Grant Proposals

Preparation Assistance and Routing Procedures College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) January, 2003

Introduction: Faculty are encouraged to prepare grant proposals for academic programming. External funds can be a significant complement to state-appropriated funds in supporting our teaching and advising mission. It is important that all cognizant administrators are included in the development of a proposal since they will be certifying that the proposal is relevant to the mission of their unit, that space and facilities are available to complete the proposal, and that the proposal is in compliance with relevant federal regulations. Since some proposals may also include a university cost share component it is essential that these proposals be approved at the unit, college and university level.

The process for USDA Higher Education grant proposals is different than USDA proposals submitted through the Agricultural Research Division (ARD) and The Cooperative Extension Division (CED). The Deans of ARD and CED are federally appointed officials and hold the additional title of Director. They have signature authority on USDA proposals and can submit them directly from their offices. The Dean of the CASNR does not have similar authority and proposals are routed through the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Pre-Award Development of the UNL Office of Research.

Assistance in Preparing a Proposal

Resources. The Office of Sponsored Programs has 'Proposal Preparation' and the Office of Research has 'Proposal Preparation-Frequently Asked Questions' on their respective web sites. Downloadable forms are available here. The website for USDA Higher Education Programs is http://www.csrees.usda.gov/qlinks/education/education.html.

Budget Preparation. Diane Mohrhoff in the Agricultural Research Division will assist CASNR faculty in the development of the proposal budget. This is a service provided by ARD and does not imply that educational grant proposals adhere to the ARD submission process.

Faculty can also call, fax or e-mail their proposed budget to the OSP, Pre-Award Development for review. Prior approval of the budget adds to the ease of submission and decreases processing time.

Proposals Requiring a 'Request for Proposal Approval and Submission'

Proposals to Federal Agencies:

A 'Request for Proposal Approval and Submission' form must be completed for each grant proposal. This form must be signed by the unit administrator and CASNR. Proposals with appropriate copies must be submitted by the department to the OSP, Pre-Award Development in the UNL Office of Research, 303 Administration on City Campus for review signature and submission to the granting agency. Please allow two full working days for the proposal to be reviewed in Pre-Award Development .

Electronic Submission of Proposals to Federal Agencies:

Before proposals are submitted to the granting agency a 'Request for Proposal Approval and Submission' form and a copy of the budget must be submitted through CASNR to the OSP, Pre-Award Development. Allow two full working days for review by OSP. The Office of Pre-Award Development will notify the author when the proposal is approved for electronic submission. Once the proposal is transmitted, a hard copy must be submitted to the CASNR.

Proposals to Other Universities, State Agencies, Commodity Boards, Regional Competitive Grant Programs and Business and Industry:

A 'Request for Proposal Approval and Submission' form must be completed for each grant proposal. This form must be signed by the unit administrator and CASNR. Proposals will be forwarded by CASNR to the OSP, Pre-Award Development in the UNL Office of Research, 303 Administration on City Campus for review, signature and submission to the granting agency. Please allow two full working days for the proposal to be reviewed in the OSP, Pre-Award Development.

Distribution of Award: The distribution of the award for multi-unit proposals should be pre-determined and identified on the 'Request for Proposal Approval and Submission' form.

Copies: Authors are responsible for making required number of copies after obtaining signatures for proposal submission to the OSP, Pre-Award Development in the UNL Office of Research.

Authorizing Official for All Applications Requiring a 'Request for Proposal Approval and Submission': Norman O. Braaten, Director of Pre-Award Development in the OSP, UNL Office of Research, 303 Administration on City Campus.

'Request for Proposal Approval and Submission' Form Not Required

Proposals to the University of Nebraska Foundation and Other Internal Grant Programs

No forms are required although the proposal must have the signature of the unit administrator. In most cases, CASNR will also sign the proposal. For the proposals that do not require a College signature, we ask that the CASNR Dean's Office be provided a copy of the proposal for our files.

Pre-proposals to External Organizations

No UNL forms are required for pre-proposals, although in most cases there should be some form of unit administrator approval. Evidence of cost sharing or matching commitments, if any, must be documented. Budget review by the OSP, Pre-Award Development is required. Send a copy of the submitted pre-proposal to CASNR and OSP, Pre-Award Development in the UNL Office of Research, 303 Administration on City Campus.

Gifts from Business and Industry

A 'Form for Recording Industry Income and Foundation Transfers' must be completed. This form must be signed by the unit administrator and CASNR.