Congratulations! You've gotten this far, and now you’re ready to begin preparing your application.

Some points to keep in mind as you begin the process:

1. Plan ahead! The usual deadlines for new NIH grant applications are February 1, June 1, and October 1.

2. The usual deadlines for amended applications and competing renewal applications are March 1, July 1, and November 1. Please note: The deadlines for investigator-initiated applications related to HIV/AIDS and in response to RFAs may differ.

3. BEFORE you begin writing your grant application, read the application form instructions carefully and become familiar with ALL the requirements and certifications necessary. If you are submitting in response to a published initiative such as Program Announcements (PA) or Request for Applications (RFA), read the PA or RFA in detail. Incomplete applications will be returned without review! This is not an urban legend – it really happens.

   If at all possible, find someone in your institution that can assist you in understanding and completing the application. Ask your colleagues for copies of successful NIH grant applications to get a more concrete idea of what each section should include. This can be particularly useful as a reference for sections such as Human Subjects and Data and Safety Monitoring Plans which may be new for the novice grant writer.

4. Ask for help! Don’t feel inhibited about requesting technical assistance from the funding agency or your institution. Contact information for an NIH representative who can provide grant administration and technical/programmatic information will be listed in the application instructions. Talk to the program representative who will manage the grant for advice on scientific and technical issues and to the grants management specialist for advice on administrative issues. Your institutional grants office can also be of assistance. Talk to them and find out how they can help you. Remember, your tax dollars are paying for this service!

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