Proposal Preparation Tools

Grant Proposal applications are due in the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research for review at least 5 business days before the sponsor’s published deadline (a 10-day window is required for funding proposals to foundations).

What is the process for the preparation, review, and approval of proposal for funding form external sources?

Internal Clark Proposal Forms

A Clark University Proposal Summary & Approval Form must accompany each proposal when submitted for review to OSPR. An Instruction Sheet is available to assist in filling out the form.

This form documents approval of the project by key administrators (Department Chair, Institute Director, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations (when applicable), Director and Assistant Director of OSPR, and the Dean of Research. Their approval attests to the project’s compliance with university and sponsor guidelines.

It is very important that all items on the approval form be completed. Prospective principal investigators or project directors should pay especially close attention to Part IV, Compliance Considerations, and Part V, Institutional Considerations. The information provided here informs the University of any special conditions attached to the project such as human subjects, hazardous materials, or space needs.

The Clark University Proposal Summary & Approval Form should be used for all sponsored projects that are new, continuations, renewals, resubmissions, supplements, or amendments.

Reviews and Approvals

Proposals are reviewed by the 1) Department Chair or Institute Director, 2) the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations (where applicable), 3) the Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs and Research, 4) Director of Sponsored Programs and Research, and 5) the Dean of Research, in that order. There may be the need for other approvals depending on the specific proposal request, such as additional space or renovations, course buyouts, potential conflicts of interest.

By endorsing the Form, signatories certify that the respective campus offices assume responsibility for commitment of resources or persons under their jurisdiction as indicated by the proposal.

Signatories attest to specific responsibilities

Responsibilities

Principal Investigator
Chairs and Directors
Corporate and Foundation Relations
OSPR
Dean of Research

Principal Investigators and Project Directors

The PI or PD is responsible for the technical, administrative and fiscal management of the project, and for compliance with all University and agency requirements.

Department Chair or Institute Director

the proposed research or sponsored activity is consistent with department or institute aims.
the PI/PD’s teaching load will be compatible with the effort required to execute the proposed project.
the proposed project complies with all other department/institute requirements.

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

confirms that the proposal meets sponsor requirements.
attests that the application does not conflict with other institutional proposals either pending or anticipated to the same sponsor.

The Assistant Director and Director of Sponsored Programs and Research

attest that the proposed project is complete and accurate, consistent with Clark University policies, agency terms and conditions, and application guidelines.
recommend to the Dean of Research whether the proposal constitutes a valid offer by the University to undertake the work under the terms defined by the application.

The Dean of Research

confirms that the proposed project is consistent with the educational and professional objectives of the University.
approves all cost-sharing/matching requests for both direct and indirect costs.
insures that leave time requests do not conflict with teaching responsibilities.
certifies, as the authorizing official, that the proposal is a valid offer by the university.

Internal Proposal Guidelines

The Proposal Submission Guidelines & Checklist provides guidance on the documents and information necessary to submit a proposal through Clark University. Please see Forms & Agreements for the internal Forms required for all external funding proposals. These forms help our office collect information for compliance, reporting, and research administration purposes.

Proposal submission guidelines & checklist

The Forms & Agreements page also provides additional pre- and post-award resources.

Contact Information