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Writing and Communication Center

Tools, trainings, and resources that empower clinical and translational research teams to better communicate their science

Get Funded

Obtaining and maintaining funding are critical to sustaining your research career. Whether that support comes from a foundation or philanthropic source, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), another government agency, or industry, the resources below provide training and advice to help you navigate the grant application process.

This section provides an overview of Harvard Catalyst’s grant writing resources, educational programs, and funding opportunities. As we continue to expand and refine this section, we encourage you to check back regularly for updates, new information, and additional resources.

Get Funded is the first domain in our Competency Framework. Learn more about the skills and knowledge that c/t research teams need to communicate effectively in this area.

Click on the boxes below to learn more about the grant application process.

Grant Writing Support and Funding Opportunities

Harvard Catalyst’s grant writing resources and funding opportunities.

Prepare to Write Your Grant Application

Steps needed to write a competitive grant application.

Write Your Grant Proposal

Guidance and resources to help you develop the key components of a general research grant.

Respond to a Summary Statement

Successfully respond to an NIH summary statement.

Toolkit

Abstract and Project Narrative Description and Dos and Don’ts Checklist
Resource to gain a better understanding of what should be included in effective Abstract and Project Narrative sections of a grant application.

Approach Description and Checklist
Learn what should be included in an effective Approach section of a grant application.

Approach Review Rubric
Resource to self-assess the Approach section of your grant. Can also be shared with a prospective reviewer for feedback.

Approach Worksheet
Use this worksheet to start writing the Approach page of your grant.

Career Development Plan Description and Dos and Don’ts
Resource to gain a better understanding of what should be included in an effective Career Development Plan section of a grant application.

Career Development Plan Review Rubric
Use this resource to self-assess your Career Development Plan. Can also be shared with a prospective reviewer for feedback.

List of Common Grant Writing Mistakes
List of common mistakes cited by grant reviewers as to why a proposal was not funded.

NIH K Grant Specific Aims Page Checklist
Checklist providing recommendations for a Specific Aims page of a NIH K grant application.

Plain Language Checklist for Grants
Use the checklist to ensure your grant proposal follows plain language principles. You can also share it with a prospective reviewer for feedback.

Significance & Innovation Description and Checklist
Learn what should be included in effective Significance and Innovation sections of a grant.

Significance & Innovation Review Rubric
Use this resource to self-assess your Significance and Innovation sections of your grant. Can also be shared with a prospective reviewer for feedback.

Significance & Innovation Worksheet
Use this worksheet to start writing the Significance and Innovation sections of your grant application.

Specific Aims Description and Checklist 
Resource to understand what should be included in each paragraph of an effective Specific Aims section of a grant.

Specific Aims Review Rubric
Use this resource to self-assess your Specific Aims section of your grant and/or share it with a prospective reviewer when requesting feedback.

Specific Aims Worksheet
Use this worksheet to start writing the Specific Aims section of your grant application.

Style Tips Checklist for Grant Applications
Checklist for researchers to check proper style in their grant applications.