Research

Putting the Grant Together

Typical timeline for a large grant application

  • 10-12 months out: Think about possible research questions (be innovative, but build on what is presently being done)
  • 8-9 months out: Gather any preliminary data, if you can. Any recent PhD thesis work would count.
  • 5-7 months out: Write your proposal and work on your budget
  • 3-4 months out: Get feedback from people who will be supportive but critical of your work, and make changes based on their comments.
  • 2 months out: Edit, Edit, Edit. Ensure all budget lines reflect current costs, etc.
  • 1 month out: Have your application peer-reviewed internally (only for Tricouncil applications - make arrangements through research services) and make recommended changes, where appropriate
  • 2 weeks out: Get signatures from team members (where required) AND their heads of department (only required for Tricouncil applications), College representatives and University representatives
  • 1 week out: photocopy and collate application. Make sure pages aren't missing.
  • 2 days out: submit electronically, or by courier. Don't forget to submit the signatures, if required separately.

Use the following Excel template to plan your application (Make sure to print it on legal-size paper). You may also modify this timeline to provide an overview of proposed research activities for your grant applications (Remember, however, that only letter-size paper is allowed for grant applications, and that the font will need to be changed to 12 font).

Researcher Timeline for Grant Applications

Helpful links: