by Deb Hamernik and Rick Koelsch, April 23, 2014
A 30 minute visit with a funding agency program leader can provide invaluable insights on program interests and priorities. Participation in a funding panel review process will inform will uncloak much of the mystery behind funding decisions on proposals. Both can be extremely valuable investments to success in the competitive grant process. The following document authored by Deb Hamernik provides valuable ideas for getting the greatest value from your visit with a funding agency program leader. We (see four names at the end of this blog) welcome the opportunity to work with faculty for planning your visit to a funding agency.
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Tips for Networking with Federal Funding Agencies
Trips to Washington, DC or Skype/Teleconferences
Goals:
1)
Find one or more competitive grant program(s)
that are a good “fit” for your research, education, creative or extension
projects.
2)
Make Program Directors aware of your
credentials. Volunteer to serve on a peer-review panel.
When to start this
process—NOW!
1)
Search for funding opportunities online and/or
seek assistance within your college. Know the priorities of funding agencies.
2)
Collect important preliminary data that will
enhance your competitiveness.
3)
Build a relationship with Program
Directors---you want to know them and you want them to know you.
4)
Need to have a good idea of one or more specific
projects before contacting Program Directors.
5)
Do not visit Program Directors if an application
is under review in their program.
Before contacting
a Program Director:
1)
Search the agency’s website for: competitive
grant programs and contact information for program directors; Requests for
Applications (RFA); Dear Colleague Letters (NSF); workshops; task forces, etc.
b.
www.nsf.gov
2)
Be aware of national priorities (National
Academy of Sciences; National Research Council; White House Office of Science
and Technology Policy).
3)
Prepare a 1-2 page white paper or summary (see Extension Employee Resources web page under "Funding Opportunities" for sample format) of a
project that you want to use in a grant application. Templates are available. The
Office of Proposal Development will edit.
4) Some federal agencies place an emphasis on application of research knowledge. USDA’s
integrated expectation for many programs and NSF emphasis on “Broader Impact”
are examples. Consider addressing application of research
knowledge as part of your white paper discussion. See May 2013 Blog on NSF "Broader Impacts" for additional insights.
5)
Update and format your CV. NSF has a specific
format. NIH has a specific format.
6) The article, "What to Say - Not to Say - to Program Leaders" in theChronicle of Higher Education may be of value
to faculty.
Trips to
Washington, DC (paid by IANR, CEHS and ORED):
1)
IANR administrators will accompany you. Evidence
of institutional commitment and support. Talk to Deb Hamernik (ARD), Rick
Koelsch (Extension), Tiffany Heng-Moss (CASNR), or Jon Pedersen (CEHS) to plan
a trip to Washington, DC.
2)
At least 6 weeks prior to traveling, email
Program Directors to schedule meetings. Usually 30-60 minutes/meeting. Send a
copy of your white paper and CV.
3)
Prepare a 1 page “tear sheet” or “quad chart” (see example Quad Chart at Extension Employee Resources web page under "Funding Opportunities") to
use in meetings with Program Directors. The Office of Proposal Development will edit.
4)
Be prepared to provide a brief, concise
description (15 minutes max) of your research interests and unique aspects of
your training, independent research program, UNL, etc. IANR administrators will
listen to you practice this presentation and provide feedback.
5)
Listen for feedback and questions from Program
Directors. Be prepared to ask questions (example questions are available).
Volunteer to serve on a peer-review panel.
Teleconferences/Skype/Webinars:
1)
Deb Hamernik, Rick Koelsch, Tiffany Heng-Moss,
or Jon Pedersen can help schedule.
2)
Search the agency’s website for: competitive
grant programs and contact information for program directors; Requests for
Applications (RFA); Dear Colleague Letters (NSF); workshops; task forces, etc.
3)
Email a 1-2 page white paper or summary and your
CV about 1 week prior to the teleconference.
4)
Be prepared to provide a ~5 minute overview
followed by specific questions.
Contact Information
Deb Hamernik, PhD
Associate Dean,
Agricultural Research Division
Associate Director,
Nebraska Ag Experiment Station
Institute
of Agriculture and Natural Resources
207 Ag Hall
402-472-2045
(office)
402-314-8643 (cell)
DHamernik2@unl.edu
Tiffany Heng-Moss,
PhD
Professor and
Associate Dean
Department of
Entomology
College of
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Institute
of Agriculture and Natural Resources
105A Entomology
Hall
402-472-8708
(office)
THengmoss2@unl.edu
Rick Koelsch, PhD
Associate Dean
UNL Extension
Institute of
Agriculture and Natural Resources
211 Ag Hall
402-472-2966
(office)
RKoelsch1@unl.edu
Jon
Pedersen, PhD
Associate Dean for Research
College of Education and Human Sciences
Home Economics 105C
402-472-4124 (office)
402-470-7360 (cell)
JPedersen2@unl.edu
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