Develop + submit proposals

Applying for an externally funded research or training grant can be a challenging process, even for the most seasoned investigator. The Pre-Award Services and Research Development teams at KU Research are here to guide and support you on the complex journey from proposal preparation through submission to the funding agency of your choice.

Aerial view of a person taking notes on a tabletop in the midst of a laptop and many sheets of paper

The KU Research Pre-Award Services team offers comprehensive proposal preparation services. This service is recommended for principal investigators who are:

  • Launching their research careers
  • New to the University of Kansas
  • Unaffiliated with a research center
  • Seeking to increase the competitiveness of their proposals 

Pre-Award staff familiar with specific agency guidelines may make suggestions that could potentially benefit the proposal during agency review.

For new proposal development assistance, please email kucrpremgmt@lists.ku.edu, and the appropriate team leader will assign a preparer to work with you.

All sponsored project proposals must be reviewed, approved and submitted by Pre-Award Services or one of the designated super centers (Higuchi Biosciences Center or the Lifespan Institute) acting on its behalf. Review ensures:

  • Accuracy of proposed budgets
  • Compliance of proposed scope of work with applicable federal regulations, university policies and sponsor guidelines

Designated research centers with proposal preparation staff coordinate with Pre-Award Services to complete the review process.

No review and authorized signature is needed if the preliminary proposal is a white paper where no budgets or signatures are submitted.

The KU Research Pre-Award Services team offers comprehensive proposal preparation services. This service is recommended for principal investigators who are:

  • Launching their research careers
  • New to the University of Kansas
  • Unaffiliated with a research center
  • Seeking to increase the competitiveness of their proposals 

Pre-Award staff familiar with specific agency guidelines may make suggestions that could potentially benefit the proposal during agency review.

For new proposal development assistance, please email kucrpremgmt@lists.ku.edu, and the appropriate team leader will assign a preparer to work with you.

All sponsored project proposals must be reviewed, approved and submitted by Pre-Award Services or one of the designated super centers (Higuchi Biosciences Center or the Lifespan Institute) acting on its behalf. Review ensures:

  • Accuracy of proposed budgets
  • Compliance of proposed scope of work with applicable federal regulations, university policies and sponsor guidelines

Designated research centers with proposal preparation staff coordinate with Pre-Award Services to complete the review process.

No review and authorized signature is needed if the preliminary proposal is a white paper where no budgets or signatures are submitted.


Details + deadlines


Proposal preparation

Allow at least 3 working weeks for preparers in Pre-Award Services to:

  • Analyze the solicitation, complete the representations and certifications, and coordinate the entire proposal.
  • Help prepare the budget, whether it’s simple or complex.
  • Ensure commitment letters are obtained for required matching funds, services or support.
  • Confirm subrecipient commitments.
  • Facilitate review of contract requirements and submission of exception letters by Contract Negotiations.
  • Provide assistance with online registration and electronic proposal submissions.
  • Prepare agency application forms.
  • Assemble the proposal and review text for compliance issues and agency requirements.
  • Implement the review and signature process.
  • Prepare the appropriate number of proposal copies. for both the agency and individual investigators.
  • Transmit the proposal package to the agency and track the courier service to ensure timely delivery of the proposal at its destination and/or electronic submission.

Proposal review

Allow at least 5 working days for reviewers in Pre-Award Services to:

  • Check proposals for compliance with federal, state, university, and agency guidelines.
  • Review budgets for accuracy.
  • Verify commitments for required matching funds, services or support, including subrecipient commitments.
  • Provide the institutional signature.
  • Provide assistance with online registration and electronic proposal submissions.
  • Facilitate hard-copy submissions when required.