Writing Successful Grants

Robert Porter, Ph.D., Program Development Manager in the Research Division, Virginia Tech

This workshop covers the basic principles of good grant writing, starting with the phrasing of a compelling research theme to the actual construction of the proposal itself. Major differences between acceptable "academic prose" and persuasive grant writing are highlighted. Common pitfalls that can lead to early rejection of good ideas are reviewed, matched with practical strategies for better writing:

• Ten killer mistakes in grant writing and how to avoid them
• Two critical steps that will double your chances for success
• How to win over the grant reviewer
• Simple keys to a more powerful writing style
• Visualization: Using illustrations to "sell" your project

Robert Porter has more than thirty years' experience as a tenured professor, private consultant and research administrator. His proposals have won more than $5 million in awards from government agencies and private foundations. In addition to conducting workshops at VA Tech and other universities nationally, he has presented award-winning papers on grant writing at national conferences and has published articles on this subject in the Journal of Research Administration. Dr. Porter has previously taught at Swarthmore College, Susquehanna University and Eastern Washington University. He holds graduate degrees in Speech Communications from the University of Michigan.

Sponsored by the TRC Professors as Writers and Excellence in Diversity Fellows Programs.