Grant Proposal Writing: Strategy, Structure, and Craft

Workshop Dates: 10/16 (Online) & 10/21 (In Person)

Location: LTU, Southfield Address: 21000 West 10 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075

Workshop Team

Dr. Shahin Vassigh, Florida International University

Registration: Regular - $225

Registration

Workshop Description

Grant writing is both a craft and a strategic act. It transforms a compelling idea into a fundable reality. This two-day workshop guides participants through the full arc of the grant writing process, from initial concept to a complete draft proposal. Through a combination of instruction, discussion, and hands-on writing, participants will learn how to plan a proposal, build a team, craft a persuasive narrative, and develop a budget that supports their objectives.

Workshop Objectives By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify best practices in grant writing and distinguish them from academic writing conventions
  • Locate and evaluate funding sources appropriate to their project
  • Apply the fundamental elements of a strong grant proposal
  • Strategically revise and resubmit a proposal after rejection
  • The workshop meets across two sessions.

The workshop covers four core areas.

  • Introduction to Grant Writing covers how to structure a compelling narrative, address a specific problem or opportunity, establish feasibility and relevance, and make a persuasive case to reviewers.
  • Pre-Proposal Groundwork addresses team-building strategies, collaborative planning, and working effectively with your institution’s research office.
  • Strategic Planning focuses on identifying the right funding agencies, articulating your project’s significance, and mapping a clear path to a successful submission.
  • Writing the Proposal walks participants through each section of a complete grant: rationale, goals and objectives, significance, research plan, impacts, outcomes, dissemination strategy, budget, and budget justification.

Outcome Each participant will leave with a 5 to 10 page draft proposal ready for further development and submission.

Who Should Attend This workshop is designed for tenure-track faculty, doctoral students, and anyone with a project idea in need of funding. It is especially valuable for those who come with a conceptual idea they are ready to develop. Participants will work through three essential questions: What do you want to achieve? Why does it matter? How will you make it happen?

Workshop Schedule

Day 1: 10/16 (Online)

Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (via Zoom) An interactive overview of the grant writing process, covering key steps, strategies, and common pitfalls, with ample time for Q&A.

Day 2: 10/21 (In Person)

Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm A hands-on writing session in which participants respond to a real call for proposals aligned with their own interests and ideas. Working through a structured series of prompts, each participant will draft a complete proposal with guided support throughout.

Total Workshop Time: ~13 hours

Participant Information

  • Audience: Tenure-track faculty, doctoral students, and anyone with a project idea in need of funding.
  • Group Size: ~30 participants

Refund and Change Policy

Important: Refund and change requests will not be accepted beyond Monday, October 5th.