About this Resource
What’s in a proposal?
Who are you writing your proposal for?
Why the criteria for evaluating your proposal matter so much
Evidence of success – a funder’s perspective
Demonstrating how your proposal meets the assessment criteria
Ensuring that your submitted proposal will get as far as the review process
Developing an overall argument to convince the assessors and reviewers
Warranting the conclusion of your overall argument
Telling a convincing story
Sources of information to consult in preparing a research proposal for the ESRC
Checking where to include components of your overall argument in any proposal
A research proposal logic checksheet
Illustration: a completed logic checksheet for a successful ESRC research proposal
Ensuring that assessors and reviewers get your message
Getting your message across
Subjecting your draft proposal to multiple checks
Final tip – build all the secrets of success into your habitual practice
Sources of information to consult in preparing a research proposal for the ESRC 
Networked Cranfield > AIM Research > Key Topics > Developing proposals > Sources of information to consult in preparing a research proposal for the ESRC
 


In working out what to write in each section of the application form or attachment, you will need to refer closely to various sources of information, most of which have already been mentioned:

·        the appropriate online ESRC Je-S research grants proposal form (you can print out a blank. partially or fully completed application form as a pdf file)

·        the accompanying online Je-S notes for guidance covering each section of the form and the mandatory and optional attachments

·        the advice on constructing a good proposal on the ESRC Today website

·        the current ESRC Research Funding Guide which includes an extensive account of ESRC rules governing the eligibility of applicants, allowable expenditure and so on.

There are important differences between the forms for Future Research Leaders Grants scheme outline proposals and those for ESRC full proposals for this and the Research Grants scheme. All full proposal forms include the nomination of reviewers. The Future Research Leaders outline and full proposal forms include the nomination of a mentor and plans for your professional development.

The guidance for each scheme on the ESRC website typically includes guidance on completing the form on Je-S, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). So remember to check the ESRC website funding section for the research scheme to which you wish to submit a proposal, download any supporting documents, and read them carefully!