You’d really like to get a grant. Those resources would enable you to do more of the research you want to do sooner. It wouldn’t hurt your promotion prospects either.
You don’t want writing the proposal to take over your life, though. And the success rates make you wonder if the time spent is going to be worth it. You’re tempted to just lower your sights and work on stuff you can do without the grant. Avoid all that frustration.
I coach you through this process
I have been helping researchers with SSHRC grants since 2005. I am not a grant writer or an editor but I can help you write a strong proposal and reduce the stress of the process, too.
I work with you to help you clarify your objectives and to articulate why they are significant. I help you with the practical issues involved in making time to write this application while also carrying all of your other responsibilities.
The benefits of working with me on your proposal are:
A solid proposal
At the end of the process you have a solid proposal with clear objectives, a strong case for the significance, a clear description of what you plan to do, who’s involved and how.
Furthermore, you have a strong sense of how this work fits into your larger program of work. You will be more confident as you proceed, and may even have made your plans more ambitious.
No guess work
I give you clear specific guidance on what needs to go in the proposal, tailored to your project and your style of research. You can ask me questions that come up as you work on the proposal and application.
No panic
I help you figure out a reasonable timeline and stick with it. I’ve developed a spreadsheet to help you keep track of the whole process, so you won’t worry that you will forget something.
We use weekly email check-ins to provide just enough structure and just enough accountability to keep the project on track without it taking over your life. If things come up that mean you get a bit behind, you email me about that instead and I help you get back on track and stay on track.
If I don’t hear from you for a couple of weeks, I’ll check in. I don’t let you leave it to the last minute.
No overwhelm
I break the process down for you and give it to you in pieces. You book an appointment with yourself each week to work on the proposal. I send you “just in time” guidance by email. At the appointed time, you open the email and write. Then you send me what you wrote and get on with all the other things you have on your plate.
No pulling your hair out
I give you feedback on work in progress. You send me sections as you do them and then send a revised draft at the end.
If you get stuck or confused, I’m there to help. Write what you think needs to go in this section based on my guidance. Don’t worry about whether it’s too long or whatever. When you send it, put your questions and concerns in the accompanying e-mail and we’ll deal with it in revision.
You don’t need to spend time arguing with yourself about what to write and your blood pressure stays in a reasonable range.
Start early for best results
I don’t do last minute and I don’t encourage you to do things at the last minute either. You wouldn’t expect to win a marathon if you didn’t start training until 2 weeks before the race.
I can’t deliver no panic, no overwhelm, and no tearing your hair out at the last minute. No one does their best writing that way either.
Different competitions require different amounts of work and that affects the timeline. Plan for at least 8 weeks, longer if you are working with co-investigators and/or partner organizations.
The price for this service depends on the specific requirements of the competition to which you are applying. Click on the appropriate link below for specific information and a booking form.
- Help! I’m not sure which grant I want.
- SSHRC Connection Grant
- SSHRC Insight Grant
- SSHRC Insight Development Grant
- SSHRC Partnership Development Grant
- SSHRC Partnership Grant (LOI)
- SSHRC Partnership Grant (full)
- I’m not applying to SSHRC. Can you help me anyway?
If you want me to e-mail you about timelines and prices for a specific SSHRC competition, subscribe to my advance notice list.
It’s never too early
A 1-hour telephone session can help you figure out a strategy for the application. The SSHRC deadlines are fixed and annual. I can help you make the decision about whether to apply and get your ducks in a row well in advance of that deadline.