One way to hone your grantsmanship skills is to examine well-written examples of successful grant applications. When you do so, remember that your application must also follow the latest official NIH How To Apply SF 424 instructions.
Find NIH application examples. Thanks to the grant recipients listed on the following webpages, multiple NIH institutes now have samples to share:
- NIAID’s Sample Applications and More provides example R01, R03, R15, R21, R21/R33, R41, R42, R43, R44, K01, K08, F31, G11, and U01 applications and summary statements, sharing plans, leadership plans, and More.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers Sample Behavioral Research Grant Applications (R01, R03, and R21), Sample Cancer Epidemiology Grant Applications (R01, R03, R21, and R37), and Sample Implementation Science Grant Applications (R01, R21, and R37).
- The National Institute of Aging (NIA) shares unsuccessful initial applications and successful resubmissions at K99/R00 Sample Applications, plus Small Business Sample Applications with summary statements.
Analyze what worked. To observe how the applicants approached grantsmanship, start by examining the text sections of the successful example applications—particularly the Specific Aims and Research Plans. Compare each sample with the corresponding summary statement to learn what worked for reviewers. Ask yourself:
- How did the applicants present project goals, plans, and milestones in an appealing and clear way?
- What evidence and support did the applicants provide? How technical were the explanations?
- Where and how did the application effectively address each review criterion?
- What strong points (or potential weak points) did the reviewers highlight in the summary statements?
You could also compare the samples with advice from NIAID’s Apply for a Grant guidance, NIH’s Important Writing Tips, and NIH’s Write Your Application.
Be cautious. While sample applications from past years can be a source of valuable grantsmanship lessons, be aware of how much time has passed. You must not assume that the samples reflect the latest NIH rules, policies, or format. Always follow the current SF 424 Instructions, notices of NIH Policy Changes, and any other specific instructions listed in your chosen notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).
What’s next? NIAID staff are currently recruiting fresh Sample Applications for you. Because the permission and posting process typically takes several months, we expect to start posting additions in late summer or early fall 2023. We will alert you through this publication and @NIAIDNews on Twitter as they become available.