Research Development Toolbox
The following is a list of frequently used resources, some developed by ORAP in response to agency requirement and others provided by the agencies themselves, including proposal requirements. These can be both a first stop when beginning work on a proposal or a reference to check that a more developed proposal is in line with agency requirements. If you have any questions about these federal agency links or our provided templates or if you have a suggestion for a template or other resource that you would like us to provide, please contact us through the “Request Assistance” button below.
Frequently Used Guides, Forms, and Templates
Follow the quicklinks below to jump within this page to the agency of your choice.
Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv)
SciENcv aids in creating biosketches for multiple federal agencies, including the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) formats. Use SciENcv to transform an existing biosketch from one format to another.
- Getting Started in SciENcv—links to NIH provided information about SciENcv
- Creating an NIH Biosketch in SciENcv—provides step-by-step instructions on creating a biosketch for NIH grant proposals
DOE: Department of Energy
- Office of Grants and Contracts Support—includes information about DOE funding, including links to opportunities provided by other DOE offices
- Grants Policy and Guidance—includes regulations and documents for guidance about grants
ED: Department of Education
- Grant Application and Other Forms—provides links to PDF forms for information purposes only. Applications are submitted to the Department of Education electronically
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
- Key Grant Resources—includes resource links helping applicants and recipients find important information such as grants clauses, terms & conditions, and procedures
NEH: National Endowment for the Humanities
- Grant Opportunities, Application Guidelines and Resources for Managing Your Grant—provides information and links to NEH grants resources
NIH: National Institutes of Health
- How to Apply – Application Guide—Provides instructions to be used along with guidance in the funding opportunity for grant proposal submissions to NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Writing Your Application—provides general information and tips for providing a strong research application
- Essential NIH Forms Directory—provides instructions and format pages required for applications, grants management and closing out awards
NIH Proposal Templates (developed by ORAP)
The following are provided as guides for specific required sections of your NIH proposal. Always refer to the specific funding opportunity announcement and NIH general application instructions when completing these templates.
NSF: National Science Foundation
- Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG)—instructional guide for preparing a proposal as well as grant administration
- Preparing Proposals—provides proposal preparation guidance
NSF Proposal Templates (developed by ORAP)
The following are provided as guides for specific required sections of your NSF proposal. Always refer to the specific funding opportunity announcement and NSF general application instructions when completing these templates.
- Data Management Plan
- Facilities, Equipment, Other
- Letter of Collaboration
- Postdoctoral Researcher Mentoring Plan
- Project Description
- Project Summary
- Project Timeline
NIFA: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA)
- About Grants—provides links to information about the grants process, grant applications and management as well as funding opportunities and deadlines
- Grants Application Guide—provides both general and NIFA-specific information and guidance for grant application preparation and submission