontracts, mentors, consultants, collaborators, or multi-PI proposals require additional paperwork
Ensure your department is aware of the submission

3. Discuss with Colleagues

Department (Chief/Chair) approval is required before OSP submission.
Especially important for:
- Cost sharing.
- Additional research space, etc.
Your colleagues are your best resources

4. Helpful Links

PDO Website
OSP Website
NIH CSR Videos

Contact

Julia Huntsman, PDO Director
jhunts@bu.edu |