Issue link: https://ahint.epubxp.com/i/619494
1 0 | T H E C O N N E C T I O N • W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 F E A T U R E Y ou have a great study idea, but you need money to underwrite the project. Where do you get the money? Finding funding is not easy and many good ideas are not funded. First, decide whether or not to seek external funding. Writing a competitive proposal requires time/expertise and skills not typically taught in master's programs. 1 You may wish to con - sider collaborating with others that have successfully obtained grants. 2 Successful research collaborations require a clear delineation of the roles/ responsibilities before beginning the project. 3 You may decide your time is better spent publishing papers with others who may be on your team for the eventual grant application. Second, identify your resource needs and research focus. 2 Establishing a focused research project is critical. Consider the study's level; complexity 4 ; clinical, theoretical and/or health policy significance; and knowledge gap to be filled. You may want to collaborate with faculty from local schools of nursing. Many of these faculty are eager to collaborate with practicing nurses who have access to heart failure (HF) patients. Third, consider potential funding sources, including federal government, professional/state nurses' organizations and foundations. 5 If you are affiliated with a university, contact the sponsored research office, ask your peers and colleagues and consider a nonprofit with similar interests to serve as your financial sponsor. How do you know which funding opportunity is best? Contemplate the match between your qualifications, project and the proposal request. Scrutinize the research priorities of the organization and the proposal. 7 Determine if you can link what you want to do with what they want to know/fund. 8 Consider proximity; the closer the funder to you, the more likely they will be to assist. 9 Email the associated program/funding officer with a concise research project statement and a request to speak, personally. Remember, the officer's job is to know the organization's associ- ated funding mechanisms and solicit excellent proposals. Don't be afraid to seek help from this valuable resource. After these steps, you are ready to write the grant. Construct a timeline both for writing the grant and completing the project. Follow the application guidelines exactly 10 and address all required elements on the documents using the format stipulated. Start writing early and plan for the process to require more time than planned. Request your support letters now and provide a support letter draft to those from whom you are requesting a letter, so that all the required elements of the letter are addressed. 10 Write the proposal so that those who are not an expert in your field may understand your project 9 and from the point of view of those who will benefit. Talk about their needs and your program. 10 If available, look at the list of grant reviewers and write for that audience. Show your research is scientifically sound and feasible with the requested/ available resources, budget and time. 10 Make a compelling case regarding why the study is innovative and significant to nursing/society. 9,11 Know the budgetary constraints of the call, request allowable budget expenses Finding Funding for Research Cheryl Westlake, RN, PhD, ACNS-BC • Professor, School of Nursing Azusa Pacifc University, Azusa, CA E d u c a t i o n aahfn.org/educationcenter F E A T U R E