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Apply for a Grant
Pre-Award Services
The Pre-Award Team supports Cal Poly Humboldt faculty and staff throughout the grant proposal process, from developing an idea to submitting a competitive proposal.
Getting Started
Before beginning the proposal process, discuss your project idea with your Department Chair and Dean. Once you have their support, schedule a meeting with the Pre-Award Team to begin the formal proposal routing and approval process.
We recommend contacting our office at least one month before the proposal deadline. Starting earlier gives you more time to develop a strong proposal, prepare required approvals, and complete a thorough review.
Proposal Review and Approval
Principal Investigators (PIs) are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for a full proposal review before submission. All proposals must comply with CSU and Cal Poly Humboldt policies, as well as applicable state and federal regulations. Per ICSUAM Section 11000 all sponsored project proposals require university approval before they can be submitted. The Office of Research & Sponsored Programs reserves the right to withdraw proposals that do not meet these requirements.
How We Can Help
The Pre-Award Team provides support with:
- Identifying and interpreting funder guidelines
- Proposal development and editing
- Budget planning and development
- Proposal routing and submission
- Contract review and negotiation
- The SPF Principal Investigators and Project Directors Policy identifies those individuals who are eligible to serve as Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PI’s), and Project Directors (PDs).
- The designation of 'Research Associate' allows the faculty member to be a Principle Investigator (PI) on Sponsored Programs Foundation grants. Faculty who wish to apply for Research Associate status can complete the DocuSign form below and attach their CV illustrating qualifications. To preview the process, Click Here.
*Note - Please do not initiate the form until you are ready to submit it.
Ready to apply: Request for Research Associate Status Form
The Team Review Program assists Cal Poly Humboldt faculty & research associates develop stronger, more competitive grant proposals through external reviews by experienced researchers or subject matter experts of their choice. The program offers three proposal review services, depending on individual needs:
- Informal Zoom discussion to discuss early-stage ideas
- Formal compensated review by one expert of your choice
- Formal compensated review by a team of three experts (for large or complex proposals)
For questions about the Team Review Program, please contact Erika Wright, Associate Director of Research Development and Strategy.
Please note: The Team Review Program requires you to submit your materials at least 6–7 weeks before your application deadline.
- Tips for writing strong grants (external links)
- Coming soon