Checklist Steps for the Preparation and Submission of Proposals for External Funding

1.

Faculty/Staff member talks to their Dean/Director about a project idea or plan, in order to verify unit support and resources available.

2.

Faculty/Staff member identifies potential funding sources whose priorities match their project’s. Tracey Mousseau in OSP or Janine Manning in Advancement can assist in funding searches.
 

3.

Faculty/Staff member selects funding source(s) and if any are foundations, submits a PRE-CONTACT APPROVAL FORM to Advancement for permission to proceed. To prevent duplicate requests from the USM community, this approval is necessary.
 

4.

Faculty/Staff member submits an INTENT TO PROPOSE FORM at least two weeks in advance of the submission deadline.
 

5.

For proposals that involve research, evaluations using surveys, focus groups, work with minors and/or health information, contact USM’s Office of Research Compliance for requirements.
 

6.

Faculty/Staff member meets with OSP for budgetary and application assistance, and presents a complete draft of the narrative and the budget to OSP at least five days in advance of the deadline.
 

7.

Faculty/Staff member fills out a BLUESHEET (the internal proposal approval form) with Dean/Director's sign-off, approving submission through OSP.
 

8.

The final version of the proposal package and the Bluesheet must be received by OSP at least two days before the submission deadline.
 

If an award is received, the Faculty/Staff member notifies OSP/Advancement who then determines the nature of the award (gift/grant) and its requirements so that the proper administrative management will take place.