Grant Academy

Grants signGrant Academy is a grant writing professional development program providing training and support for a select cohort of faculty investigators working with senior faculty, research development experts, and research administrators, with the goal of submitting a successful funding proposal.

Grant Academy is open to all faculty, in any discipline, from across the university. This multifaceted training will offer assistance to a selected cohort of faculty who: (1) currently have a concrete research project idea, (2) are ready to develop a proposal as evidenced by publication record or past creative work and (3) have identified an opportunity due in the next 18 months that will have a transformative impact on their career if awarded. Faculty participants will receive step-by-step guidance on proposal strategy, development and project management; scaffolded proposal preparation with intensive individual support from research development staff and three-tiered review, including cohort peer partner feedback, internal VCU review by a participant-identified senior faculty mentor; and access to an external review committee before submission.

Cohort workshops will include topics such as how to communicate your research project effectively, working with the Division of Sponsored Programs, Research Integrity and Ethics, Export Control and Compliance, Team Science, working with VCU Libraries, Research Subjects Protections and others. In addition, there will be sessions on individual funding agency requirements and tips for submission, requirements regarding clinical trials, and how to strategize for future funding.

Grant Academy is offered twice per year. Each cohort will consist of 12-15 faculty participants. Applicants need to be available to consistently attend all cohort workshop sessions.

Applications for the Fall 2023 Grant Academy are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, November 3, 2023.