Writing a Successful

AACN

Grant Proposal
 Writing A Successful AACN Grant Proposal
PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to provide
novice researchers with essential information
regarding grant proposal writing. It provides
general and specific information on how to
prepare AACN grant applications for both
research studies and performance improvement
projects. It is based on the criteria and grant
submission guidelines of the American
Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
AACN awards several small and large grants for
research that is relevant to critical care nursing
practice. Grants in the small grant program
range from $500 - $1,500. Grants in the large
grant program range from $5,000 - $100,000.
A list of the various grants funded by AACN can
be found on the AACN Web site at:
www.aacn.org>membership>grants> AACN
Grants in Support of Clinical Projects and
Research. Or the brochure can be obtained
through AACN customer service by calling 800-
889-2226 and requesting item #1013.
INTRODUCTION
Various agencies provide financial support for
nursing research. These include the federal
government, national and local foundations,
industry such as Philips Medical Systems,
specialty nursing organizations as the AACN,
and Sigma Theta Tau International. Local
chapters of organizations are good sources of
funding for novice researchers.
Research studies and performance
improvement projects are expensive and time-
intensive. A successful grant application is one
that is approved and funded. Good writing skills
and scholarship are critical. Because many
funding agencies are overloaded with
applications, poor proposals are quickly and
easily eliminated. On the other hand, reviewers
will search for an application with outstanding
qualities that set it apart from other proposals.
Grant writing skills, like clinical expertise, are not
an innate talent. These skills are developed and
sharpened through active and continued
participation in the research process. Careful
adherence to the guidelines and suggestions in
this booklet should enhance your grant-writing
abilities and increase your probability of
receiving a favorable review from a peer-review
panel.
Preparing a grant application requires adequate
time for studying, thinking, and writing. The
exact amount depends on such factors as the
author's personality, writing style, and number of
other personal and professional commitments.
Allow at least 6 months to prepare the
application. This provides time to optimize
opportunities and critically refine ideas. Even a
well-written application will not be successful if
the quality of the science is poor and the
proposed methods are unsound. See Appendix
A to view an example of a schedule for writing a
research grant proposal (this timeline can also
be amended to accommodate a performance
improvement proposal).
What Is a Research Proposal?
A research proposal is a detailed plan of action
for scientific inquiry. It clearly and systematically
presents the research problem, indicates the
significance of the problem, and delineates the
specific methods and procedures that will be
used to answer the research question or test the
research hypotheses. It also provides a
timetable or outline for conducting the study and
details the estimated cost of the investigation. It
is written as a preliminary step in the research
process. It synthesizes current knowledge,
indicates gaps in knowledge, and specifies a
plan to address the problem.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The purpose of a grant application is to convince
the funding agency of the merits of your
research project and secure the agency's
financial backing. Most agencies maintain a
panel of peer reviewers who decide which
applications will be funded. Members of the
panel are selected because of their competence
in particular research areas and in the research
process. They review each application and
determine its scientific merit and the potential
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clinical significance or outcomes of the proposed
research.
A successful proposal shows a link between the
mission of the funding agency and the proposed
research; is specific and scientifically rigorous;
and adheres to the instructions and guidelines
provided by the funding agency, including
technical requirements such as page limits and
deadlines for submission. Other goals to strive
for include
• Logical organization and internal
consistency
• Clearly stated aims, significance, and
methods
• Clear, concise writing style
• Originality and incorporation of new
ideas
• Focused plan of research
• Evidence of knowledge of relevant
published work.
In addition, be sure the time and level of effort
proposed for the research are adequate and
include a discussion of potential pitfalls and
limitations.
Significance of the Proposed Research
Problem
The first step in developing a proposal is to
determine a source that grants funds in areas
relevant to the research topic. In other words,
match the topic to the funding agency. Specialty
nursing organizations often specify the types of
proposals they will fund. Annual reports of an
organization may list research projects it has
funded. In most instances, the significance of
the proposed study must be related to the
enhancement of nursing practice in the specialty
area. For example, grant applications submitted
to the Emergency Nurses Association must
specify the significance of the proposed
research to emergency care nursing. Keep such
requirements in mind when explaining study
rationale and background.
Clearly indicate the need or gap in nursing
knowledge that your research will fill and
describe how the results might influence nursing
practice in that specialty. Most funding
organizations provide assistance or consultation
to determine if a proposed investigation matches
their interests. Some organizations publish
research priorities that reflect significant
problems pertinent to the organizations'
specialties. If you are aware of these priorities,
you can target and highlight how your research
is consistent with them.
Scientific Logic or Internal Consistency
Establishing and maintaining a chain of scientific
logic, or internal consistency is crucial. This is
best accomplished by developing a proposal
that adheres to the goals of scientific writing: it is
simple, lucid, and brief. Research questions or
hypotheses are derived from a review of
relevant literature. The objectives of your
research must be consistent with the
hypotheses or research questions, and each
hypothesis or research question must have
corresponding procedures for collection and
analysis of data. That is, the techniques for
collecting and analyzing data must be consistent
with the study's purpose and proposed level of
measurement.
Strategies for developing a research proposal
that has internal consistency and clarity include
the following:
• Make a detailed outline of the proposed
study, and submit the outline to
colleagues and research experts for
critique and feedback.
• Address the issues raised by colleagues
and experts and revise your proposal as
needed.
• Put the revised proposal aside for a
while to establish a degree of critical
objectivity and then reread it. Revise it
again if needed.
• Have a research expert read the final
version before you submit the
application to the funding agency.
Novelty and Originality
The basis of a successful application is a good
research idea. Reviewers look for proposals that
have a new or interesting perspective on a topic.
The research does not have to be a first in its
field, but it should not simply repeat existing
work. The exception to this would be a fresh
look at existing work that has considerable
limitations or weaknesses. For example, for a
published study based on a small sized sample,
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repeating the study with a larger sample size, a
sample with expanded characteristics, or a new
type of sample (e.g., a different age group)
might be indicated.
A complete review of the literature is essential
so that the benefit of previous work can be
included. Synthesize the knowledge in the area
and build on it. Address limitations of previous
work, or, on the basis of new insights, refocus
efforts in a new direction.
Style and Technical Details of the Proposal
Pay close attention to all instructions and
guidelines. Although specifications for style and
format may vary according to the funding
agency, these requirements must be followed
exactly. Any deviation may result in the proposal
being penalized or returned without review. The
following are some general guidelines:
• Type or print out the proposal single or
double-spaced (depending on the
funding agency), with at least 1-in
margins, on standard-sized paper (8 1/2
× 11 in).
• Use white space to lighten the text.
Avoid solid massive blocks of print that
repel rather than invite reading. Choose
a font that is easy to read and of
appropriate size (e.g., 12 points). Do not
use a minuscule-sized font in an attempt
to squeeze more words into the space
allowed. Legibility is important.
• Make the proposal readable and easy to
glance through. Use punctuation,
underlining, spacing, paragraphing,
diagrams, flowcharts, tables, and other
devices to command the reader's eye.
• Organize the grant according to the
specifications of the funding agency. Be
sure the structure of the proposal is
clear and logical. Use headings and
subheadings to direct reviewers
smoothly through the proposal's content.
Make it easy for reviewers to find the
essential substance within certain parts
of the outline. Do not force them to read
the entire text if they are familiar with the
topic.
• Be sure each page of the proposal has
the same general appearance.
Photocopied pages from other
proposals or a biographical sketch
photocopied from a previous submission
might give reviewers the impression that
you do not take the project seriously
enough to provide up-to-date
information.
• Carefully read and follow all directions
provided in the application packet sent
out by the funding agency. In particular,
note any specifics about the required
number of pages; organizational
assurances or letters of access;
administrative approvals; number of
copies; deadline dates (date for receipt
or postmark date); and required sections
for the proposal.
• If your proposal is too long to fit in the
number of pages allowed, evaluate it to
determine which information (e.g.,
detailed protocols for data collection,
study timetable, budget or fiscal
considerations) might be moved to an
appendix.
• If directions are not specified in the
application packet, contact the
prospective funding agency for
guidelines. If specific guidelines cannot
be provided, the outline in this booklet
should be sufficient. If necessary, clarify
specific guidelines with a contact person
at the target, funding agency. Make sure
you have an up-to-date application form.
• Keep your proposal within the limitations
imposed by the target, funding agency.
For example, do not include appendixes
if the agency prohibits them. Provide
only the information necessary for
reviewers to understand the proposed
research.
• Sharpen the proposal by replacing
vague or misleading words or phrases
with uncomplicated, direct, persuasive
language. Use action words (verbs) and
simple sentences. Simplify sentences to
communicate your ideas better. Avoid
using passive verbs.
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 • Proofread the proposal carefully before
submitting it. Check spelling, grammar,
and references for errors. Look for
consistency in the use of terms and verb
tenses.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
Specific guidelines for research grant
applications vary between funding agencies, but
several components are standard. These
include the cover letter; grant application form;
abstract; specific aims; significance; methods
and timetable; ethical review; budget; and
references.
Cover Letter
The cover letter includes the title and content of
the research proposal, the name of the grant
applied for, the name and affiliation of the
investigator, and any other information required
for submission (e.g., applicant's eligibility for
membership in an organization or other
qualifications). Address the cover letter to the
contact person at the funding agency or, in lieu
of a contact person, the head of the agency or
department. A well-written cover letter helps the
agency direct the application to reviewers whose
expertise closely matches that required for the
proposed research.
Grant Application Form
The first page of the proposal is the grant
application form. It provides information about
the research proposal and the investigator(s)
who is submitting the proposal. Grant application
forms are supplied by the funding organization
and completed by the applicant.
The information requested usually includes the
following:
• Title of the research proposal. The title
is the first contact a reviewer has with
the proposed research. Keep the title
short, but be sure it adequately
describes and highlights the main
elements in the study. Include key
words that reveal the essence of the
proposed research. Do not use obscure
technical terms or jargon that will be
recognized only by small groups of
researchers with similar interests.
• Name(s) of the principal investigator and
co-investigator(s).
• Credentials, professional title, home and
work addresses and telephone
numbers, RN license and social security
numbers, and membership status (of the
funding organization) of the principal
investigator.
• Names of the proposed research staff.
• Type of funding being requested.
• Names of institutions or sites where
research will be done.
• Date of approval by the applicant's
institutional review board and the
board's identification number.
• Time (dates) for which funding is
requested.
• Date the application is submitted.
• Signatures of the principal investigator
and co-investigators (if applicable).
Abstract
The abstract is a clear concise summary of the
proposed research project. It is commonly 50–
350 words long and takes up no more than one
page. The funding organization's guidelines
usually specify the limitations. The abstract
should capture the essence of the proposal
concisely and completely. Begin with a short
statement of the purpose of your study, and
indicate the research hypothesis or questions.
Give the rationale for the proposed study, and
describe the research design and data analysis.
Finally, offer a conclusion about the anticipated
results and their significance. Include vital
details that make the proposed research original
and important. Reviewers should be able to read
the abstract and know what you propose to do.
Typically, the abstract includes the following
major elements:
• Title of the proposal.
• Name of the principal investigator
(project director).
• Name of the applicant's organization
(institution).
• Objective (purpose of the study and
rationale).
• Methods (procedures and research
design).
• Significance (contribution).
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 • The abstract may be the only part of the
proposal read by some reviewers.
Therefore, prepare it carefully.
Paraphrase objectives and procedures
and include key terms from the body of
the proposal to prepare reviewers for
them.
Specific Aims
The section on specific aims is the most
important element of the research proposal. It
specifies the problem to be addressed and
provides reviewers with a background or
perspective on it.
Specific aims are the major research issues,
questions, or hypotheses that provide a
formalized focus for data collection and
interpretation of results. They are statements of
what you want to accomplish in your study.
The specific aims should accomplish four
essential goals:
• Specify the variables to be investigated.
• Explain the proposed relationships (i.e.,
expected outcomes) among variables,
when appropriate.
• Indicate the conditions under which the
relationships of interest between the
variables will be studied.
• Specify the characteristic of the
population to be studied.
• The words in this section should be
sharp and straightforward, and the ideas
should be provocative. Sharpen the
focus by excluding irrelevant and
extraneous words and ideas.
• Be sure the study's perspective,
originality, and contribution to
knowledge building are clear.
Significance
The section on the significance of the proposed
research defines the importance of the problem
to be studied. It contains a statement of the
problem, background information on the scope
and distribution of the problem, a summary of
the literature on the problem, and an indication
of gaps in existing knowledge. It also includes
information on expected gains for nursing
practice and on the relevance of the research to
the funding agency.
Specifically, in this section, describe,
summarize, analyze, and synthesize knowledge
about the topic by providing the following:
• Background of the problem in terms of
what has been studied, when it was
studied, how the research was done,
where the problem has been
investigated, and what populations have
been studied.
• Theoretical or empirical basis for the
purpose of the investigation, in other
words, the justification for doing the
study.
• Direction for proceeding with the study.
Provide information on previously
successful approaches to the problem.
• Limit the literature review to key
references that pertain to the
independent and dependent variables in
your research questions or hypotheses
and the relationships or conditions
stated in the specific aims of your
proposed study.
• Summarize the current state of
knowledge about the topic area.
• Synthesize and critique the literature; do
not simply list published results.
• Discuss studies in sufficient detail so
that even an inexperienced researcher
can understand their relevance.
• Describe how these studies contribute
to your proposed research and how your
project goes beyond previous work.
If you will be using a conceptual framework,
discuss any previous use of this framework and
review flaws or gaps in the research. If
applicable, discuss the rationale for use of this
framework with hypotheses formulation. If theory
will be tested, describe the theory, discuss work
already done to test the theory, delineate work
that is needed, and conclude with what you will
do. A diagram may be helpful in clarifying a
detailed framework or theory.
METHODS AND TIMETABLE
The methods section must communicate your
research plan clearly, concisely, and completely.
This section is usually about 12 pages long, but
again, this may vary according to the funding
agency. Fifteen pages, however, may be more
than most reviewers can deal with effectively.
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The methods section is a step-by-step set of
instructions for doing the study. It outlines the
investigator's strategy, indicates how the specific
aims will be accomplished, and gives the details
of the methods to be used. If the project can be
divided into specific categories, it may be helpful
to divide this section up into subsections.
If you have done previous research related to
your proposed project, use the results of that
work to convince reviewers that the proposed
study is feasible and based on testable
hypotheses. A description of preliminary work
can show reviewers that your methods and
instruments are workable, that you have access
to all the sites you plan to use, and that you are
a capable and committed investigator. Describe
the earlier project briefly. Emphasize the
promise of the findings and how they support the
need for the proposed study. Include figures,
tables, diagrams, and so forth if applicable, as
these are easy for reviewers to appraise. If the
findings are complex, consider giving the details
in an appendix.
For your proposed research, the methods
section should include information on the study
design, the variables and sample, the protocols
and instruments to be used, the proposed
timetable for the study, methods of data
analysis, and potential limitations in the
proposal.
Research Design
The research design designates the type of
inquiry that will be used to answer the research
hypotheses or questions and provides a
framework for the rest of the study. The type of
design depends on the question asked;
experience of the researcher; feasibility of the
project; and available resources such as time,
money, staff, and access to subjects. Examples
of quantitative designs are survey, historical,
single case study, descriptive, quasi-
experimental, and experimental. Examples of
qualitative methods are grounded theory,
hermeneutics, phenomenology, and descriptive
studies.
Variables
Independent or dependent variables are
combined to formulate the research questions or
hypotheses. Research questions are formulated
primarily for exploratory research and ask why
some problem occurs. Usually, they are
generated from three primary sources: a
conceptual or theoretical framework,
experiences in nursing practice, and existing
literature on the topic of interest.
The following are examples of research
questions:
What are the effects of 10 sec of continuous
endotracheal suctioning on heart rate, mean
arterial blood pressure, and respiratory rate in
cardiac surgical patients?
This question contains the independent variable
of 10 sec of continuous endotracheal suctioning;
the dependent variables of heart rate, mean
arterial blood pressure, and respiratory rate; and
the sample population of cardiac surgical
patients.
What types of decisions do family members
need to make after a traumatic event?
This question addresses the variables of a
traumatic event and types of decisions and
includes the sample population of family
members.
A research hypothesis states the expected
relationship (directional or non-directional)
between independent and dependent variables.
Unless otherwise indicated in the application
instructions, only the research hypothesis is
stated in the proposal. However, a null
hypothesis rather than a research hypothesis
may be used for statistical analysis, because a
null hypothesis suggests value-free objectivity.
Sample
Sampling is the process by which a portion of a
designated population is selected to represent
the whole population. This component of the
proposal indicates the number of subjects that
will be involved in the study, the population from
which the subjects will be sampled, inclusion
and exclusion criteria for subjects, the sampling
plan, rationale for the size of the sample, and
rationale for inclusion and exclusion criteria.
The sample selected must be appropriate for the
aims of the study and should answer the
following questions:
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 • What is the population of interest?
• What sample is available?
• Why is this sample of subjects the best
sample to answer the study questions?
• How large a sample is needed? How
will the sample be obtained or the
subjects approached?
• Letters of cooperation from institutions
that will provide subjects for the study
should be included in the appendix.
Determining an appropriate sample size is a
complex decision even for experienced
researchers and depends on several
parameters:
• The choice of research method
(qualitative vs quantitative).
• Significance level (probability of
rejecting a true null hypothesis) set by
the researcher.
• Anticipated effect of the independent
variable on the dependent variables.
• Desired power (probability of finding a
true significant result) of a statistical test
of the null hypothesis.
• Clearly indicate the type and size of the
sample and the underlying rationale for
these choices. This helps reviewers
determine the generalizability of
findings.
• Determine the number of subjects by
using a power analysis based on
preliminary data from the literature.
• Have an experienced researcher or a
statistician help you calculate power on
the basis of your projected sample size.
• Include details of the power analysis in
the section on data analysis.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion and exclusion criteria specify who is
eligible to participate in the research project.
They help define the population of interest. For
each inclusion or exclusion criterion, give
evidence from the literature indicating why this
criterion has been selected. For example,
patients with severe head injuries are subjects
who have a score of less than 8 on the Glascow
Coma Scale (GCS) on admission to the hospital.
Therefore, a criterion for sampling of patients
with head injuries should include a GCS score of
less than 8 on admission.
Data Collection
The section on data collection provides a
detailed description of how data will be obtained.
For example, this section might indicate how
and when instruments will be administered to
subjects or interviews conducted. Include a
description of any pilot procedures and how they
relate to your proposed research.
Clearly describe how each variable is defined
and how it will be measured. Include precise
operational definitions of treatments. Indicate
what instrumentation (i.e., device or method) will
be used to collect data. Describe each
instrument; how it is coded, scored, or
measured; its reliability and validity, as reported
in previous studies; and how reliability will be
examined in this study. Also include relevant
data about the precision and calibration of any
mechanical equipment.
Timetable
Provide a timetable (e.g., a figure or list) that
includes all activities for the proposed research.
Specify dates for planning, preparation, data
collection (protocol implementation), data entry
and analysis, and writing up the results (for a
final report and publication).
Data Analysis
Organize the section on data analysis according
to the order of the research questions or
hypotheses. The techniques proposed must
have a logical "fit" with the research problem
and must answer the questions appropriately. If
needed, consult an appropriate expert who can
help you determine how data should be
collected, how they will be analyzed, and what
analytic procedures are needed.
Potential Limitations
If your research design has limitations, such as
lack of control over extraneous or confounding
variables, address these issues directly.
Anticipate problems that may occur and suggest
alternative strategies. This type of preparation
demonstrates your appreciation of potential
difficulties and your ability to deal with them.
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ETHICAL REVIEW
In the section on ethical review, address any
ethical considerations on use of subjects in the
proposed project. Include the steps and
safeguards for obtaining informed consent. The
form for informed consent (See Appendix B)
should include the following information:
• Purpose of the study.
• What subjects can expect during the
study.
• Amount of time involved for the subject.
• Risks and benefits from participation in
the study.
• Whom to contact if the subject has
questions about the study.
• Assurance that the subject may
withdraw from the study at any time
without detriment to continued
treatment.
Be sure that the form can be readily understood
by a layperson and that it is free of language
that might be considered coercive or
threatening. The subject or the subject's legal
guardian must be competent to evaluate the
risks and benefits of the study and make a
decision about participation. In the appendixes,
include letters of approval from your institutional
review board. Some funding agencies require
approval before a proposal is reviewed; others
require approval before funds are awarded.
Include assurances that any animals to be used
in your research will be handled appropriately
and with concern for their welfare. Scientific
progress in the health sciences depends on
access to all available sources of knowledge,
including research with animals. Any investigator
who uses animals in research and the
investigator's associated institutions must be in
compliance with the amended federal Animal
Welfare Act, the standards for laboratory animal
welfare set by the Institute of Laboratory Animal
Resources, and the guide for the care and use
of laboratory animals published by the National
Institutes of Health. Such documents provide the
primary criteria for humane and ethical treatment
of animals in testing, research, and education.
Include in the appendixes a letter documenting
that an institutional animal care and use
committee or other similar review body has
reviewed and approved protocols in your
proposal that involve animals.
BUDGET
A budget describes the financial plans and
priorities for a specified time frame. It helps
ensure that resources will be used effectively.
Complete your research proposal before you do
the budget. For ideas on how to itemize and
justify costs, look at the budget of a similar or
related project that has been approved and
funded. Check for any limitations imposed by the
funding agency. Above all, be realistic, practical,
accurate, and detail oriented. If your budget is
inappropriate for your proposal, the reviewers
may think you do not understand the
requirements of the research and may question
your ability to manage the grant. If the project
requires more money to implement the project
than the funding agency allots, designate how
monies and/or support for the remaining project
will be managed.
The budget consists of two sections. The first
section details the amount of funding requested
for each year of the project; the second provides
the justification for the funding requested.
The personnel part of the first section includes a
request for salary support for the investigators,
data collectors, technicians, secretaries,
statistician, and others who may be needed in
the project. In small or pilot projects, this work is
often donated time, and salary support may not
be required. Most grants do not provide funds
for salary support of the principal investigator. In
this part, list all personnel and indicate their
roles and the percentage of their time that will be
devoted to the project. Also list in the first
section, special facilities that may have a
bearing on the research. This might include the
availability of special equipment, access to
subjects, consulting services, building
arrangement, or availability of space for the
required equipment and personnel. Sample
availability might be highlighted in this section
also. In the part on equipment, include requests
for capital equipment that costs a minimum of
$500, disposable supplies for patients, and
office and computer supplies. Travel costs may
include reimbursement to subjects for costs
incurred for research-related travel.
The budget justification provides an explanation
for each funding area. It explains why each item
in the budget is necessary and why the costs for
each item are reasonable. For personnel,
describe in detail each person's qualifications,
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role, and percentage of time that will be devoted
to the project. For equipment, supplies, travel,
and other items, clearly justify need and cost.
The justification section is vital. It provides
support for the amounts specified in terms of
adequacy, appropriateness, and feasibility for
completing the study. Be sure the proposed
budget is consistent with the proposed work.
Take care that each budgetary provision has a
counterpart in the project description and vice
versa. A clearly described project and a precise
schedule or work plan can easily be translated
into budgetary terms. A budget that is too low is
just as unacceptable as one that is too high.
Check the budget checked for errors such as
mistakes in addition and duplication of costs.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Provide biographical sketches of key personnel
involved in the study. Include a summary of their
relevant training, experience, and research
competence. This information should support
the proposal and assure reviewers that the
investigators are qualified to complete the
proposed study.
Clearly specify who will be the principal
investigator or the grant recipient responsible for
the conduct of the study. In addition, describe
the contribution of each co-investigator to the
project.
Novice researchers may bolster their chances of
obtaining a grant by securing the services of an
established researcher as an active consultant
or co-investigator for the study. Consultants may
complement the experience of the principal
investigator, but too many consultants may
indicate an inexperienced researcher who is
dependent on consultants. In this case, the
project's acceptance is less likely.
In general, biographical sketches are limited to
two pages. Therefore, limit information to work
from the preceding 3 years and to previous work
that is relevant to the grant proposal.
APPENDIXES
Appendixes are used to support the research
proposal. Do not put text that is central to the
proposal in an appendix; put it in the main body
of the proposal. Put supportive information and
documentation in an appendix. In the body of
the proposal, be sure to include reference to
support materials.
Appropriate materials for an appendix include
the following:
• A work plan or detailed outline of the
study timetable.
• Letters of support for the project (from
clinical agencies, academic facilities).
• Letters of collaboration or consultation
(on formal letterhead paper).
• Letter of approval or clearance from the
institutional review board, human
subjects committee, or animal protection
committee when appropriate.
• Instruments or measures that will be
used in the study.
• Other supportive materials as needed
(e.g., expanded detail on procedures
mentioned in the body of the proposal).
• Funding agencies usually provide
guidelines on the types of appendices
that are acceptable. If no guidelines are
provided, call the agency before
including any appendix in your proposal.
Some funding agencies do not allow
appendices.
• Letters of support from key personnel in
clinical agencies about access to
subjects are critical.
• A description or summary of the known
characteristics of potential subjects and
their willingness to participate is
encouraging for reviewers.
• Documentation of previous experience
and relevant expertise of the research
team provides strong support for
feasibility of the study.
REFERENCES
Some funding agencies specify the style to be
used for literature citations and the reference
list. In general, all references cited in the
research proposal should be included in a list at
the end of the research plan. If no style is
specified, follow one of the guidelines provided
by organizations such as the American
Psychological Association or the American
Medical Association.
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PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
(AACN SMALL GRANTS)
Performance improvement projects or small
grants are generally clinical projects that use
previously known research findings to improve
clinical practice. They are usually conceived in
response to an identified clinical problem and
are meant to address the issue in a time-
effective and cost-efficient manner. They are
NOT meant to be research and unlike a
research study, do not have the goal of
generating new knowledge. They are meant to
solve clinical problems through the application of
existing research-based knowledge.
AACN Small Projects Grants do not generally
require the scientific rigor of a typical research
proposal as outlined previously in this document.
Because the nature of the funding is small
(usually $500 to $1,500); the timeline for funding
to project implementation is short (usually < 12
months); and the project usually involves the
application of established, well-researched
information (e.g. guidelines, procedures,
protocols, etc), the application process has been
modified accordingly.
Exception
AACN Small Grants may also apply to small
research projects conducted by students or
nurses in the clinical setting. In these situations
applicants may apply using the format outlined
for Small Grants in the AACN Grants in Support
of Clinical Projects and Research. Incorporate
elements of a research proposal (e.g. Specific
Aims, Significance, Methodology, etc.) where
appropriate when answering the Small Grants
Program Questions.
RESOURCES
You can find information regarding various
AACN grant opportunities by way of:
• Online, PDF Grant brochures are
available on the AACN web site at:
www.aacn.org >Membership>Grants>
Grants in Support of Clinical Projects
and Research.
• AACN Customer Service:
800-899-2226. Request item # 1013.

The Small Grant Application/Proposal should © 2003

include:

• Cover Letter
• Grant Application Form
• Timetable for Project
• Budget (Funding Requested and
Justification For Funding Requested)
• Evidence of Ethical Review - If IRB is
not available in institution, request letter
of approval from facility administration
indicating they are aware of the project
and its implications for their patients.
• Participant Consent - All subjects in
project must give written consent,
especially if eventual publication of
project results is anticipated. (Exception:
Data abstraction from medical records
with elimination of all patient-specific
identifying data)
• Program Questions – Specific to each
grant, these questions should be
answered in detail. When describing
the project use the information outlined
in the Methods Section above as a
general guide.

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 APPENDIX A

PREPARING A RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATION

Six Months Before the Deadline

1. Draft a preliminary outline of a potential "problem area" and possible research ideas related to
that area.
2. Review literature related to the target problem area. Pay particular attention to major articles that
will be helpful in delineating the research questions or hypotheses.
3. Formulate a preliminary draft of research questions or hypotheses. Type or print out a copy of the
draft and distribute it to colleagues and available experts for critique and feedback. If possible,
collect some pilot data as a basis for the study proposal.
4. Establish communication with a contact person at the prospective funding organization and obtain
an application packet or guidelines. Find out if the organization provides assistance in developing
proposals, such as budgetary consultation or a preliminary review of the proposed research.
5. Carefully read all instructions in the application packet and note the deadline for submission of
the grant proposal.
6. Construct an outline of required sections for the proposal as specified in the organization's
guidelines.
7. Seek statistical consultation for the project.

Five Months Before the Deadline

1. Prepare the first draft of the research proposal, and distribute it to colleagues and experts for
critique and feedback. Be sure to include the grant guidelines with your proposal.
2. Obtain guidelines and instructions for obtaining approval for your research from the committee
that deals with the use of human subjects in scientific investigations. Consult with members of the
review board whom you think will be interested in and supportive of your proposal. These
members may have recommendations related to the review process.
3. Request biographical sketches or resumes from all co-investigators and project personnel.

Four Months Before the Deadline

1. Revise the proposal. Incorporate refinement of ideas and feedback from colleagues and experts.
Prepare copies of the revised proposal.
2. Seek consultation on developing a budget for the project.
3. Draft a preliminary budget and distribute it to appropriate resources for feedback.
4. Solicit letters of support for the project (e.g., from the chair of your department, dean, executive
officer in nursing).
5. Read the guidelines on the format of biographical sketches. Update biographical sketches and
have copies prepared.

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Three Months Before the Deadline

1. Contact the research office or financial department of your institution for budgetary review.
2. Submit the required documents to your institutional review board (IRB) for clearance on the use
of human subjects.
3. Submit a draft of the revised research proposal to colleagues for additional critique and feedback.
4. Reevaluate research questions or hypotheses in terms of their significance and research
feasibility.

Two Months Before the Deadline

1. Finalize the budget and submit it to the appropriate department for approval. Include any
information needed for justification of items in the budget.
2. Prepare another revision of the research proposal.
3. Obtain approval from the institutional review board and the required signatures on appropriate
forms.

One Month Before the Deadline

1. Proofread the final version of the application and make corrections.

Two Weeks Before the Deadline

1. Paginate the final copy of the application.

2. Obtain the specified number of copies for the funding agency.
3. Carefully check each copy to make sure it is complete. Keep at least two copies of the application
for your files.
4. Attach the cover letter, addressed to the contact person at the funding agency, to the front copy
of the duplicated applications.
5. Send the completed application to the funding organization.

13
 APPENDIX B

PARTICIPANT (SUBJECT) CONSENT FORM

I understand that (name of investigators) is/are conducting a study titled: (title of study). The purpose of the study is
(explain exact purpose of proposed investigation; identify independent and dependent variables in layman’s terms,
so patient and family can understand).

I understand that information from this study will help (specifically state anticipated outcome of study).

I understand that (specify if any or no additional) expenses will be incurred by me as a result of my participation in
this study. I further understand that the direct benefits of the study to me are (none or list all potential benefits)
and/or that society may benefit by (list all potential benefits).

I understand the risks involved in this study include: (list all potential risks of study protocol) and that measures to
minimize these risks include: (list all potential measures taken to minimize risks).

I understand that records or data from this study will not contain my name or any other personal identification. I
further understand that in the use of information generated from this study, my identity will remain anonymous and
that access to all study data will be restricted to only the study investigator and his/her research staff.

I hereby acknowledge that (name of investigator or authorized representative) has provided information about this
study and about my rights as a subject in this study. All of my questions regarding the study have been answered to
my satisfaction. I understand I may contact (name of investigator) at (investigator’s phone number) if I have further
questions about this study.

I understand I may contact (name of institution)’s Institutional Review Board at (IRB phone number) if I have any
questions about this study that were not answered to my satisfaction or if I have complaints about this consent
process or the study itself.

(Investigator or representative) has fully explained the anticipated risks described in this consent and I understand
them. He/she has also offered to explain all possible risks or complications. In the unlikely event of physical injury
or illness resulting from my participation in this study, I understand that costs of treatment will be at my expense and
that financial compensation is not available from (name of institution).

I have read and fully understand this consent form. I sign it freely and voluntarily. I further understand that refusal
to participate in this study will in no way affect my treatment or my relationship with my physician and/or (name of
institution). A signed copy of this consent has been given to me.

Date: ________________________ Time: ___________________

Signed: _______________________________________________________________________
(Subject or Authorized Representative)

Signed: _______________________________________________________________________
(Investigator or Authorized Representative)

Witness: ______________________________________________________________________

* This consent form is intended as an EXAMPLE ONLY. Investigators are strongly advised to check with
their institutional review boards about specific institutional subject consent form requirements.

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