Read the "5-Day Proposal Submission" memo

Proposal Development


Many sponsors have application packages or very formal instructions on what elements comprise proposals. It is critical to follow their instructions. At a minimum a proposal at Stanford requires three elements:

  1. A proposal Routing Sheet (SU-42)
  2. Statement of work
  3. Budget and Justification

Most proposals are comprised of the following components:

  1. Cover or Title Page
    Many Sponsors provide preprinted Cover Pages for you to fill out. The title page contains the following information:
    • Principal Investigator’s name, address, phone number
    • Title of proposal
    • Sponsor name and address
    • Period of performance with start and end dates
    • Amount requested
    • Submission date
    • Signature of Principal Investigator
    • Signature of Institutional Representative
  2. Abstract
    The abstract outlines the proposed research, including objectives, methodology, and significance of the research. It is usually limited to 200 - 400 words and should be written in lay terms.
  3. Budget & Justification
    The budget includes a reasonable estimate of the financial support required to conduct the project, including justification of budget expenses.
  4. Statement of Work
    The Statement of Work provides a full and detailed explanation of the proposed research, typically including a project timetable. It should include general background information regarding how the project relates to previous and current research.
  5. Curriculum Vitae
    Include for all key project personnel. Some sponsors impose page limits.
  6. Bibliography
    List all references cited in proposal.
  7. Current and Pending Support
    Sponsor may require a listing of the PI’s (and sometimes Key Personnel) current awards and pending proposals. The information contained in the current and pending support can be accessed from the Stanford SPIDERS Systems.

    Typical budget categories include:

University Research

Research that is not externally funded is processed in a similar fashion to other sponsored projects with a few differences. See "University Research" for more detailed information and resources.

Additional information:

Additional information may consist of Federal Assurances and Certifications, Checklists, Appendices.


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Related Links
Using Grants.gov at Stanford
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